Nicole Cebak, PhD, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso before completing her PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Cebak’s research centers on victimization, with a particular interest in stalking and image-based abuse. Her current projects focus on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and stalking victimization, gender differences and fear associated with image-based abuse and factors that influence whether stalking victims seek formal or informal sources of support. She also maintains research interests in immigration and crime, building on work completed during her master’s program. More broadly, Cebak is passionate about using and applying quantitative methods to better understand crime and victimization and promote evidence-based criminal justice practices in the future. Her research has been published in Justice Quarterly, one of the leading journals in criminology and criminal justice.
Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Cebak came to the United States on a Division I volleyball scholarship to attend the University of Texas at El Paso. Outside of the classroom and research, she enjoys spending time with her family, backpacking, day hiking, skiing and reading a good fiction novel.
In addition to her research and teaching, Cebak worked as a Research Analyst for the 384th District El Paso Drug Court Program, where she evaluated program outcomes and supported evidence-based practices, under the COSSAP grant. She also worked as an independent research contractor for the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), contributing to research on police use of force. These experiences continue to shape her belief that research is most valuable when it helps practitioners and communities make informed decisions.
In the classroom, Cebak teaches courses including Introduction to Criminal Justice, Corrections, Criminal Procedure and Criminological Theory. She believes students learn the best when teaching is rooted in student-centered learning that emphasizes engagement, scaffolded instruction and professional readiness. By connecting theory and research to current events and real-world issues, she encourages students to develop critical thinking skills and leave the classroom with tools they can apply throughout their careers.
Selected Publications
Alarid, L., & Cebak, N. (2009). Pretrial Diversion.
Curry, T. R., Cheon, H., & Cebak, N. (2025). Immigrant culture and neighborhood perceived violent crime and violent victimization: A multi-level test of enculturation to México, acculturation to the US, and support for the code of the street. Justice Quarterly, 42(2), 179-209.
