Joanna R Adler

Head of Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography

I joined the University of Hertfordshire in May, 2019 and am privileged to lead talented, enthusiastic and approachable staff who are engaged in some of the most pressing matters that affect society today. I am proud to help them facilitate students' learning and transformation from trainees to ethical, reflective professionals.

Practitioner Forensic Psychologist 
My research and evaluation focus on offending and its impacts both in real world and virtual communities. Together with colleagues at UH and beyond, my teams and I deliver work that is useful, impactful and underpinned by academic rigour. As an HCPC practitioner psychologist, chartered psychologist and the creator of Forensic Psychological Services at Middlesex University, I have worked closely with practitioners and those who are involved directly in implementing criminal and civil justice for the past 25 years. 

My research interests broadly relate to how the criminal justice system works and the ramifications of criminal justice within society. 

Main Research Interests

• Offending Behaviour Interventions
• Management of Young People who have Offended
• Young People's Online Experiences and Digital Resilience
• Perceptions of Crime
• Internet Hate Crime
• Extreme Violent Behaviours
• Criminal Justice Decision Making
• Community and Neighbourhood Safety

I have supervised 9 doctoral students through to successful completion. Please get in touch if you are thinking of applying to us for a PhD in one of my areas of interest.