Dr. Sarah Davis

PRODIG+ VIsiting Scholar

Dr. Sarah Davis joined the Department of Criminal Justice faculty in fall 2026 as a PRODiG+ Fellow. They earned their Ph.D. and M.A. in criminology from Pennsylvania State University, as well as dual B.A. degrees in criminology and sociology.

Their research focuses on life-course criminology, child maltreatment and victimization, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and judicial sentencing severity, driven by the overarching goal of making childhood safer for all kids. While utilizing advanced quantitative modeling, they are actively expanding their scholarship to incorporate qualitative methodologies, frequently collaborating with researchers across psychology and family studies to examine developmental trauma and systemic court outcomes. Dr. Davis’s work appears in peer-reviewed outlets such as the American Journal of Criminal Justice and the International Journal on Child Maltreatment, and they regularly present at the American Society of Criminology annual meetings.

In the classroom, Dr. Davis specializes in courses focused on juvenile delinquency, child maltreatment, and gender and justice, emphasizing evidence-based policy, trauma-informed practices, and student-centered learning. Having previously led numerous study abroad programs, they are enthusiastic about continuing to develop and lead experiential global learning opportunities for students at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Outside of academia, Sarah enjoys crafting (embroidery and cross-stitch), learning mandolin and playing Switch with their husband.