Dr. Kavanaugh received his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Delaware’s Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice. His research, which is situated in criminology, sociology, cultural studies and public health, has been funded by the National Institute of Justice and has appeared in various criminology, sociology, and addictions journals. Using primarily qualitative and ethnographic methods, his work has examined the forms and functions of drug use, how the social construct of gender informs victimization outcomes, as well as stigma and social control processes among drug addicts, school students, digital communities, and former inmates. Prior to joining Penn State Harrisburg Dr. Kavanaugh was an Assistant Professor at Shepherd University where he taught courses in sociology and criminal justice.