Seeing the world through the eyes of society’s most vulnerable populations is how Shahid Alvi, PhD, Professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT,) inspires his students to take their place as thoughtful and committed citizens. He has always set his sights on making a difference in the lives of those in need and his research is driven to that end. Following the path to social justice began with a desire to foster real change within communities. Dr. Alvi obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in 1982 and earned his Master of Arts in Sociology from U of S in 1986. He received his Doctorate in Sociology from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario in 1995. He began his career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. In 1999, he joined the University of St. Thomas (UST) in St. Paul, Minnesota as Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, and in 2002 he was appointed Associate Professor and Director of UST’s Criminal Justice Program, and Cross-Appointed in American Cultural Studies and Women’s Studies in the Department of Sociology. In 2004, he received the Heart of St. Thomas Award for his contribution to service, teaching and research at UST. Dr. Alvi joined UOIT in 2004 as Associate Professor; he has served as Professor since 2006, and previously held the appointment of Associate Dean, all in the FSSH. Part of a UOIT collaborative research team investigating homelessness in Durham Region, Dr. Alvi and his partners’ recommendations were adopted by the Region, helping to shape public policy. Additionally, the results of a safety study Dr. Alvi completed for the Town of Ajax have guided many key policy changes locally. Author of internationally published books on youth crime, justice and poverty, Dr. Alvi’s research takes on some of the most critical challenges facing humanity. A member of the American Society of Criminology (ASC), Dr. Alvi was named Critical Criminologist of the Year in 2002. From 2006 to 2013, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of Critical Criminology, the official international journal of the ASC Division on Critical Criminology, and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Section on Critical Criminology.