From Queensland to England, new Criminology lecturer talks about her interests

The newest member of the University’s Criminology team is bringing an international perspective for students, following research in her native Australia.

Jessica Ritchie, Lecturer in Criminology, gained her undergraduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2011. She gained subsequent qualifications in law since then and is shortly due to complete her PhD, through the University of Queensland.

Her specialist interests include wrongful convictions, DNA applications and post-conviction appeals. Her PhD looks at the use of DNA evidence in cross-border criminal investigations, for instance between Australia and the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand.

Her post at University of Northampton is her first, full lecturing role after a number of educational support and sessional posts in Australia. Her teaching is currently concentrated on theory based subjects.

Talking about her twin passions for criminology and law, Jessica says: “Criminology is looking at criminal behaviour and understanding it. Although it is doubtful criminality will ever be entirely eradicated, our ultimate aim is to reduce it or influence outcome in some way.

“I jokingly refer to the subject as ‘putting lawyers out of business’, but in all seriousness it’s about criminologists working hand in glove with a variety of other professionals, such as lawyers, sociologists and policy makers.”

Despite this being her first Lecturing post after a life down under, Jessica is not a fish out of water as she has been living in the UK since 2017: “Working at a fresh, new University was instantly appealing and I hope to be a part of the development of Criminology research work, as Waterside shapes itself over the coming years.

“Northampton’s central location lends itself very well to commuting to a number of key university’s I would like to further develop research links with. The collaboration possibilities are endless!”

Find out more about Criminology (undergraduate) courses at the University of Northampton.