Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Wong, Associate Professor in Criminology

What inspired you to study sociology?

My interest in crime started in my undergraduate studies. I was fascinated by the codes of the underworld and how criminal networks prosper and maintain themselves in secrecy.

At the same time, I was troubled with the fact that protected and endangered wildlife were being exploited by thriving criminal organisations so I combined my curiosities and applied for a doctorate in Criminology at Oxford. 

What attracted you to the Department in Oxford?

The people. It is an understatement to say that I stood on the shoulders of giants during my formative years at Oxford. 

Tell us a bit about your research interests while at Oxford:

My DPhil was on criminal networks, specialising in the supplying, trafficking and selling of tiger parts across mainland China. The unlawful trade in endangered tiger parts is just a small part of the global illegal trade in endangered wildlife and flora.

To write my thesis, I travelled across mainland China, Tibet and Myanmar to collect empirical data and interview those involved in the illegal supply and trade in tiger parts.

My methodology was published in the International Journal of Social Research Methodology in 2015 and my findings were published in the British Journal of Criminology in 2016.

Dr Rebecca Wong with Professor Federico Varese following her graduation

What lessons did you learn from studying at Oxford?

This is a difficult one since my time at Oxford made a huge impact on me professionally and personally. If I must, I would say my studies at Oxford taught me to remain humble at all times. The more you learn, the less you know. 

What is your favourite memory of Oxford?

Too many! I miss reading at St Hilda’s College library where I worked as a part-time librarian during my DPhil. 

I also miss wandering around the Norrington Room at the Blackwell’s bookshop on a lazy afternoon. I could spend hours looking through the bookshelves. 

At Oxford, there is always a seminar, debate or lecture on every single topic one could think of, delivered by speakers from all four corners of the world and I would just sit and listen whenever I had time.

Last but not least, I miss cycling around town! 

What do you do now?

I am an Associate Professor in Criminology at the City University of Hong Kong.

I left Oxford in 2013 to return to Hong Kong to sit my Bar Exams. I then worked as a teaching assistant and a lecturer before securing a tenure track position at the City University of Hong Kong in 2016. I was promoted to an Associate Professor position and tenured in July 2023. 

What is your greatest achievement?

Being a mum of two! Life is not and should not be all about work. My career gives me purpose and drive while my children fill my heart with joy and bliss. 

What’s next in your career journey?

My career is driven by my love for animals. It pains me to see them being exploited and pushed into extinction so I would certainly continue writing about wildlife crime and aggression against non-human species.

I am also looking at ways to combine my legal training to protect and safeguard animal welfare in Hong Kong. Ultimately, I want to get involved in pro bono work on animal-related issues. 

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

Try not to take anything personally. This is easier said than done but your work and your value as a person (or a researcher) are not defined by other people’s comments, rejections and actions. Bring the best version of yourself to the table, work hard and with patience, everything will follow. 

You can get in touch with Rebecca via email.