About Sheena Yoon

Sheena Yoon is an economist in CCJJ's Research Division. She uses econometric and spatial methods to investigate disparities across Utah's juvenile and adult justice systems, translating complex findings into actionable insights through interactive data visualizations. Her work supports evidence-based policy and helps public agencies build safer, healthier communities.

She specializes in Bayesian spatial methods to identify how community-level conditions — labor market structures, public health disparities, environmental burdens — shape justice system outcomes, and to pinpoint which communities need which investments and why. More broadly, she is interested in interactive data storytelling and community-driven mapping as tools that policymakers and communities can use to guide local investment and policy decisions.

Sheena holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Utah’s Department of Economics. She previously served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Justice (DOJ), contributing to research on policing, place-based interventions, and trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. Her professional background includes roles as a Junior Economist at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland, and as an Information Designer at The World Bank. Sheena holds both a BA in International Studies and Economics and an MA in Economics from American University in Washington, D.C. 

Outside of research, Sheena is passionate about strength training, biking, kayaking, and hiking across Utah's beautiful landscape.