PhD Candidate

Alison Husain is a PhD candidate at Griffith University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her doctoral research investigates the rise in female imprisonment through quantitative spatial analysis, seeking to conceptualise and understand the patterns, underlying drivers and social consequences of this growing phenomenon within affected communities.

Alison brings extensive experience from her work across government sectors, particularly in child protection and advocacy. Her career reflects a strong commitment to bridging academic research with operational practice to improve justice outcomes and enhance the safety of children and vulnerable populations.

Before entering academia, Alison worked as a commercial offshore helicopter pilot, supporting complex logistics in high-risk environments across offshore, energy and search and rescue sectors. This unique blend of aviation and social justice experience shapes her multidisciplinary approach to criminological research and community safety.

Alison holds an undergraduate degree in Community Development and postgraduate qualifications in Criminology, Law, and Business Administration (MBA). In addition, she is a licensed Airline Transport Pilot (Helicopter) and holds Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Certified Flight and Instrument Instructor (CFII-H) credentials.

Research Topic

Rising female imprisonment in communities: Trends and consequences.

Supervisors

Dr Kirsten Besemer

Professor Susanne Karstedt

Dr Katie Hail-Jares

Areas of interest

Feminist criminology and intersectionality

Intergenerational disadvantage and resilience

Domestic, family and sexual violence prevention and intervention

Criminalisation pathways from out-of-home care

Restorative and transformative justice

Inclusive justice advocacy and policy reform

Ethical risk assessment and predictive analytics

Spatial criminology and vulnerability mapping

Human rights and social justice

Publications

Our People

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice have the largest community of criminologists in Australia