Scott E. Culhane

Associate Professor

Legal Psychology, Ph.D.,University of Texas at El Paso, 2005;
Research Psychology, M.A., University of Tennesse at Chattanooga;
Political Science, B.A., University of Tennessee;
Psychology, B.A., University of Tennessee;
sculhane@uwyo.edu • 307-766-2945 • AS 222C

Scott E. Culhane joined the Criminal Justice Dept. in 2005 after completing his Ph.D. in Legal Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso. His Dissertation title was "Changing your Alibi: Current Law Enforcement, Future Law Enforcement, and Layperson Beliefs and Behaviors." He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a second Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and a Masters in Research Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Dr. Culhane is a first author or co-author on 19 articles that have been accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. He has authored or co-authored 48 conference presentations in regional, national and international conferences in cities including Austin, Texas; Los Angeles, California; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Aberdeen, Scotland; Edinburgh Scotland, and Adelaide, Australia.  Dr. Culhane has participated in a scholar exchange with Shanghai University, where he taught a course on American Criminal Justice.

Dr. Culhane's research interests include juror decision making with a particular focus on alibi witnesses. Additionally, he has research interests in psychological scale validation with minorities. Since coming to UW, Culhane is continuing his alibi research. He's also beginning new research on serial murderers.  Culhane said he loves teaching at UW, and has slowly adjusted to living in a high elevation climate.

Culhane is a member of the American Psychology-Law Society and Western Association of Criminal Justice. His personal interests include traveling, hiking, camping, and mosaics. He has a son, Cameron and a daughter, Quinn.

Classes Taught

• Intro to Criminal Justice
• Issues in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Psychopathology
• Serial Killers
• Psychology and Law
• Research Methods

Interesting Tidbits About Scott

• Has a three-legged German Shepherd mix named "Fidel" and a Vizsla named "Copper."
• Has taken extended trips through Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, and the American West.
• Has never bungee jumped or been skydiving
• Recipient of the 2007 CJ Team Player Award
• Recipient of the 2009 Extraordinary Merit in Research Award
• Recipient of the 2011 P.I.E. Award (Promoting Intellectual Engagement)