Bryant Jackson-Green, JD/PhD, Social Ecology
Bryant Jackson-Green is JD/PhD graduate and will walk on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.
His research focuses on criminal justice policy and organizational theory, studying how organizations implement criminal justice reforms. His dissertation, Regulation by Litigation in Correctional Health Services, examines how healthcare consent decrees and settlement agreements are used to reform healthcare in U.S. prisons.
What is your favorite memory at UCI?
Getting to teach my first class at UCI – Introduction to Criminology, Law and Society. It was an online, asynchronous summer course the year after Covid-19 shut down campus. Even though it was online, it gave me the chance to introduce my students to the basics in criminology, and I later had the opportunity to catch up with a few in person. I even got my first research assistant from the course, who is graduating this year, too.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be joining the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University in Chicago. I already have my class schedule and I’m excited to get back to teaching this fall. Besides that, I’ll be focused on advancing my research on prisons, health policy, and the opioid crisis.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Engaged in teaching, research, and public policy. The whole reason I came to graduate and law school was to help advance criminal justice reform through my research, so I hope I’ll be making a difference. There’s plenty of work to do.
Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
Definitely my academic mentors and committee members – Shauhin Talesh, Basia Andraka-Christou, Emily Owens, Ji Seon Song, and Elliott Curie. They’re all strong examples of rigorous, policy-engaged scholars whose work has real-world impact.
I’ve also had amazing mentors from the Division of Teaching Excellence and Innovation. Daniel Mann, in particular, stands out as someone who really helped me figure out what kind of educator I want to be.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
As great as UCI is, you’re missing out if you don’t become involved in some community off campus, as well. Take the time to network and make connections beyond campus. Some of my best friends and collaborators are people I met in the area through mutual interests or friends.
What are your hobbies or interests?
My husband, Chris, is a violinist, and I’m lucky to get to attend his concerts and performances whenever I can. Other than that, I like to spend my free time reading, biking, and traveling.