Research Bio

Jennifer Skeem is a Professor of Public Policy and Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a psychologist who studies the intersection between mental health and risk of involvement in the criminal legal system. Her work provides empirical guidance on efforts to prevent violence, improve legal decision-making, advance forensic and correctional services, and achieve effective and equitable justice reform. Her most recent work focuses on the promise of serious videogames for preventing aggression and promoting positive development among young people in urban elementary schools. 

Skeem has authored over 150 articles and edited books that include, Applying Social Science to Reduce Violent Offending. She is past President of the American Psychology-Law Society and member of the. MacArthur Research Network on Mandated Community Treatment. Skeem has delivered congressional briefings on her work and consults widely with local, state and federal agencies on issues related to behavioral health, violence, risk assessment, juvenile justice and community corrections. 

Research Expertise and Interest

psychology, mental health, criminal justice, risk assessment, intervention