Research Interests: Race & Crime, Networks & Social Capital, Gun Violence, Problem-Solving Courts, Prison Programming, Reentry, Restorative Justice, GIS Mapping

Talia LaSane (she/her) is a PhD student and University Fellow in the Department of Criminal Justice at Temple University. Her research examines how racial disparities, place-based inequities, and social networks influence access to resources, opportunities, and involvement in the criminal legal system.

Inspired by the words of Ida B. Wells, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them,” Talia uses mixed methods, including GIS mapping, social network analysis, and storytelling to study the intersection of race, space, and social capital. Her work bridges scholarship, policy, and practice, aiming to expose systemic harms and support reform efforts.

Talia's commitment to a life of service is rooted in the values modeled by her parents.She was raised in Las Vegas by a father who worked as a correctional and patrol officer, and a late mother who supported individuals with disabilities and mental health needs. She began her academic journey as a Gates Millennium Scholar at Tuskegee University before transferring to Temple University, where she earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2020 and M.A. in 2023. She now lives near St. Louis, Missouri, where she is completing her dissertation research.

Talia has also served as Research Director for the social justice organization Down North Foundation, a Data Analyst with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office DATALab, and a Research Assistant on a national study of drug court treatment quality and equity. She currently supports policy research at the Southern Poverty Law Center and contributes to culturally grounded mental wellness initiatives as a Technical Writer for KijijiLink.

Faculty Advisor: Jason Gravel
Curriculum Vitae