Office Details
Executive Director and Professor
Education
Ph.D., University of Maryland
M.S., University of Wisconsin
B.S., University of Wisconsin
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D. is a Professor in the College of Public Affairs' School of Criminal Justice, where she has been a faculty member since 2001. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.S. and B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Dr. Pfeifer is a distinguished scholar in criminology, with extensive research on victimology, trauma-informed policing, juvenile justice, and professional development in academia. Her work has been published in leading academic journals, including Justice Quarterly, and and she has co-authored multiple books, including Prioritizing the Victim: The 21st Century Transformation of Victimology. She has also been involved in numerous sponsored research projects and has received funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. Dr. Pfeifer has received numerous awards for her teaching and service, including the University of Baltimore’s President’s Faculty Award and the College of Public Affairs Distinguished Chair in Teaching and Distinguished Chair in Service. She is a past president of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (2021-2022) and is the co-founder of the ACJS Doctoral Student Summit, a nationally recognized professional development model for doctoral students.
Beyond academia, Dr. Pfeifer actively consults with law enforcement agencies and other justice-related organizations, providing training on trauma-informed practices, evidence-based wellness strategies, and cultural competency.
Impact of victimization on maladaptive behavior and offending; Impact of empathy on communication processes between criminal justice professionals and victims and witnesses of crime; officer wellness; criminal justice pedagogy
Criminological theory
Policy development
Juvenile delinquency and prevention
Books
Stanley, D., Pfeifer, H., Wasileski, G., & . (2020). Prioritizing the Victim: The 21st Century Transformation of Victimology. Kendall-Hunt. 302.
Book Chapters
Pfeifer, H. (2020). Measuring Crime Victimization - What the Data Tells Us. Kendall-Hunt Publishing. 15-50.
Pfeifer, H. (2020). Model Programs and Best Practices in Victim Services: Rethinking What Works. Kendall-Hunt Publishing. 185-223.
Pfeifer, H. (2020). Typologies of Crime Victimization. Kendall-Hunt Publishing. 51-80.
Pfeifer, H. (2020). Vicarious Traumatization - Helping the Helpers. Kendall-Hunt Publishing. 231-256.
Refereed Journal Articles
Button, D., Porter, C., Summers, M., Dmello, J., & Pfeifer, H. (2025). The effectiveness and impact of doctoral student professional development: A case study of the ACJS Doctoral Summit. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice.
Pfeifer, H., Button, D., Summers, M., Porter, C., & Dmello, J. (2024). Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Doctoral Student Summit: A model of professional development. Journal of Criminal Justice Education. 35(3), 611-633.
Pfeifer, H., Button, D., Summers, M., Porter, C., & Dmello, J. (2024). Professional developmental support and needs of doctoral students.. Journal of Criminal Justice Education. 35(3), 611-633.
Pfeifer, H. (2022). Combatting misinformation and the assault on academic freedom with research, education, and advocacy. [Presidential Address of the 2022 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Meeting]. Justice Quarterly.
Research Report
Boyd, L., Pfeifer, H., & Porter, C. (2024). Police training evaluation: Cultural competency, trauma-informed practices, and officer wellness in the North Country.
Newsletter
Button, D., Pfeifer, H., Porter, C., Summers, M., & Dmello, J. (2024). ACJS Doctoral Summit: Overview and impact. ACJS Today. 1-10.
Research Report
Pfeifer, H. (2022). Illuminations Training Report – Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Fairfax, VA..
Newsletter
Pfeifer, H. (2022). Academic freedom under attack: Reflections from the 2022 Presidential Address. ACJS Today. 1-9.
Research Report
Pfeifer, H. (2021). Illuminations Training Report – An empathic exercise with law enforcement.
Newsletter
Worrall, J., & Pfeifer, H. (2021). Why Social Science? Because Education and Research are Essential for Solving Crime and Justice Problems. Consortium of Social Science Associations.
Pfeifer, H. (2021). The RVAAM Alumni Academy Forum: Quarterly Newsletter.
Pfeifer, H. (2021). The RVAAM Alumni Academy Forum: Quarterly Newsletter.
Pfeifer, H. (2021). The RVAAM Alumni Academy Forum: Quarterly Newsletter.
Pfeifer, H. (2020). The RVAAM Alumni Academy Forum: Quarterly Newsletter.
Pfeifer, H. (2020). The RVAAM Alumni Academy Forum: Quarterly Newsletter.
Pfeifer, H. Adirondack Diversity Initative North Country Training, "“Trauma-Informed Policing in the 21st Century.”," Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Lake Placid, NY. (2025).
Pfeifer, H. New Jersey Administrative Courts Professional Development Trainings, "“The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management.," New Jersey Administrative Courts, Virtual. (2025).
Pfeifer, H. State of Nebraska Highway Transportation Safety Initiative, "“Trauma-Informed Policing in the 21st Century.”," University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE. (2025).
Pfeifer, H. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, "“Managing stress and maintaining sanity in your PhD program.”," Chicago, IL. (2025).
Pfeifer, H. Adirondack Diversity Initative North Country Training, "“Trauma-Informed Policing in the 21st Century.”," Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Lake Placid, NY. (2024).
Pfeifer, H. New Jersey Administrative Courts Professional Development Trainings, "“The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management.," New Jersey Administrative Courts, Virtual. (2024).
Pfeifer, H. Baltimore County Police Department's Child Abuse Conference, ""Illuminations: Through the eyes of a child"," Baltimore County Police Department, Dundalk, MD. (2024).
Pfeifer, H. International Political Science Association, "Combatting Misinformation and the Assault on Academic Freedom with Research, Education, and Advocacy," Lisbon, Portgual. (2024).
Pfeifer, H., & Porter, C. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, ""Emotional Intelligence and Leadership”," Chicago, IL. (2024).
Pfeifer, H. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, "“Managing stress and maintaining sanity in your PhD program.”," Chicago, IL. (2024).
Pfeifer, H. Adirondack Diversity Initative North Country Training, "“Trauma-Informed Policing in the 21st Century.”," Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Lake Placid, NY. (2023).
Pfeifer, H. New Jersey Administrative Courts Professional Development Trainings, "“The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management.," New Jersey Administrative Courts, Virtual. (2023).
Pfeifer, H. Baltimore County Police Department's Child Abuse Conference, ""Illuminations: Through the eyes of a child"," Baltimore County Police Department, Dundalk, MD. (2023).
Pfeifer, H. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, "“Managing stress and maintaining sanity in your PhD program.”," Washington, DC. (2023).
Pfeifer, H. Adirondack Diversity Initative North Country Training, "“Trauma-Informed Policing in the 21st Century.”," Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Lake Placid, NY. (2022).
Pfeifer, H. Baltimore County Police Department's Child Abuse Conference, ""Illuminations: Through the eyes of a child"," Baltimore County Police Department, Dundalk, MD. (2022).
Pfeifer, H. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, ""Combatting misinformation and fear with research, education, and advocacy" [Presidential Address of the 2022 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences annual meeting]," Las Vegas, NV. (2022).
Pfeifer, H. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, "“Combatting Misinformation and Fear With Research, Education, and Advocacy” –," Las Vegas, NV. (2022).
Pfeifer, H. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, "“Managing stress and maintaining sanity in your PhD program.”," Las Vegas, NV. (2022).
Pfeifer, H. Baltimore County Police Department's Child Abuse Conference, ""Illuminations: Through the eyes of a child"," Baltimore County Police Department, Dundalk, MD. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""Illuminations: A Dialogue with a Victim"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""Illuminations: A Dialogue with a Victim"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. Professional Development Workshop for Family Violence Unit, "Compassion Fatigue - Monitoring your stress through self-care," Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court - Fairfax County, virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (virtual), ""Illuminations: A Dialogue with a Victim"," Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland, Marriottsville, MD (virtual). (2021).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. Professional Development Workshop for Family Violence Unit, "Compassion Fatigue - Monitoring your stress through self-care," Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court - Fairfax County, virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2021).
Pfeifer, H. ADORE Children & Family Services In-Service Training (virtual), ""The impact of trauma on families of crime victims"," ADORE Children & Family Services In-Service Training, Arlington, VA (virtual). (2021).
Pfeifer, H. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (virtual), ""Illuminations: A Dialogue with a Victim"," Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland, Marriottsville, MD (virtual). (2021).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. ADORE Children & Family Services In-Service Training (virtual), ""Illuminations: A Dialogue with a Victim"," ADORE Children & Family Services In-Service Training, Arlington, VA. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. Baltimore County Police Department's Child Abuse Conference, ""Illuminations: Through the eyes of a child"," Baltimore County Police Department, Dundalk, MD. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (virtual), ""The impact of trauma on families of crime victims"," Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland, Marriottsville, MD. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. V-Step Regional Trauma Training (virtual), ""The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma and How to Build Resilience Through Stress Management"," Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Virtual. (2020).
Pfeifer, H. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland, ""The impact of trauma on families of crime victims"," Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland, Marriottsville, MD. (2020).
Pfeifer, Heather (Principal), , "Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Doctoral Student Summit: A Professional Development & Mentoring Model for Emerging Scholars" Sponsored by U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics, Federal, $200000. (2024 - 2026).
Pfeifer, Heather (Co-Principal), "Evaluation of Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Policing Trainings in the North Country" Sponsored by Adirondack Diversity Initiative, State, $29150. (2023 - 2024).
Pfeifer, Heather (Principal), "Efficacy of trauma-informed policing on changing attitudes of police officers towards community and officer wellness" Sponsored by College of Public Affairs, Research and Development Grant, The University of Baltimore, $3000. (2024).
Pfeifer, Heather (Principal), , "Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Doctoral Student Summit: A Professional Development & Mentoring Model for Emerging Scholars" Sponsored by U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics, Federal, $100000. (2023 - 2024).
Pfeifer, Heather (Principal), "Impact of ACJS Doctoral Student Summit on Ph.D. students’ attitudes and self-efficacy in completing degree program" Sponsored by College of Public Affairs, Research and Development Grant, The University of Baltimore, $5000. (2023).
Pfeifer, Heather (Principal), "Pedagogical practices to allay students fear of statistics" Sponsored by College of Public Affairs, Research and Development Grant, The University of Baltimore, $4000. (2021).
Chronicle of Higher Education: “Teaching doctoral students technical and interpersonal skills – Inside the
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences’ Doctoral Student Summit.” In The Future of Graduate Education Report (pp. 36-38), Chronicle of Higher Education, July 2024. (2024).