Crime pays for Chris Gibson.
The UF assistant professor and author of more than 70 scholarly works was recently recognized in two separate studies as a leading criminology scholar.
A study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education ranked Gibson fifth in the nation for productivity among 125 assistant criminology and criminal justice professors at 35 Ph.D.-granting universities.
Another study, published in the same journal, named Gibson among the most prolific published authors in criminology journals of the past decade.
“It’s really incredible how much he publishes,” said John Boman, a doctoral student in the department of sociology, criminology and law. “It’s just ridiculous.”
The ranking study considered the quantity and quality of these publications, Gibson said.
“I feel honored to be ranked so highly and among some of the best, most innovative criminologists in the United States,” Gibson said. “There are many others who deserve high praise that didn’t make the list.”
Gibson said his ranking is not the product of his ability alone. He also credits his colleagues and students for his success and said it’s taken motivation, passion and “a little bit of luck” to get where he is today.
Publishing research and articles can be frustrating, but Gibson said he doesn’t let it discourage him from a career he loves.
He advised that students develop their own interests into careers, as he has done.
Gibson said he has learned substantially from his colleagues and students.
“His ability to get work done is greatly helped by his ability to keep things loose and not super stringent all the time,” Boman said. “It’s like they say: If you have good co-workers, you’re okay no matter what. He’s a great co-worker.”
