Where Theory Meets Impact: Exploring Crime, Community, and Change with Dr. Karine Descormiers

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is proud to have Dr. Karine Descormiers as an Assistant Professor. Beginning her journey at UFV on August 1, 2025, Dr. Descormiers brings a rare combination of rigorous academic research, public service experience, and frontline engagement with complex issues in criminal justice.

Her work spans university classrooms, government environments, school settings, and law enforcement agencies, giving her a uniquely holistic understanding of how theory and practice shape one another.

College of Arts has talked to Dr. Descormiers to learn more about her professional journey, what inspires her research, and the message she hopes to share with future criminology and criminal justice professionals. Learn more about her.

College of Arts:  Could you start by sharing a bit about your journey as an educator?

Karine: My journey as an educator has been shaped by both academia and public service. After completing my PhD in Criminology at Simon Fraser University, I remained active in teaching and research while working in school settings, government, and law enforcement. More specifically, I’ve had the privilege of developing and teaching courses at the University of Montréal and Simon Fraser University, where students appreciated how I connected classroom theory with real-world experience. In my most recent position as a Senior Research Officer for the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC), our provincial anti-gang and organized crime police agency, I was frequently called upon to present new concepts and processes to the pubic in a variety of settings, to mentor colleagues, and to introduce research-based perspective to complex issue, further my ability to translate theory into practice. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to bring practice to the classroom, and theory to practice while navigating both worlds simultaneously. Now, I am excited to return fully to academia and share these insights with the next generation of criminology and criminal justice professionals.

College of Arts:  What inspired you to specialize in your field?

Karine: From the start of my graduate studies, I have been fascinated by human behavior and the complexity of both criminal involvement and disengagement from crime. My interest has always been twofold: understanding individual criminal behavior while also examining how group processes, such as gang dynamics and peer influence, shape and reinforce trajectories. I was fortunate early in my career to have individuals share their lived realities with me, particularly during my research with gang-involved youth in custody settings in Montreal and British Columbia. Their openness revealed how deeply interconnected personal circumstances and collective dynamics are, and how often these nuances are overlooked when designing policies and programs aimed at supporting disengagement.
These experiences taught me the importance of grounding research and practice in lived experience, continuously learning from individuals whose lives are at the center of the work. Additionally, working alongside law enforcement and community partners further deepened my appreciation for how research can inform practice and policy. That intersection where scholarship meets real-world experience and challenges continues to inspire my work in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

College of Arts:  What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

Karine: I hope my students leave with a spark of my passion for learning and a daily habit of curiosity. My goal is for them to feel empowered and confident to use their analytical skills and ethical reasoning to question assumptions, challenge the field, and act as agents of a positive culture change. I hope they will see our classroom as a microenvironment where they can test concepts, processes, learn new things, and gradually grow into the individuals they aspire to be. Above all, I hope they experience the right balance of challenge and achievement, and leave inspired to contribute meaningfully to their communities

College of Arts:  Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being an educator?

Karine: The most rewarding aspect has been seeing students connect the dots between theory and practice and begin applying concepts to their own environments. Watching students gain confidence in their abilities, whether through research, class discussions, or professional networking opportunities has been deeply fulfilling. What makes this work especially meaningful is being part of their transformation: seeing them care about the issues, rise to challenges, respond to adversity, and take concrete steps toward their future aspirations. It is a privilege to play even a small role in their journey of growth and discovery.

College of Arts:  If you could leave a lasting message or piece of advice for your students and community, what would it be?

Karine: One of the best pieces of advice I received during my PhD came from a mentor who told me to stop worrying so much about what my academic journey should look like, or what the next step would be if I followed a traditional, and more linear path like everybody in my cohort. Instead, he said: “This is not you. What I like about you is that you have a clear understanding of who you are, and what you want. Why are you trying to live someone else’s life?” He was right. Instead of replicating ways that did not resonate with me, I decided to allow myself to design my own path along the way. I learned that I was at my best, in terms of productivity and excellence, when my work felt authentic, aligned with my values and interest.

That lesson has stayed with me, and it’s the advice I want to pass on: design your own journey, follow the opportunities that feel genuine, and embrace the process of learning. Paired with curiosity, integrity, and compassion, that mindset will not only help you grow as a professional, but also allow you to contribute to your community in a way that feels meaningful and authentic.

Dr. Karine Descormiers brings to the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice a profound appreciation for the human stories behind criminal behavior, a commitment to research grounded in lived experience, and a passion for helping students grow into thoughtful, ethical, and engaged professionals. Her career at the intersection of academia and public service enriches the classroom with real-world insight, nuance, and compassion. As she continues to shape future criminologists, her work stands as a reminder that meaningful change begins with curiosity, integrity, and the courage to forge their own path.