Noah Turner, like many people, grew up during a news cycle that featured what seemed like daily reports on terrorism and violent extremism around the world. The more he heard and saw, the more he wanted to better understand the attacks and to help leaders learn how to stop them from happening.
“The consequences of extremist crime and violence—as well as the governmental responses to these attacks—have a lasting impact on the public,” he explains. “I believe it is important to understand why some people choose to engage in extremist crime and violence so we can be better informed on how to effectively prevent these acts.”
As a researcher, Turner uses criminological theory to explain and understand violent acts of extremism as well as nonviolent extremist crime including cyberterrorism, financial crime, and property crime.
“The ultimate purpose of my research is to help policymakers and practitioners safeguard the public,” he says. “I hope my research can inform effective policy that prevents acts of extremist crime and violence nationwide, while also ensuring the civil rights and liberties of the general public are upheld.”
That mission began during his first year of college, when he worked with a professor to research violent extremists and the outcomes of their attacks. This opportunity grew and eventually allowed him to supervise and mentor more than 60 other student research assistants.
Those students, he says, were the engine behind all the projects’ data collection. Their efforts were critical to the work and improving its quality. He credits that experience with solidifying his commitment to his research but also to student-faculty collaborations.
“My current research would not be possible without students,” he admits. “I believe I learn just as much from them as they learn from me, and I will continue to prioritize involving students in my future research.”
That reciprocity helps students and faculty alike become better at what they do and improves the knowledge they produce while preparing students for their future careers.
“Each student brings their own ideas, perspectives, and skills that are reflected in their work,” Turner says. “The most fulfilling experience—whether working with students on a research project or teaching in a classroom—is when a student engages with the material and teaches me something new or inspires me to think about an issue in a new way.”
Having the opportunity to work with students in both a research and teaching capacity is part of what drew him to O’Neill in the first place.
What drew you to working in a teaching and research position?
“I believe teaching and research both contribute to the future of the field of criminal justice and homeland security in equally important ways. While research produces knowledge and informs policy, teaching imparts knowledge and prepares those who will eventually be enacting policy for their career. Preventing extremist crime and violence requires a strong evidence base with rigorous scientific research, but it also requires dedicated practitioners who are equipped with the knowledge and problem-solving skills to implement evidence-based policies. My passion for preventing extremist crime and violence underpins my ambition to conduct research and educate students, which is why I chose to work in a teaching and research position.”
What do you enjoy about teaching?
“Teaching in the classroom provides a really unique opportunity to foster an environment of learning and support that few other settings can provide. I truly enjoy facilitating collaboration between students and providing relatable, approachable content for students to engage with the material. Being a part of students learning process and bearing witness to their growth as independent thinkers and professionals is the most gratifying part of teaching in the classroom.”
What drew you to come to O’Neill Indianapolis?
“I was drawn to the O’Neill School by the potential to be a part of a scholarly environment that prioritizes producing strong scientific research with actionable policy solutions. In many areas of research, the faculty in the O’Neill School at IU Indianapolis are at the cutting edge of knowledge and public policy. I am excited to contribute to this renown scholarship by studying issues related to criminal justice and homeland security.”
Why should potential students consider enrolling at O’Neill?
“I believe the O’Neill School can provide students with the unique opportunity to learn from leading experts in various fields while also having access to a multitude of career and internship opportunities in Indianapolis and nationwide. The O’Neill School is revered for its dedication to student success, and students will find that, no matter their career ambitions, the O’Neill School can equip them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue their goals.”
