Alumni Spotlight – Dr Brent Klein 
Growing up in small-town Arkansas, Dr. Brent Klein began his professional journey as an intern for Terrorism Research Center and is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I was always fascinated with mysteries and problem-solving and had an innate curiosity for understanding human nature. These interests naturally led me to major in the social sciences, where my studies focused mainly on sociology and criminal justice at the University of Arkansas. As an undergraduate, I was fortunate to also gain practical experience in the field. I worked as an advocate for sexual assault survivors for several years. I also interned with the FBI for over three years, which exposed me to the complexities of violence and what society can do to stop it.
Why did you decide to enroll in the TRC program?
While my experiences at the FBI taught me much about investigating criminal behavior and solving crimes, I wanted something more. I wanted to know: What drives people to become violent in the first place? How do violent events unfold, and what can society do to prevent them?
The TRC provided one avenue for me to pursue these interests – focused on the complexities of terrorist and extremist behavior. It allowed me to independently research the “whys” and “hows” of ideologically motivated violence and translate that into workable solutions.
What did your journey look like while working within TRC?
I was a research assistant for the American Terrorism Study (ATS).
What were some of your favorite aspects of the program?
The hands-on experience, collegiality, mentorship, and support.
If you could go back to your time at the TRC, would you change anything?
Not a single thing.
How did your experience at TRC prepare you for your career?
It gave me the foundations for mastering research design, critical thought, data analysis, scientific writing, data collection, and rigorous scholarship.
What would you tell students who are trying to decide between pursuing a Ph.D. or going to work in the field?
It is a deeply personal decision. Pursuing a PhD should be a very measured decision – there are many drawbacks. However, if you decide it is right for you, and you take this journey seriously, it may be the most rewarding experience you’ll ever have.
What do you like most about your current position at the University of South Carolina?
I get paid to think, do science on my thoughts, and teach all of this to others. I largely control my time and schedule. What more could I ask for? This is a dream job.
What advice do you have for our current students to make the best of their time within the TRC program?
Find value in everything you do, however small or large. Treasure the experience.