Monica Mielke is a PhD candidate in Criminology and an Institute of Education Sciences Predoctoral Fellow. Prior to joining Penn, Monica conducted evaluations of education and juvenile justice-related programs at the University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab, at Research for Action in Philadelphia, and at Policy Studies Associates in Washington, DC. She received her BA in Sociology and Germanic studies from the University of Chicago.
Research Interests
Monica's research focuses on education and juvenile justice reforms, school discipline, and student behavioral supports. For example, she has studied supports for juveniles re-entering the community after residential placement, and the effects of expanding free school meals on student behavior and discipline. She is interested in exploring ways that schools and juvenile justice institutions can head off deeper involvement in the justice system by introducing preventative measures and diversion programs and by addressing barriers for youth who are already involved in the justice system.