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Jennifer Dvorak

Dr Jennifer Dvorak

I am a sociologist working across the fields of law, criminology and bioethics.

I received my BA (Hons) from the University of Bath (UK), an MA from The Ohio State University (US) and a PhD from the University of Alberta (Canada). I am now appointed as a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at CCCU. 

My research focuses on the relationships between law, ethics, crime and society. I take a critical approach to bioethical issues, ranging from topics such as the criminalisation, legalisation and privatisation of different forms of end of life interventions (the ‘right to die’), to bioethical issues in sport (such as harm, violence and concussions). I was recently awarded Theoretical Criminology’s 2020 Best Article Award for my article on Boxing, Biopolitics and the Body.

I welcome doctoral students in any of these areas relating to bioethics, law and society and socio-legal approaches to sport.

I am the module lead for our final year Sociology and Criminology dissertation module (Individual Study) and for our second year 'Crime, Power and the State' module.

I have previously taught on our first year 'Becoming a Sociologist' and 'Doing Social Research' modules.

My research has been published in a range of peer-reviewed academic journals, and I have been fortunate enough to receive a number of national and international awards for research and consultancy work including: the Canadian Sociological Association’s Outstanding Graduating Student Award (2015); Merit Award from Alberta Justice & Solicitor General (2014); North American Society for the Sociology of Sport Doctoral and Masters Research Awards (2014 & 2008); and the British Olympic Foundation Award (2006).

Research Projects

  • ‘A Public Health Perspective of the Impact of Spirituality on Health by People who Identify as Spiritual but not Religious’. Researcher(s): Dr Nicole Holt. Supervisor(s): Professor Douglas MacInnes, Dr Jennifer Dvorak. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • 'A Qualitative Exploration of Parents’ Experiences of using Food Charity Projects.'. Researcher(s): Mrs Daisy Skirton. Supervisor(s): Dr Jennie Bristow, Dr Jennifer Dvorak. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • Cannabis and contemporary change: Drug decriminalization and normalization within Portugal and the Netherlands.. Researcher(s): Miss Buse Ozdirench. Supervisor(s): Professor Shane Blackman, Dr Jennifer Dvorak. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • The Impact of Cyberterrorism on the United Kingdom Electric Power Grid. Researcher(s): Mr Marvin Fishley. Supervisor(s): Dr Perry Stanislas, Dr Jennifer Dvorak. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • The implementation of rehabilitative initiatives in British Prisons between 1895 and 1995 and the implications of this for notions of the rise and fall of the ‘rehabilitative ideal’.. Researcher(s): Mrs Abi Carter. Supervisor(s): Dr Maryse Tennant, Dr Jennifer Dvorak. [Postgraduate Research Project]
  • The perceptions of the public regarding revenge pornography when looking at incidents perpetrated in heterosexual and same sex relationships – as well as friendships.. Researcher(s): Miss Corinne Thomas. Supervisor(s): Dr Peter Watts, Dr Katja Hallenberg, Dr Jennifer Dvorak. [Postgraduate Research Project]
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Contact me

jennifer.dvorak@canterbury.ac.uk
01227923895

Based in

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences
School of Law, Policing, and Social Sciences