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Kimberly R. Kras, Ph.D. (she/her), is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University and teaches courses in the Criminal Justice and Public Administration programs. Dr. Kras earned her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis following a career with the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole. Dr. Kras also holds a Masters in Criminal Justice and Criminology and Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Dr. Kras’ research focuses on the back end of the criminal legal system—institutional and community-based corrections and community-based organizations. Her research examines the lived experiences of people experiencing reentry from prison and their process toward desistance. Her work has specifically looked at the role of housing, social support, fines and fees, and employment in the community reintegration of legal system-involved people. She also considers how community corrections organizations and their staff employ evidence-based practices that support (or hinder) the reintegration of system-involved people. Her research has been published in Criminology, Justice Quarterly, Criminology & Public Policy, Criminal Justice & Behavior, and Crime & Delinquency.

In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Kras serves as Co-Editor for Perspectives, the journal of American Probation and Parole Association, and Associate Editor for the peer-reviewed journal Victims & Offenders. Dr. Kras also volunteers with Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) San Diego, a restorative justice program dedicated to providing reintegration support for people returning from prison.