Kiseong Kuen

When are you graduating?

Spring 2024

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone:

It is well documented that when police treat citizens in a procedurally fair manner, citizens are more likely to view the police as a legitimate authority deserving of obedience and, consequently, are more inclined to cooperate with them. However, this relationship has often been examined using problematic measurements and weak research designs (e.g., cross-sectional analysis). In my three-article dissertation titled “A Reassessment of the Process-Based Model of Policing,” I reexamined this proposition by: (1) comprehensively reviewing and assessing measurement issues surrounding procedural justice and police legitimacy; (2) exploring the reciprocal relationship between citizen perceptions of police procedural justice and police legitimacy over time; and (3) investigating the longitudinal impacts of these perceptions on citizens’ reporting of neighborhood problems to the police.

The findings of the three studies reveal critical measurement issues surrounding procedural justice and police legitimacy and demonstrate the limited long-term effects of citizen perceptions of procedural justice on their perceptions of police legitimacy and reporting behaviors. My dissertation suggests that police practitioners and policymakers need to recognize that integrating procedural justice principles into police practices may not be a panacea for enhancing public perceptions of police legitimacy and actual cooperation with the police in the long run.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I served my mandatory military service as a police officer for about two years in South Korea. During this time, I identified several areas that could be improved to make policing more effective and fair. I realized that as a scholar and researcher, I could contribute more to public safety and social justice through research and scientific evidence than as a police officer.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My time in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Criminology, Law and Society has helped me become an independent scholar and develop the ability to conduct quality research. I have learned from and worked with leading scholars in the areas of criminal justice, criminology, and law and society. I am also grateful for the support from the college and department, which allowed me to participate in diverse workshops on research methods and statistics both inside and outside of Mason, and to attend conferences with funding from various sources.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

The accomplishment I am most proud of during my time at Mason is receiving the Outstanding Student Article Award from the American Society of Criminology’s Division of Policing in 2023.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Dr. David Weisburd, my PhD advisor and mentor, greatly influenced my career at Mason. He is one of the world's top criminologists and taught me how to conduct rigorous research and become a thoughtful scholar. He also provided numerous opportunities I wouldn't have found elsewhere. Dr. Cynthia Lum was another exceptional mentor who offered continuous support and encouragement during my time at Mason. From her, I gained invaluable insights into writing quality papers and thoroughly exploring important issues. She always offered the best advice when I needed guidance. I also learned much from other professors with whom I had the opportunity to collaborate during my PhD studies, including Drs. Beidi Dong, Charlotte Gill, Devon Johnson, and David Wilson.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Facing challenges in the first year is common, especially for international students. It is important to stay positive. Graduate study is a marathon, not a sprint, so take your time adjusting and avoid getting too stressed. You'll gradually improve, even if it doesn't seem like it in the early years. Reach out to faculty, colleagues, and friends in your program whenever you need help or advice. Also, don't hesitate to seek collaborative opportunities with professors and colleagues in your program.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I will join the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University as a Lecturer (equivalent to a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the U.S.), starting in July this year. My long-term career goal is to continuously produce quality research that benefits not only academia but also police practitioners and the communities they serve.