Dr. Victoria Rivera Laugalis joined Loyola's Department of Criminology and Justice as an Assistant Professor in 2024 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Her current research focuses on juveniles and emerging adults who are sentenced to the harshest punishments. Victoria explores legal, developmental, and biopsychosocial aspects of youth justice outcomes and issues in corrections and sentencing policy and practice. Her research is published in peer-reviewed journals including Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, Criminal Justice Review, and Criminal Justice and Behavior. She also regularly presents her research at the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the Law and Society Association conferences.
Prior to pursuing graduate education, Victoria worked in secure detention as a juvenile detention officer and detention officer supervisor. She then worked as a criminal investigator for several years. Her practitioner experience continues to inform and inspire her research and teaching. Victoria looks forward to collaborating with students, academics, practitioners, and members of the community.