Dr. Christopher Wildeman

Biography

Christopher Wildeman is a Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, where he holds the position of Co-Director for the Carceral Studies Certificate and serves as the Ethics Chair at the Kenan Institute. His work is primarily focused on the prevalence, causes, and consequences of contact with the criminal legal system, particularly as it pertains to families involved in the child welfare system. His academic contributions include extensive research demonstrated through numerous publications that explore themes such as the impact of incarceration on family structures, the intersection of child welfare and the criminal justice system, and the socioeconomic ramifications of incarceration. Wildeman's scholarly output has significantly influenced contemporary debates on social policy and child welfare, with a notable emphasis on the disparities faced by marginalized communities. His academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. from Princeton University in 2008, which has armed him with a robust foundation to address critical issues surrounding family dynamics and public health in the context of mass incarceration.

Research Interests