Kieren Aris is a PhD student in Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His research focuses on countering violent extremism (CVE) interventions, methodologies, and the dynamics of targeted violence, including mass shootings. With a background in digital culture and religious studies from King’s College London and Heythrop College, Kieren has a strong interest in the intersection of media, extremism, and social violence, and bridging the gap between academia and practice.

Kieren has worked with government agencies, non-profits, and international organizations globally, including the UK Home Office, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, and Moonshot, where he drove innovations in counter-extremism strategies and campaigns. His work spans multiple regions—Africa, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia—developing strategies and evaluations for preventing violent extremism.

He also founded La Convivencia, a New York-based initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding to counter violence and extremism. Through La Convivencia, Kieren leads projects that bridge the gaps between education, law enforcement, and community leaders. One such project, supported by a DHS CP3 grant, focuses on addressing polarization and extremism in schools by fostering collaboration between educators and law enforcement to develop preventative strategies. These efforts aim to build more resilient communities in the face of contemporary challenges.

Kieren’s work has been recognized across academia, government, and international organizations for advancing media literacy, evaluating counter-extremism campaigns, and fostering safer communities. His contributions, including publications, evaluations, and research reports, address complex issues of violent extremism, disinformation, and radicalization in both digital and physical spaces.

• About
• Our Team
• Board of Directors
• Community Partners
• Global Advisors
• Community Advisory Committee
• Foundational White Paper
• Internship Opportunities