Frank DiRienzo is a new assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. With a background in both psychology and criminal justice, DiRienzo studies how people’s experiences and their environments can shape their involvement with crime and their health over time.
One area of his research explores whether contact with the criminal justice system at a young age may be linked to faster biological aging. He studies sociogenomics, which looks at how social experiences and genetics can interact within criminology.
Hear from him about moving to Columbia from Cincinnati, his teaching approach and his love for his wife (and football).
Q: How have you been adjusting to the move to Columbia and USC?
I’m settling in well! I’m still getting used to the heat and humidity, but I am sure I’ll come to appreciate the warmer weather in the next couple of months. The community at USC has been awesome so far as well.
Q: What first sparked your interest in your research area?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been interested in understanding the factors that contribute to criminal behavior. While I still hold this interest, over time I’ve become increasingly curious about the public health impacts of justice system involvement over the life course.
Q: How would you describe your research to someone new to the field?
My research looks at how involvement with the criminal justice system can affect a person’s health. I’m especially interested in whether contact with the justice system at a young age causes stress that makes the body age faster, even during adolescence. I also focus on using new research methods to better understand whether these experiences actually cause changes in health, rather than simply being associated with them.
Q: What is your approach to teaching and doing research?
When it comes to teaching, I try to develop a collaborative classroom environment where we all work together toward a common goal. It’s a learning experience for all of us, including me. In my research, I try to first come up with research questions with significant real-world consequences and then think about creative ways to answer those questions. I love working in research teams with smart researchers bringing ideas from multiple different perspectives.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences so far?
My favorite thing so far has been the sense of community I’ve already felt during my short time here. There are so many people from such diverse fields doing really cool work, and I love that I’ve already had the chance to be exposed to some of it.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’ve been enjoying spending some time with my wife to explore the local areas. When I’m not with her, I’m typically watching some kind of sport. My favorite is football, and I’m a huge Buffalo Bills fan.