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Hannah Chesterton is a criminologist who studies why and how non-state actors -- from social movements to militant groups -- use violence. Her research focuses on their strategic decision-making, internal dynamics, and resilience in the face of state crackdown.

She also studies reentry and juvenile justice, analyzing social stigma, post-incarceration challenges, and the impact of inter-agency collaboration.

Her work has been published in journals such as Perspectives on Terrorism, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, and Safer Communities, and she is co-authoring a book under contract with Columbia University Press.

Dr. Chesterton earned her Ph.D. in Justice, Law & Criminology from American University, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University, and a law degree (LLB) from the University of Birmingham, England.