Bryan Burton

Tile and Department:

Associate Professor
Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies

How did you end up going into your current role or field and what do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I have always had a passion for health care, particularly ensuring that everyone has access to it. What led me into my current position was my experience working minimum-wage jobs. During that time, I realized that many of my colleagues did not have health care coverage. I found it troubling that, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, not everyone had access to basic care.

A turning point came when I met my professor, Paul Jesilow, at the University of California, Irvine. I took his seminar on health care fraud, where he argued that such fraud alone costs more than all street crimes combined. He suggested that if we effectively addressed health care fraud, we could provide health care for all citizens without raising taxes. That perspective deeply resonated with me and inspired my passion for this field.

What I love most about my job is helping students live better and more meaningful lives. The most rewarding part of being a professor is inspiring students to think differently and strive for their best selves. Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing students grow—whether through academics, research, leadership, or international experiences. Watching them develop into thoughtful and confident individuals brings me the greatest joy.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sonoma State community?

What I enjoy most about being part of the SSU community is the incredible talent and dedication of the people here. Given how small we are, I am continually amazed by the quality and range of programming we offer our students.

What do you find most fulfilling about working in higher education?

Every day, I have the opportunity to teach, learn, and help others improve their lives while contributing to the growth of our society and the world. I enjoy writing, conducting research, and exploring new ideas, and I am grateful to share those experiences with my students.

In what ways does your work make an impact on students, the campus or the broader campus community?

My work impacts students through the material I teach, which often covers topics not widely discussed, such as white-collar crime — offenses committed by powerful individuals, including medical doctors. I encourage students to think about crime beyond what is commonly shown in the media, which often focuses on street crimes, and instead consider crimes committed by those in positions of influence that can cause significant financial, social, physical, and mental harm.

I also provide students with meaningful research opportunities through programs such as Koret, SSURI, and the McNair Scholars Program.

I am proud of the international work I have done. Since joining SSU, I have taken students to Greece, Sweden, Denmark, and Japan to study comparative criminal justice systems around the world, and I have hosted students from Sweden on our campus twice. Overall, I aim to create educational experiences that help students grow intellectually, professionally, and personally—preparing them to contribute thoughtfully to their communities and the world.