Four journeys into criminology: meet the PhD students of the XL cycle

What pathways lead to a PhD in criminology? For Davide, Gaia, Alessandro, and Sara, the answer is as varied as their backgrounds. Yet, for each of them, it was a blend of personal passion, professional experience, and intellectual curiosity. Finance, engineering, law, and statistics. Each brings their distinctive perspective, skill set, and research focus that enriches the interdisciplinary nature of our programme.

If you have ever wondered whether your background could take a criminological turn, their stories may provide useful clues. After just one semester into their PhD, discover their journeys, the passions driving their research, and the aspirations they aim to pursue. And which we are proud to cultivate together.

Davide, from a background in finance to a doctorate in criminology. Why?
“My decision stemmed from a blend of personal interest, professional experience, and civic engagement. After years in finance and studying economics internationally, I became increasingly focused on financial crime and the misuse of public funds. My involvement with Crim’Halt, an anti-mafia association in France, made me realize how research can have a tangible impact on society. This PhD offered the perfect combination: the chance to investigate topics I care deeply about while following a meaningful and intellectually stimulating career path.”

What is unique about your background that you bring to this PhD?
“Unlike many PhD candidates, I didn’t transition straight from university into academia. I bring five years of professional experience in finance, along with academic training in economics and finance across several European countries. This gives me a strong quantitative foundation, a practical understanding of financial systems, and a comparative perspective. My long-term engagement with civic associations allows me to approach criminology not only from a research perspective but also from that of grassroots activism and public engagement.”

What excites you most about the research you are undertaking?
“Its relevance and impact makes it incredibly motivating. I am studying how organised crime infiltrates public procurement – particularly in the context of EU Recovery Funds – which is not just a theoretical concern, but a real, urgent problem. I am also interested in the methodologies involved: using comprehensive datasets, developing advanced analytical tools, and collaborating with institutions like the European Commission, national authorities, investigative journalists and major banks.”

How do you see your PhD contributing to your long-term goals?
“This PhD is a key step toward several long-term goals. A gateway to opportunities such as working with international organizations, becoming a university professor, or developing risk analysis tools to prevent financial crime. More broadly, it allows me to develop the expertise and credibility to be a meaningful actor in the fight against organized crime and corruption.”

Gaia, how did you discover your passion for criminological research?
“Since a young age, I have been fascinated by the study of social and criminal behaviors and the dynamics influencing them. During my undergraduate studies in Computer Engineering, I focused on the technical aspects, but my interest in social sciences and criminology remained strong. I then realised I could leverage my technical background to study the intersections of technology and human behaviour in the context of crime, leading me to pursue a PhD in criminology.”

What strengths from previous studies do you bring to your research?
“My background in Computer Engineering has equipped me with a solid foundation in the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, which allows me to confidently tackle the technical aspects of research. This allows me to analyse criminological issues through an interdisciplinary lens, adding new perspectives to a constantly evolving field.”

What aspects of your research do you find most engaging?
“The chance to explore cybercrime from a completely new perspective compared to what I had considered before. Understanding how technological innovation transforms criminal activity is challenging and fascinating. This perspective also allows me to analyse the potential of technology in dealing with ever-evolving criminal phenomena.”

What is your vision for the future?
“Rather than defining rigid long-term goals, I view this path as a series of challenges that help me grow professionally and merge the skills I have acquired with my interests in a focused and purposeful manner. Moreover, the academic community provides the ideal environment to nurture my curiosity, at the heart of the space where ideas are conceived and developed.”

Alessandro, what was your path to this PhD?
“After completing my academic journey in the Netherlands and gaining experience in international criminal law, humanitarian aid and public policy, I felt the need to develop an evidence-based understanding of transnational crime. A PhD in Criminology allows me to explore complex criminal phenomena through a multidisciplinary lens. During university, I set my sights on Transcrime’s PhD in Criminology, as it is the most advanced programme in Italy and one of the most internationally renowned.”

How does your international background enrich your research?
“My legal studies and my work with international organisations and local governance have given me an interdisciplinary perspective on crime and justice. These experiences help me to approach criminological research in a holistic way, which I intend to deepen through my PhD research.”

What is your research main focus and why?
“I am particularly interested in investigating the evolution of Chinese Organized Crime in Italy, from community-based networks to hybrid, transnational actors. Studying how trust and cooperation emerge between culturally distinct criminal groups also offers broader insights into how organised crime adapts to globalisation, enforcement pressures, and local contexts. This, by combining empirical case analysis with theoretical reflection.”

What role does this PhD play in shaping your plans?
“This PhD strengthens my potential ability to contribute to evidence-based policy making and reform at local, national and international levels. My aim is to work at the intersection of academia, public service and international cooperation in contrasting different forms of crime.”

What drove your career from data science to criminology?
During my Bachelor’s in Statistics, I worked as a data analyst at Polis Lombardia, conducting research on anti-mafia policies. Presenting this work to the Special Anti-Mafia Commission of the Lombardy Region was a defining moment that steered my academic interests towards criminology. I then collaborated with Transcrime, developing my quantitative analysis skills and working on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of criminology and data science; this reinforced my decision to pursue a PhD in criminology.

How does your background influence your criminological approach?
With a Master’s degree in Statistics and Economics and a background in data science and machine learning, I bring a quantitative and computational perspective that, by synthesising patterns of collective behaviour or institutional responses, can contribute to a better understanding of phenomena such as mafia infiltration into the legal economy, terrorism and criminal networks. The growing use of statistical methods in the social sciences represents both a promising frontier and a significant challenge – especially when dealing with complex phenomena.

What motivates your focus on the economic dynamics of crime?
The study of how organised crime infiltrates the legitimate economy – particularly through financial crimes such as money laundering and usury – is what I find most compelling. These are complex, hidden dynamics with serious consequences for the resilience of local economies and the integrity of market systems. By combining advanced quantitative methods with criminological theory, I also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of practical tools for detecting and preventing these crimes.

What impact will this PhD have on your goals?
My long-term ambition is to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies that reduce the exposure of legitimate businesses to organised crime. I see this PhD as a bridge between academia and institutional practice, through collaborations with public agencies, research centres or international organisations, while engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives.