Beidi Dong

How long have you been at George Mason University and what was your path like to get here?

I joined George Mason University in 2017 as a tenure-track assistant professor of criminology. Before that, I earned my PhD in criminology from the University of Florida in 2015 and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatics and Informatics at the University of Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2017. I am an interdisciplinary scholar with training both in criminology and public health. 

Can you share a little bit about your current research?

My substantive research focuses on understanding how crime and violence affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities. This work integrates social-contextual and developmental perspectives, examining not only where crime and violence are concentrated but also how exposure to these conditions accumulates and influences people and places over time. My recently published co-authored book, Hot Spots of Crime: Social Structure and Social Context at the Micro Geographic Level, is a good example of this line of research, as it examines how social structure and social context shape crime and health outcomes at micro-geographic scales. My research also examines firearm violence and policy in the United States. I am particularly interested in the consequences of gun violence for local communities, youth gun carrying, and how firearm laws and other policy interventions may influence violence and related health outcomes.

From a methodological standpoint, my research increasingly explores how artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and other emerging technologies can be used to study criminological and public health questions in new ways, as well as how these technological innovations themselves may influence public safety, policing, and health. Dr. Sue-Ming Yang and I recently launched the Applied Simulation and Artificial Intelligence for Public Safety (ASAP) Lab. I am especially interested in working with graduate students who want to combine substantive questions in criminology and public health with innovative quantitative or computational methods.

How would you describe your mentoring style to a prospective graduate student?

I would describe my mentoring style as organized and supportive, with clear expectations for progress and communication. I encourage students to be proactive and self-motivated, taking ownership of their learning and research while seeking out opportunities for growth. I value curiosity and innovation, and I work best with students who approach research questions in non-traditional ways and from an interdisciplinary perspective. 

What skills or experiences can students gain while working with you?

Students working with me gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of criminology, public health, and research methodology. They develop strong quantitative and computational skills, including advanced statistical modeling, longitudinal and multilevel analysis, data management, and the use of natural language processing and AI tools in public safety and health research. Depending on the project, students may also gain experience working with large administrative, survey, or text-based datasets.

Beyond technical training, I involve students in the full research process, including developing research questions, reviewing the literature, designing analyses, interpreting findings, and preparing manuscripts and grant proposals. I also emphasize how to translate rigorous research into policy-relevant insights for academic, practitioner, and policy audiences. My goal is to help students build both the methodological skills and the independent research experience needed to develop their own research agendas. These complementary skill sets prepare students well for the academic and applied job markets.

What graduate classes do you teach?

I have taught graduate-level Criminological Theories (CRIM 710) and Research Methods (CRIM 780) at Geroge Mason University, drawing on my interdisciplinary background to help students bridge theory, methodology, and real-world application.