Blue Ridge CTC Criminal Justice faculty member Megan Anderson’s research was accepted for presentation at the 2026 International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) Annual Meeting.

The co-authored study, Radicalizing Faster: Lone Actors, Followership Typologies, and Incident Outcomes in the United States, examines how leadership frameworks, psychosocial perspectives, and organizational processes shape the pace of extremist radicalization and incident outcomes.

By analyzing more than 1,100 cases from a national database of individuals radicalized in the United States, the research identified significant differences between lone actors and those recruited into extremist organizations, contributing to ongoing research in criminology, leadership, political psychology, and violence prevention.

For Anderson, research and teaching go hand in hand. “One of the most important things we can teach future criminal justice professionals is how to evaluate evidence and think critically about complex social problems,”Anderson said. “Research helps us move beyond assumptions and better understand the factors that influence criminal behavior, allowing students to develop the analytical skills they’ll need throughout their careers.”

That same commitment to evidence and critical thinking is reflected in Blue Ridge CTC’s Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree. The program offers an innovative, solution-oriented approach through courses and skill-building opportunities that align with current community trends in criminal justice. Designed to be modern, comprehensive, and responsive to community needs, the curriculum prepares students with the knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to address complex issues across today’s criminal justice profession.

As program coordinator, Anderson led the redesign of Blue Ridge’s Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program, helping ensure the curriculum reflects the college’s commitment to evidence-based practice, practical skill development, and student success. Her research reflects the same commitment to careful analysis and informed decision-making, enabling students to learn from a faculty member who actively contributes to the field and prepares graduates for careers across the criminal justice profession.