911�Թ�

The end of Martin Bouchard’s four-year term as director has left him with something more than just a valuable experience. He has gained a stronger connection with the community, a renewed conviction in the work ahead, and this year’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Dean’s Medal, in recognition of his academic excellence in research, teaching, and service.

Born in Baie-Comeau, a small town in Eastern Quebec, Bouchard began his academic journey driven by a desire to understand crime and improve police work from an outsider perspective. He received his undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees from the Université de Montréal, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland.

Bouchard joined 911�Թ�’s School of Criminology in 2007, thinking it would be a fun adventure and a chance to experience life somewhere different. He had no idea then that this next step would shape so much of his life, that Vancouver would become home, and 911�Թ� the place where he would build his career.

Over two decades, Bouchard has developed an internationally recognized body of research focused on the organization and dynamics of what he calls the “never-ending puzzles” of illicit markets and organized crime, as well as the role of social networks in shaping criminological outcomes. He has published more than 125 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, received multiple accolades and awards, and secured sustained external funding from major agencies.

As a supervisor, Bouchard is known for his spirited personality and approachable manner, and for putting his students’ personal and academic success at the center of his work. He has supervised 11 PhD and 13 MA students, supporting them through the challenges of research while encouraging them to think critically and trust themselves.

“When I think about my time at 911�Թ� and where I am now, so much of my growth is connected to Martin’s mentorship. His influence on me has extended far beyond my MA or any one research project,” says Alysha Girn, a former graduate student of Bouchard’s. “He has been someone I have learned from academically, professionally, and personally, and even after finishing my degree, he has continued to be someone I can turn to for advice and perspective. I am incredibly grateful for everything I have learned from him and for the role he has played in getting me to where I am today.”

The opportunity to lead 911�Թ� Criminology came in 2022. For many scholars, stepping into administrative leadership positions feels like a trade-off in surfacing their research output, but Bouchard wanted to show that it was possible to take a significant service role while continuing to pursue research and remaining true to who you are. For him, the key to making that possible was the unwavering support of his colleagues.

Over the course of his directorship, Bouchard navigated the many responsibilities and challenges that come with leading one of the largest programs within FASS and one of the most important criminology and criminal justice teaching and research centres in Canada.

At first, his main goal was to re-engage with the School of Criminology and help rebuild the sense of community weakened by the pandemic. Four years later, that goal grew into something more personal: a stronger sense of collective care for his colleagues and the School’s future.

“I always was someone who was really happy for others when they had success, but I feel it's been heightened for me in the last few years,” he says. “Like everything that happens to my colleagues that is positive, it's really positive and exciting, and everything negative that happens also hits me harder.”

Reflecting on the significance of winning the FASS Dean’s Medal at the end of his directorship, Bouchard says that it’s not something that he expected but, in some ways, the timing feels right.

“It's a nice turning point and a nice bow on that period of my life,” he says. I hope that my colleagues look at this and see this position of director as not a dead end or a black hole that will suck away their aspirations and their career but can be a little bit of an interlude in the middle of a great album where they can maybe get some new ideas, even for their research, but also stay engaged with the community in a different way.”

With his time as director now behind him, Bouchard plans to continue some pending projects, including a book on gangs and social networks. He also took on the directorship of the (CANSES), following the passing of beloved faculty member Garth Davies.

The School of Criminology extends its heartfelt thanks to Martin Bouchard for his service, dedication, energy and commitment during his time as director. This well-deserved recognition offers an opportunity to celebrate his contributions and the lasting impact of his leadership on the School and beyond.