Dr. Robert A. Schug

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology

Education

Ph.D. – University of Southern California (Psychology: Clinical Neurosciences)
M.A. – University of Southern California (Psychology)
M.S. – California State University, Los Angeles (Forensic Psychology)
B.A. – California State University, Los Angeles (Psychology)

Statement of Professional Engagement:

Dr. Schug’s area of specialization is the biology and psychology of the criminal mind. His research interests are predominantly focused upon understanding the relationship between extreme forms of psychopathology and antisocial, criminal, and violent behavior from a bio-psycho-social perspective—with the application of advanced neuroscience techniques from areas such as neuro-psychology, psycho-physiology, and brain imaging. He is particularly interested in the etiological mechanisms, risk factors, and developmental progression of antisocial behavior within major mental disorders such as psychopathy and schizophrenia, as well as the ability to predict antisocial behavioral outcomes within mentally ill individuals. It is his hope that a better understanding of the relationship between these disorders and antisociality will have important implications in research, treatment, and forensic arenas; and will help to reduce the negative stigma often associated with mentally ill individuals who are not criminal or violent, while contributing to more effective treatment and management strategies for those who are.

Research Interests

• Schizophrenia and violent crime
• Psychopathy
• Integrative biological, psychological, and psychosocial approaches to understanding criminal behavior
• Forensic psychology, particularly neuroscience applications to the forensic arena (dangerousness/risk assessment)
• Correctional psychology (assessment and treatment of mentally ill offenders)