The Criminology Academy podcast featured Gary LaFree, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice and former Director of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START). Professor LaFree discussed his journey, contributions to criminology, and reflections on the discipline.

Throughout his career, Professor LaFree has significantly impacted criminology, culminating in the prestigious 2024 Stockholm Prize. His research focuses on the causes and consequences of violent crime and terrorism, reflected in recent publications such as "The Handbook of the Criminology of Terrorism" and "Toward a Criminology of Terrorism."

Notably, his research also includes investigations into the impact of globalization on personal violence and terrorism. His article with Professor Bo Jiang, "Does Globalization Reduce Personal Violence? The Impact of International Trade on Cross-National Homicide Rates," published in Social Forces in 2023, delves into the relationship between globalization, measured by international trade, and rates of personal violence, particularly homicide, across different countries.

Professor LaFree was recognized by the American Society of Criminology (ASC) with the Sutherland Award in 2020 and has held leadership roles in various organizations, including as past president of the ASC. At the University of Maryland, he was pivotal in founding the Democracy Collaborative and contributed to the National Consortium of Violence Research.

Before his tenure at Maryland, Professor LaFree chaired the Sociology and Criminology Department at the University of New Mexico and directed the New Mexico Criminal Justice Statistics Analysis Center. Notably, he chaired the State Crime and Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council in New Mexico.

Acknowledged with awards such as the G. Paul Sylvestre Award and the Phillip Hoke Award, Professor LaFree has authored numerous articles, chapters, and books and served on several editorial boards.