Erica Kane

Profile

I am originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland but I am currently situated in Leeds completing my postgraduate studies. I am based at the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and have strong connections with the School of Law. My course will extend over 4 years, during which I will complete an ESRC and CDT funded integrated MSc and PhD in Data Analytics and Society. Prior to this course of study, I completed a BSc in Criminal Justice and Criminology which included a year's study in the Leuven Institute of Criminology at KU Leuven, Belgium. 

Research interests

My main research interests are the experiences of marginalised and oppressed groups in the Criminal Justice System, using predominantly quantitative methods. My current project is centred around an exploration of the potential of Natural Language Processing techniques as a data collection method to quantify text-based parole decision-letters. The derived data set will then be explored for patterns of ethnic-disparaties in the decision making process. The data partner for the project is the Parole Board, supported by Glenn Gathercole (Policy and Research Lead). Previously I have completed research regarding the sentencing experience of women with caring responsibilities in the Crown Courts, with a particular focus on the impacts and application of custodial sentences. 

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD Data Analytics and Society (current)
• First-Class Honours BSc Criminal Justice and Criminology [Quantitative] [International]