PhD in Criminology, Law and Society

Anna Knes

Describe your current area of research and/or your academic interests.

My research interests are at the intersection of psych and law. With a background in neuroscience, psychology, and forensic science, I am broadly interested in understanding cognition and decision-making: why people do what they do and how they make those choices. In the criminological context, my work focuses on the decision-making of key courtroom actors, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and juries, and how decisions impact racial disparities in case processing.

In the future, I plan to integrate my background in forensic science into my criminological research. I am particularly interested in understanding how forensic evidence and expert testimony influence perceptions of defendants and sentencing outcomes. I would like to develop tools that promote transparency and consistency in forensic scientists’ decision-making and improve the reliability of their evaluations and reports. 

Why did you choose George Mason to pursue your studies and were there any key deciding factors?

I chose George Mason for its strong faculty expertise and research opportunities in psychology and law. The CLS program offers a good balance between structure and independence. Although my academic background was not originally in criminology or criminal justice, I found the department to be incredibly supportive. Additionally, George Mason’s proximity to government research agencies provides valuable opportunities for collaboration and applied research experience. 

What opportunities have you had to work directly with agencies/engage in applied research?

As a research assistant for Dr. Evan Lowder, I have worked on multiple projects funded by the Indiana Office of Court Services. On one project, our research team partnered with the Indiana Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Disparate Outcomes Workgroup to examine decision points across the criminal-legal process that contribute to cumulative disparities between Black and White individuals. Our team worked directly with three counties to track justice-involved individuals and identify how structural barriers shape outcomes. In another project, we collaborated with researchers at Indiana University and twelve counties to implement Intentional Pretrial Supervision, a model developed to connects clients to needs-based services and supports. 

How do you hope to use your degree and studies in the future?

I plan to pursue an alt-academic career, working for research organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Center for State Courts, or the Federal Judicial Center. My goal is to conduct applied research that bridges science, policy, and practice to improve decision-making and fairness within the justice system.