Francesca Spina

Francesca Spina Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Social Sciences Department and the Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program at Springfield College. Dr. Spina is also an adjunct faculty member in the Division of Online and Continuing Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She earned a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College. 

Dr. Spina’s research interests include race and justice, environmental justice, ex-offender rehabilitation and reentry, and criminal justice policy reform. She has published and presented nationally on these topics.

Book Reviews by Francesca Spina

Image of Troubled Water: What's Wrong with What We Drink
Author(s):
Seth M. Siegel
Genre(s):
Environmental Policy, Sustainability, Current/Public Affairs & Events

Troubled Water: What's Wrong with What We Drink

October 2, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Francesca Spina

“This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to be more informed about issues related to our water supply, steps being taken to improve the situation, and ideas for the future.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Consent on Campus: A Manifesto
Author(s):
Donna Freitas
Genre(s):
Higher & Continuing Education, Reform, Rape

Consent on Campus: A Manifesto

September 2, 2018
Reviewed by: 
Francesca Spina

“Consent on Campus: A Manifesto is a timely book addressing many issues that today’s college students are facing. It is highly recommended . . .”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Wisconsin Sentencing in the Tough-on-Crime Era: How Judges Retained Power and Why Mass Incarceration Happened Anyway
Author(s):
Michael M. O’Hear
Genre(s):
Crime & Punishment, Penal System, Incarceration

Wisconsin Sentencing in the Tough-on-Crime Era: How Judges Retained Power and Why Mass Incarceration Happened Anyway

January 16, 2017
Reviewed by: 
Francesca Spina

“The criminal justice system has adapted itself to the world of mass incarceration.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Rampage Nation: Securing America from Mass Shootings
Author(s):
Louis Klarevas
Genre(s):
Political & Social Science, Violence in Society

Rampage Nation: Securing America from Mass Shootings

August 22, 2016
Reviewed by: 
Francesca Spina

“America is a rampage nation, where mass shootings now pose the greatest credible threat to public safety, surpassing even terrorism.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of To Protect and Serve: How to Fix America’s Police
Author(s):
Norm Stamper
Genre(s):
Law, Law Enforcement, Civil Rights

To Protect and Serve: How to Fix America’s Police

July 5, 2016
Reviewed by: 
Francesca Spina

“If Americans understood the extent to which policing fails to supervise itself, fails to rid the system of corrupt or corrosive cops, they would likely be shocked.”

Read Book Review >>