Innovative Research Award
Thomas Dearden
Virginia Tech, United States
Thomas Dearden is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Virginia Tech whose academic work focuses on cybercrime, white-collar crime, criminological theory, and online victimization. His scholarly contributions have addressed emerging issues involving cryptocurrency crime, cyber offending behavior, online fraud, institutional anomie, and technology-assisted criminal activity.[1] His publications and collaborative projects have contributed to contemporary understanding of cyber offending, digital victimization, and online criminal ecosystems across international contexts.[2]
Abstract
Thomas Dearden in the field of criminology and cybercrime studies. His work emphasizes empirical investigations into cyber offending, cryptocurrency fraud, institutional anomie, online victimization, and white-collar crime. Through peer-reviewed scholarship, conference presentations, funded projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dearden has contributed to the development of cybercriminology as an applied research domain. His research has also informed public discourse on cybersecurity and fraud prevention while supporting broader criminological understanding of digital environments.[3]
Keywords
Cybercrime, White-Collar Crime, Cybercriminology, Cryptocurrency Fraud, Online Victimization, Institutional Anomie, Digital Sociology, Criminological Theory, Cybersecurity, Fraud Prevention
Introduction
The rapid expansion of digital communication systems and online financial ecosystems has transformed criminological research priorities in the twenty-first century. Scholars examining cybercrime and technology-assisted offenses increasingly rely on interdisciplinary frameworks integrating sociology, criminology, behavioral science, and cybersecurity analysis.[2]
His academic appointments at Virginia Tech and prior positions at High Point University have supported the development of applied research initiatives involving cybercrime measurement, quantitative analysis, online fraud, and criminological theory. Dearden’s work also demonstrates sustained engagement with institutional and community-based research collaborations, including projects funded through cybersecurity and criminology initiatives.[4]
Research Profile
Thomas Dearden completed doctoral studies in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Indiana University with a minor concentration in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. His research profile combines quantitative methodologies with applied criminological analysis focused on cybercrime, white-collar offending, online fraud, and social learning processes.[1]
These works have appeared in journals including Journal of Financial Crime, American Journal of Criminal Justice, Victims & Offenders, and Social Science Computer Review.[5]
Research Contributions
Thomas Dearden’s research contributions are notable for integrating criminological theory with empirical analyses of online behavior. His studies have explored mechanisms of affinity fraud victimization, online offending patterns, cryptocurrency fraud schemes, and social learning mechanisms associated with cybercriminal activity.[2]
- Quantitative studies of online victimization and offending overlap.
- Analysis of cryptocurrency-related criminal behavior.
- Studies involving honeypot cybersecurity data.
- Applied criminological research related to correctional education technology.
Publications
Selected publications by Thomas Dearden include peer-reviewed journal articles and scholarly works addressing cybercrime and criminological theory.
- Dearden, T. E., & Tucker, S. (2023). Follow the money: Analyzing darknet activity using cryptocurrency and the bitcoin blockchain. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice.
- Dearden, T. E., & Gottschalk, P. (2024). Convenience theory and cybercrime: An analysis of online cyberoffending. Deviant Behavior.
Research Impact
The research impact associated with Thomas Dearden’s academic profile is reflected through scholarly citations, interdisciplinary collaborations, conference presentations, and funded research initiatives. His work has contributed to discussions surrounding cybercrime governance, online fraud prevention, and digital criminological methodologies.[4]
Dearden has also received institutional recognition for teaching and outreach, including awards for graduate and undergraduate teaching excellence at Virginia Tech. His expertise has been referenced in media discussions regarding cryptocurrency fraud, online scams, and cybersecurity risks.
Award Suitability
The academic profile of Thomas Dearden demonstrates suitability for recognition within the context of the Applied Scientist Awards and the Innovative Research Award category.[5]
Particularly notable is the integration of criminological theory with modern technological challenges such as cryptocurrency crime, cyber victimization, and digital fraud. The combination of peer-reviewed scholarship, public engagement, and externally funded research projects indicates a balanced and professionally relevant research trajectory.[3]
Conclusion
Thomas Dearden’s scholarly contributions reflect a developing and internationally engaged research profile within criminology and cybercrime studies. His research has addressed important questions involving online criminal behavior, fraud mechanisms, cybersecurity, and digital victimization while contributing to applied criminological discourse. Through publications, grants, presentations, and collaborative projects, he has established a recognized presence in cybercriminology research and related interdisciplinary scholarship.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Thomas Dearden, Author ID 57039232100. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57039232100
- Dearden, T. E. (2017). An assessment of adults’ views on white-collar crime. Deviant Behavior.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JFC-05-2016-0040/full/pdf
- Dearden, T. E., Parti, K., & Hawdon, J. (2021). Institutional anomie theory and cybercrime. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice.
https://doi.org/10.1177/10439862211001590
- Parti, K., & Dearden, T. E. (2024). Cybercrime and strain theory: An examination of online crime and gender. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology.
https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2024.13.19
- Virginia Tech. (2023). Sam Bankman-Fried Trial Shines Light on the Rise and Fall of Cryptocurrency and Concerns about its use in White-Collar Crime.
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/10/FTX_bankman_fried_trial_expert.html