David Penny

David Penny is a first-year Ph.D. student in Criminology, Law and Society at the University of California, Irvine. He focuses on the intersection of reentry and education. As a member of the Research Advisory Board, David contributes his unique expertise, gained from his 23 years of lived experience within the carceral system. His passion for this research stems directly from his own journey. His academic career began while he was incarcerated in California prisons, where he discovered the transformative power of education. David’s research and advocacy are driven by the conviction that education can serve as the primary vehicle for successful reentry. Since his release from prison less than four years ago, he has mentored and tutored both incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth. He has also researched the stigma faced by formerly incarcerated California State University students and currently works as a consultant for Rising Scholars. Outside of his academic pursuits, David enjoys exploring national parks and the outdoors with his wife, Alicia, as they make up for lost time together.