DR. MELISSA E NOEL
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MELISSA E. NOEL
CRIMINOLOGIST | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | RESEARCHER | BROOKLYNITE
ABOUT
Melissa E. Noel, Ph.D. is a criminologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Temple University. She received her Ph.D. from the University at Albany, where her dissertation explored the intricacies of parental incarceration as a turning point in the lives of emerging adults. With research interests that explores the complexities of incarceration and family dynamics, Dr. Noel focuses on two substantive areas: (1) racialized and gendered outcomes of parental incarceration, and (2) intergenerational effects among justice-involved emerging adults.
Dr. Noel employs qualitative research methods to amplify the voices of justice-involved populations. She uses strength-based perspectives rather than deficit-based approaches to build resiliency, reunification, and reclamation among marginalized communities. Her attentiveness is centered on creating healthier transitions for justice-involved emerging adults and inclusivity within polices and theoretical frameworks. She promotes social justice as a catalyst for meaningful transformations.
Her research has been published in journals such as Youth & Society, Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology, Journal of Child and Family Studies, Criminal Justice and Behavior, and Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice.
EDUCATIONAL PROFILE
Doctor of Philosophy, Criminal Justice
University at Albany, State University of New York
Master of Arts, Criminal Justice
University at Albany, State University of New York
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Buffalo State College, State University of New York
“It is this belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself which
allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable.”
– MAYA ANGELOU
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dr. Noel’s research explores the intersections of race, gender, incarceration, and family, focusing on how parental incarceration affects the lives of emerging adults. She uses qualitative research methods to center the experiences of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system, highlighting the strategies and structures that help disrupt intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. Her work not only contributes to the field of Black criminology but also advances approaches to better support justice.
PUBLICATIONS
With publications and scholarly contributions across the fields of criminology, psychology, and family studies, Dr. Noel is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, promoting research on racial justice, and informing policy and practice through qualitative insights.
Garcia-Hallett, J., & Noel, Melissa E. (2025). “I Helped Raise Them”: Gendered Expectations of Mothers and Their Children After Maternal Incarceration. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10439862251341435
Noel, Melissa E., Britany Gatewood, Sydni Turner, and Bahiyyah Muhammad. (2024). “We Have Unique Experiences”: Familial Socialization of Children of Incarcerated Parents. Criminal Justice and Behavior 51(7), 1012-1031. https://doi.org/10.1177/00938548241240063
Noel, Melissa E., and Evelien M. Hoeben. (2022) “‘The Glass is Half Full’: Narratives from Young Adults on Parental Incarceration and Emerging Adulthood.” Journal of Child and Family Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02366-2
Noel, Melissa E., and Cherrell Green. (2022). “‘I Literally Roll With The Punches:’ Black and Latina Women Coping Through Parental Incarceration.” Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology. https://doi.org/10.21428/88de04a1.a9c93b41
Noel, Melissa E., and Cynthia Najdowski. (2020). “Caregivers’ Expectations, Reflected Appraisals, and Arrests among Adolescents Who Experienced Parental Incarceration.” Youth & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X20951068
COLLABORATIONS
Dr. Melissa E. Noel welcomes opportunities to share her expertise and partner with organizations, researchers, and communities to advance equity and justice in criminal legal systems. She is available for collaborations in the following areas:
I
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH CONSULTING
II
EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
III
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
IV
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
V