Professor Bos brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, with an interdisciplinary and internationally influenced academic journey that enriches her approach to instruction.
Academic Background
Bos earned her BA in Politics and History from Oglethorpe University, followed by an MA in International and Comparative Political Science from Georgia State University. She completed her academic journey with a PhD in Criminology & Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University. Her studies also took her to Ahlan World in Amman, Jordan, where she learned Arabic, enriching her interdisciplinary and international perspective.
Research Focus
Bos’s research centers on political violence, with a specific focus on terrorism. She uses qualitative methodologies to delve into these complex topics. Her dissertation, “Gender and the Enactment of Suicide Bombings by Boko Haram,” along with her subsequent publications, have significantly contributed to the understanding of female suicide bombers in terrorist organizations. Her work is published in esteemed journals like the International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, and Women & Criminal Justice.
Bos has also collaborated with Harvard medical scholars, interviewed victims of terrorism, presented at global conferences, and acted as an expert source for international journalists reporting on terrorism.
Community Engagement
Beyond her research and professional achievements, Bos is deeply committed to community engagement and experiential learning. She has extensive experience working with populations like homeless youth, individuals struggling with substance use, and people in the criminal justice system. Her dedication to hands-on education is evident in her efforts to take students to local jails and prisons, providing them with invaluable real-world insights.
Bos and student on recent trip to St. Johns Detention Center
She also led the recent development of a new minor in Peace, Conflict, & Genocide Studies, created a study abroad opportunity to Tanzania, and continuously works to internationalize the criminology curriculum. Her collaborative spirit is reflected in her work with student researchers.
Student Collaboration
One notable student collaboration involved Shane Nelson, a recent graduate from the class of 2024. Majoring in Criminology with a minor in Law, Nelson worked closely with Professor Bos and Professor Joshua Behl as a research assistant. His responsibilities included coding data, analyzing transcripts, and preparing research manuscripts.
“During my time at Flagler College, I made it my mission to learn from my mentors Dr. Bos and Dr. Behl,” Nelson said. “One of my happiest moments was accepting my undergraduate research award and achieving my distinguished major award.”
Nelson, alongside Bos and Behl, submitted manuscripts for publication and presented their findings on “The Impact of Terrorist Attacks on Victims” at the Academy of Criminal Justice Scientists and ASC conferences.
Currently, Bos is working with other student researchers on projects examining suicide bombings in Africa and sexual violence during the Rwandan genocide.
Thanks to dedicated faculty members like Professor Bos, Flagler’s Criminology Program continues to flourish, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a significant impact in the field.
