Researchers

Discover the researchers advancing scholarship and innovation at the Institute for Social and Policy Research.

Lee Michael Johnson, Ph.D.

Professor of Criminal Justice | Director, Institute for Social and Policy Research


john2598@pnw.edu

(219) 989-2936

Hammond, CLO 201

Johnson has researched and published journal articles and book chapters on topics in victimization and fear of crime, juvenile delinquency and justice, corrections, policing and perceptions of criminal justice system effectiveness. He is director of PNW’s Institute for Social and Policy Research.

Christopher Belous

Christopher K. Belous, Ph.D.

Director of Couple & Family Therapy Graduate Programs and Services


ckb@pnw.edu

(219) 989-2938

Hammond, IBCC 1028

With a specialization in sex and sexuality, Belous is conducting ongoing research projects in efficacy and outcome studies, assessment and evaluation, education and supervision processes and clinical management. He has over 100 publications and presentations in various outlets and formats, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies.

Mita Choudhure

Mita Choudhury, Ph.D.

Professor of English


choudhur@pnw.edu

(219) 989-2262

Hammond, CLO 276

Chudhury’s research delves into the historical and contemporary impacts of these phenomena on societies worldwide. She specializes in examining their effects on climate patterns and environmental degradation, advocating for sustainable solutions rooted in humanities perspectives. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between historical injustices and present-day challenges, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in fostering global awareness and policy change.

Omeed Ilchi stands outdoors

Omeed S. Ilchi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice


oilchi@pnw.edu

219-989-2542

Hammond, CLO 207

Ilchi’s current research focuses on perceptions of the police and police militarization, as well as support for policies that seek to increase police accountability. He has also published journal articles and book chapters related to the effectiveness of early intervention programs and life-course criminology.

David Nalbone

David P. Nalbone, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Behavioral Sciences


dnalbone@purdue.edu

(219) 989-2712

Hammond, Porter 218B

Nalbone primarily studies political attitudes – how people feel about our political system (and politicians and policies) and other people. He has secondary interests in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), such as what student characteristics predict success in statistics courses.

Yu Ouyang

Yu Ouyang, Ph.D.

Interim Department Chair, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Economics | Professor of Political Science


yuouyang@pnw.edu

(219) 989-3143

Hammond, CLO 296

Ouyang’s research focuses on executive power and actions. His Ph.D. dissertation examines how, why and the extent to which presidents issue unilateral directives such as executive orders to make public policy. In addition, his research also examines how presidents manage the bureaucracy through presidential appointments and the importance of social media and Twitter in presidential communications.