Bio
Dr. Whitney DeCamp is a Professor of Sociology at Western Michigan University. He has a wide range of research interests and has authored or co-authored over 100 publications, including more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has also worked on various funded research projects, including mail, phone, and web-based surveys, in addition to other types of research designs, and has been Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on projects totaling over $500,000 in external funding.
DeCamp’s most recognized work focuses on video games, especially the connection between violent media and behavior. His work in this area has been published in high-impact journals, such as Computers in Human Behavior, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, and Personality and Individual Differences. His work has also been featured by CNN, Encore, FOX News, GQ, Michigan Radio (National Public Radio), MSNBC Live, NBC News, Teen Vogue, and Time. His articles addressing other topics in sociology and criminology have also appeared in high-impact journals, including the British Journal of Criminology, Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, and Deviant Behavior.
As a faculty member, DeCamp has received several awards in recognition of his achievements. At the university-level, he has received an Excellence in Discovery Award, an Innovative Teaching Award, and the university's highest honor recognizing teaching: the Distinguished Teaching Award. From the College of Arts and Sciences, he has received a Faculty Achievement Award in Research and Creative Activity and a Faculty Achievement Award in Teaching. He has also twice received a student-organized award in sociology for Outstanding Faculty Mentor.