Auzeen Shariati

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

I joined GMU in 2021, bringing with me a blend of academic and professional experience from two other U.S. institutions and a legal career abroad. I earned my PhD in Public Affairs and Criminal Justice from Florida International University, and before embarking on my doctoral studies, I served as a defense attorney in my home country, Iran, where I worked on a wide range of criminal and civil law cases. These diverse experiences deeply inform my teaching and mentorship, inspiring me to create an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging learning environment where students can thrive.

Can you tell me a little bit about your current research?

I am a mixed-methods researcher specializing in environmental criminology, violent victimization, crime prevention, and school safety. More specifically, my work is guided by two overarching themes:

• Violent victimization: I examine its patterns, drivers, and consequences to inform crime prevention policy and practice. This work has explored issues such as domestic violence, stalking victimization, workplace violence, and honor crimes
• Situational and environmental factors shaping community safety: including my work on the application of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) to reduce school violence and enhance students’ perceptions of safety.

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

My mentoring style centers on creating a supporting environment and adapting my approach to each student’s unique needs. I encourage students to take ownership of their learning while providing consistent guidance on their research and supporting their professional development. My goal is to create an environment where students feel empowered to explore their ideas, build their skills, and grow as independent scholars.

What type of research projects do you have available for students?

I welcome students to collaborate on research related to violent victimization, interpersonal violence, crime prevention, and public safety. Depending on a student’s interests, there are opportunities to engage in primary data collection, secondary data analysis, and the development of policy-relevant recommendations.

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

My students gain hands-on experience in all stages of the research process from developing research questions to collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, and ultimately presenting their findings at academic conferences and publishing in academic journals. Beyond technical expertise, they strengthen their critical thinking, project management, and professional communication skills.