CSG Justice Center
Jessica Saunders has a diverse work experience in the field of research and academia. Jessica currently serves as a Research Director at The Council of State Governments Justice Center since April 2020. Prior to this, they worked as a Faculty Affiliate at Arizona State University from January 2020 to December 2022. Jessica also held the position of Research Director at RegLab at Stanford Law School from January 2019 to July 2019. Jessica was a Professor at Pardee RAND Graduate School from August 2009 to December 2018. Before that, they worked as a Senior Policy Researcher at RAND Corporation from September 2008 to December 2018, leading various research projects in policing practices. Other roles in Jessica's work experience include being a Social Scientist at CNA Corporation from January 2016 to July 2016, an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University from September 2007 to August 2008, and a Research Fellow at the Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation Center, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY from August 2002 to February 2007.
Jessica Saunders completed their Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Oberlin College from 1996 to 2000. Later, they pursued their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice at John Jay College (CUNY) from 2002 to 2007.
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CSG Justice Center
We combine the power of a membership association, representing state officials in all three branches of government, with the expertise of a policy and research team focused on assisting others to attain measurable results. We bring people together. With our singular ability to reach federal, state, and local leaders from all three branches of government, we gather people from both sides of the aisle and across the country to foster collaboration. We drive the criminal justice field forward with original research. Our in-depth data analyses, coupled with extensive interviews of people on the front lines of the criminal justice system, inform improvements and spur national initiatives. We build momentum for policy change. We synthesize and contextualize data to help policymakers enact and implement major reforms that address criminal justice challenges, many of which intersect with other systems, such as health, education, and housing. We provide expert assistance. Our on-the-ground training and assistance helps state and local agencies and organizations translate the latest research into policy and practice.