Matt is an Associate Professor who completed his Ph.D. in Criminology & Criminal Justice at Arizona State University in 2013. Prior to his graduate training, he was part of the U.S. Department of Education’s McNair Scholars Program, a federal initiative centered on increasing the attainment of PhDs by students from historically underrepresented groups. In general, his research focuses on the transition to adulthood among justice-impacted youth, violence, and the intersection of mental illness and criminal justice policy. His research has appeared in journals such as Criminology, Justice Quarterly, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Journal of Youth & Adolescence, and his work has received funding from both the National Institute of Justice and National Science Foundation.

Beyond research, Matt is an instructor for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and co-founder of JUST POETRY, an annual event that brings together individuals from diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds (e.g. officers of the Detroit Police Department, children with incarcerated parents, victims of violence, etc.) to explore “justice” through poetry/spoken word. He has received the CLAS Excellence in Teaching Award, the Learning Community Coordinator of the Year Award, and, while at Saint Louis University, the Award for Excellence in Diversity & Social Justice. He is also a gubernational appointee on the Correctional Officers Training Council through 2024.

Curriculum Vitae
@mattjlarson

Matt serves as the Director of Implementation for the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice. In this role, he oversees project development and implementation across all Center initiatives to ensure all projects follow an implementation science framework. In addition, Matt leads grant strategy and development efforts to fulfill the CBHJ's vision of equipping communities with research, data, and best practices to enhance the optimal well-being of individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders who come in contact with the criminal/legal system.

• Ph.D., Criminology & Criminal Justice, Arizona State Univeristy, 2013
• M.S., Criminal Justice, Wayne State University, 2009
• B.A., Criminal Justice, Siena Heights University, 2007

Expert in criminal justice/legal policy evaluation, longitudinal methodology, and the transition to adulthood for vulnerable youth.

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