Transdisciplinary research at VCU bridges recovery science and criminal justice
When a judge weighs a sentencing decision, what if science could tip the scales? That’s the question Daniel Gutierrez, School of Education professor, counselor and faculty lead for VCU Convergence is helping to answer. His research on long-term recovery and relapse focuses on the personal and social factors that sustain healing, well-being, sense of belonging and personal efficacy—and has begun to influence real court outcomes. Public defenders are citing his work to show that recovery isn’t just possible, it’s measurable, and in some cases judges have opted for treatment and support over incarceration.
Gutierrez’s work is a perfect example of VCU Convergence’s mission. The university-wide initiative brings together faculty across disciplines to tackle complex societal challenges. By blending counseling science, psychology, and criminal justice, his research illustrates the power of transdisciplinary collaboration: academic insights translated into tangible community impact.
As leader of the STAR Labs, Gutierrez partners with legal professionals and community organizations to ensure that research doesn’t stay in the lab or classroom. His approach highlights how Convergence is changing the way VCU faculty work. Fostering collaborations that break down traditional academic silos, inform policy, and address real-world problems with measurable results.
By bridging research and practice, Gutierrez demonstrates how transdisciplinary efforts can support individuals navigating recovery while contributing to broader social solutions, showing that scholarship and community impact can go hand in hand.
Original story posted by Sian Wilkerson, VCU News
Categories UC News