Associate Dean of the School of Criminology, Psychology, Social Justice, and Public Policy

Dr. Gabriel Aquino has been appointed Associate Dean of the School of Criminology, Justice, and Public Policy. Dr. Aquino has been a part of the Westfield State community for 14 years and has served as Chair of the Department of Sociology for six years. In this capacity, Dr. Aquino has collaborated in the development of a 2+2+1 associate degree, bachelor's, and MPA program for Springfield Technical Community College's Urban Studies Program, the Westfield State University Sociology and Regional Planning Programs, and the master’s in public administration program. In addition, Dr. Aquino also developed a track for students, collaborating with the Holyoke Community College LatinX Studies Program, the Ethnic and Gender Studies and Spanish Programs, and the master’s in public administration Program at Westfield State University. In connection to the latter, Dr. Aquino taught a learning communities class for Holyoke Community College.

Dr. Aquino’s service to the University extends beyond his department. He has served in the University Efficiency Analysis Advisory Committee and Racial, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Committee. Dr. Aquino has previously served as chair and a member of the All-University Committee, a member of the Curriculum Committee, Massachusetts State Colleges Association (MSCA) Statewide Affirmative Action/EOC/Diversity Committee, Emeritus Committee, and General Secretary for the MSCA Westfield State University Chapter.

Dr. Aquino’s research has focused on Puerto Ricans in the United States and Puerto Rico. His writings and presentations have focused on issues of intermarriage, economic and social changes, racialization, and migration.

Dr. Aquino was born and raised in the South Bronx, New York and Moca, Puerto Rico. His parents formed part of the circular migration in the 1970s and 1980s between New York City and Puerto Rico. He is a veteran of Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Previous experience includes being a Teaching Fellow for the College Consortium for a Strong Minority Presence at Skidmore College, a Health Statistician at the Veteran Administration Health Care Network, Stratton VA Medical Center Albany, and a Research Scientist II (Sociologist-Grade 22), New York State Office of Mental Health, Bureau of Evaluation and Targeted Studies, Center for Information Technology and Evaluation Research.

Dr. Gabriel Aquino earned his PhD in Sociology from the University at Albany with a focus on Work and Occupations, and Race and Ethnicity. He holds an M.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from the University at Albany as well. In addition, Dr. Aquino earned a Certificate of Graduate Study in Urban Policy and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Demography, both from the University at Albany.  He recently earned a Certificate of Graduate Study in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Dr. Aquino holds a B.A. from the University at Albany, double majoring in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Political Science.