Alexis Mitchell, MA, BA

Area of Study / Keywords

Criminology Public Policy Sociolegal Theory Research Administration Research Development Support Engineering ALES Science

About

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Sociology, as well as a Master of Arts in Sociology (Criminal Justice/Criminology), both earned from the University of Alberta. I had the pleasure of working as a Teaching Assistant for multiple courses and as a Research Assistant on a variety of captivating projects.

With a desire to continue my journey in the academic world, I began exploring career options in research. Following the completion of my master's degree, I embarked on a new chapter at the University of Alberta, joining the Research Partner Network as a Research Administration Specialist. In this role, I work collaboratively with the VPRI portfolio, colleges, faculties, and departments to provide researchers with tactical, targeted, end-to-end research procedure and policy related guidance in support of the University's overall research endeavour.

I am assigned to the College of Natural & Applied Sciences, providing research support to all of the departments within the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. Please feel free to contact me regarding any research policy, procedure, or administration related inquiries – I am always happy to connect. 

Research

My master's research, under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Haggerty, examined the evolution and persistence of solitary confinement practices within the Canadian correctional system, with a focus on the legal and institutional mechanisms that sustain these practices despite their controversial nature. 

Through a critical analysis of legislative frameworks, judicial decisions, and policy documents, I explored how solitary confinement has been justified and perpetuated within Canada's penal institutions. My research also assessed the impact of these practices on inmate well-being, human rights implications, and the broader socio-legal discourse surrounding punishment and reform. Additionally, it investigated the disproportionate impact on Indigenous peoples, highlighting how systemic biases and colonial legacies contribute to their overrepresentation in solitary confinement. 

My work contributes to a deeper understanding of the systemic factors that uphold solitary confinement and offers insights into potential avenues for policy reform aimed at mitigating its use in correctional settings.

"The Shortcomings of Structured Intervention Units as an Alternative to Administrative Segregation in Canadian Prisons", 2023