Alyssa is an Assistant Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. My primary area of research explores the role of government assistance programs in shaping individuals’ risk for criminal offending and victimization through their influence on family dynamics and life stressors. My second line of research examines the diverse consequences of victimization for both victims and their families, particularly through the reinforcement of existing social inequalities.