John MacDonald

John MacDonald is Professor of Criminology and Sociology, University of Pennsylvania (Penn). He is also currently Director of the Master of Science in Criminology at Penn. His scholarly research focuses on the etiology of crime and violence, race and ethnic disparities in criminal justice, and the impact of public policies on safety. A current focus of his work examines how science can be used to test concepts and theories in urban planning to make cities healthier, safer, and more livable. The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and private foundations have supported his research on changing places. The core concepts and summary of much of this research on changing places was published in his coauthored book in 2019 entitled, Changing Places: The Science and Art of New Urban Planning, Princeton University Press. Professor MacDonald is also active studying racial disparities in criminal justice, and ways to reduce these disparities through policy and program reforms.