Dr. Ruffin earned his Ph.D. in Criminology & Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University, where his research focused on race and social justice. In his research, he aims to provide a rich and in-depth understanding of how race and marginalization shape the experiences of criminal justice practitioners and populations under their supervision. He is published in student perceptions of criminal justice, policing, and corrections, including research with justice-involved people with disabilities, focused on the inequalities they face in correctional and community settings. Before coming to Cal State, LA, Dr. Ruffin established research partnerships with justice organizations and community groups, including regional practitioner associations, reentry programs, barbershops, and local police departments. Dr. Ruffin's scholarly contributions can be found in Oxford Bibliographies in Criminology, ACJS Today, Criminal Law Bulletin, Virginia Social Science Journal, and the Journal of Correctional Health Care.
As a professor, Dr. Ruffin's teaching philosophy is that learning involves more than classroom instruction—but rather a culmination of activities where students actively participate in the learning process and are held accountable not only for being knowledge consumers but also knowledge producers. Dr. Ruffin's experiences as a first-generation college student helped him develop a passion for mentoring, and he strives to reach students in accessible formats. Students enrolled in Dr. Ruffin's courses are provided with an atmosphere where they can use their lived experiences to contribute to the discussions fostered in class and apply change within their community. Understanding the interconnectedness between research and teaching allows the opportunity to inform students and practitioners on historically understudied topics and provide them with data helpful in promoting restorative justice. Through this approach, Dr. Ruffin believes students can adequately position themselves where they think they fit within the field, whether as a field practitioner or academician, and gain an educational experience that is useful to their work and personal lives.
Education
Ph.D. – Criminology & Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University
MS – Criminal Justice, Virginia State University
BS – Criminal Justice, Elizabeth City State University
Contact information
Office: 241-A, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (323) 343-4695