About
Our Team
LPRC’s world-class team of loss-prevention specialists is fully committed to creating a safer, more profitable future for the retail industry.
LPRC Team
Read Hayes, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Hayes started as a store detective in retail loss prevention and has more than 30 years of hands-on crime and loss control experience working with organizations worldwide. He is co-director of the Loss Prevention Research Team at the University of Florida and director of the retailer-supplier coalition Loss Prevention Research Council. Dr. Hayes co-founded the University of Florida’s globally used National Retail Security Survey in 1989 and has conducted more than 75 LP field research projects. He has spoken at more than 100 conferences and is the author of more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, 150 magazine articles, and four top-selling books. He provides crime prevention expertise to Fox News, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, Oprah, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, BusinessWeek, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, and the BBC.
Chad McIntosh
Chief Operating Officer
Chad retired from Bloomingdale’s where he was vice president of asset protection and risk management. Chad is an accomplished loss prevention executive with more than 40 years of experience as a strategic partner with corporate leadership. Chad has retail loss prevention experience with various retailers including Neiman Marcus, The Home Depot, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Macy’s. Chad is a founding member of LPRC and is currently the director of operations for the council. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in business administration.
Bryan Hayes
Chief Financial Officer
Bryan, a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Biology and Business Administration, brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and business acumen to his role. With a proven track record in sales, business growth, and development, coupled with exceptional management skills and a sharp attention to detail, Bryan is a formidable asset to the Loss Prevention Research Council. Having dedicated four years to LPRC, Bryan is deeply committed to advancing the organization’s mission of fostering a safer and more profitable future for the retail industry. His strategic leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in driving the LPRC towards its objectives and making a lasting impact in the industry.
Cory Lowe, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Cory Lowe was born and raised in Taylorsville, Georgia. He moved to Gainesville in 2016 to pursue his Ph.D. in criminology, law, and society at the University of Florida. At UF, he specialized in criminological theory, crime prevention, and research methods and defended his dissertation “Moral Communities in Chicago Neighborhoods: Examining the Relationship between Family and Neighborhood Religiosity and Youth Substance Use and Delinquency ” in July 2020. He has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, several chapters, and entries in edited volumes, and has presented his research at numerous regional and national conferences. Prior to attending the University of Florida, he received his B.A. in history and political science from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia; and his M.A. in sociology and criminology at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. His grandfather, Clayton Jackson Harris, is his hero.
Diego Rodriguez
Marketing Manager
Diego graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, and a minor in Sociology. He graduated with cum laude honors for both degrees. While at the University of Florida he was heavily involved in pre-law programs including Phi Alpha Delta and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. In 2019 the UF Phi Alpha Delta Pre Law chapter awarded him the inaugural Diego J Rodriguez UF Phi Alpha Delta Outstanding Member Award. He was also recognized by the National chapter for putting together Law in the Swamp, a pre-law conference with over 40 law schools and 20 organizations from across the nation. The event was awarded the National Outstanding Professional Program Award beating out dozens of other nominated programs. In his spare time, he enjoys finding new nature trails to explore and volunteering at the Alachua County Animal Services Center.
Christy Bauswell
Director of Business Development
Caleb Bowyer, M.S.
Research Scientist
Caleb Bowyer is a PhD candidate in engineering at the University of Florida, and his dissertation research is about determining how to best train cooperative autonomous agents from noisy and partially observed data for decision making tasks. At the LPRC, he is head of the LPRC’s DETECT research initiative and co-leader of the Data Analytics Working Group (DAWG). He researches, develops, and implements AI solutions related to detecting theft, fraud, or violence attempts earlier and further away from retail stores. For examples, his research spans everything from web scraping social media sites or forums online in Zone 5, to utilizing license plate reader technology in Zone 4, to running various object detection models in Zone 3, to trialing audio threat detection in Zone 2, down to what are the best protocols for Body-Worn Cameras in Zone 1 inside of a retail store. His dream goal at the LPRC is to integrate all of the AI sensors and models across the five zones of influence, once they are all sufficiently developed, into a production ready system for better alerting of offenders in real time and detecting repeat offenders on their journey to commit harm and then deflecting that harm. Caleb is also highly interested in new OSINT methodologies and leveraging better OSINT tools to help with improve outcomes in investigations and for retroactive studies of incidents. His list of research projects at the LPRC is ever evolving and expanding.
Christina Burton, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Christina received her PhD in criminal justice at the University of Central Florida where she focuses on situational crime prevention, intelligence-led policing and crime analysis, wildlife criminology, and environmental criminology. She previously received a Master’s Degree in criminal justice and a graduate certificate in crime analysis from UCF, and Bachelor’s Degrees in both anthropology and biology from the University of Florida. Christina joined the Loss Prevention Research Council as a part-time research scientist with the intention of transitioning into a full-time position upon completion of her PhD at UCF. Christina will apply her skills and knowledge to support LPRC research on supply chain protection, product protection, and other areas.
Josh Bush, M.S.
Research Project Coordinator
Josh Bush has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a focus in fermentation science from Appalachian State University along with a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. He has a diverse work history with experience in nuclear medicine, hazardous waste, chemistry research, hydrogen fuel cells, email marketing, brewing, and higher education lab management. While in his master’s program Josh was a top 16 finalist in UF’s Big Idea competition, a business plan and pitch competition for UF students. He is a solution-focused problem solver bringing his diverse experience and education to create solutions to unique problems. In his free time he spends time with his family cooking, hiking, and traveling. His favorite places to travel include Apalachicola, Florida as well as Boone, North Carolina.
Jonathan Duong
Research Technologist
Jonathan attended FIT in New York City where he studied design. He has more than fifteen years of experience working in technology and is passionate about user experience and teaching others. His hobbies include painting, sculpture, and volunteering in his community. He and his wife Kate also enjoy traveling and trying new cuisines.
Tiffany Frison, M.A.
Research Assistant
Tiffany, a native of Gainesville, Florida, graduated from the University College Dublin, where she received her Master’s Degree in sociology. She has more than nine years of experience working in administration and international education and is excited to apply her experience to her new role as a research assistant at the LPRC. Tiffany is a creative at heart and enjoys going to concerts and anything to do with the arts.
Tom Keel
SP Engagement Coordinator
Tom is a long-time independent fee-based financial advisor within the Investment Management arena. As the Solution Partner Engagement Coordinator for the LPRC, he’s able to utilize his extensive marketing and client service skills. Tom is “Mr. Fixit ” for the SP membership portion of the LPRC community and strives to advance their knowledge and use of the many benefits therein.
Alex Palomar, M.B.A.
Research Project Coordinator
Alex Palomar graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 with a Bachelors of Criminology. She was able to excel academically, graduating Cum Laude and being involved in in the Criminology and Law honor society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars while enrolled at the university. She immediately began her career upon graduation in the forensic behavioral health field and moved into program evaluation for forensics. This inspired her to begin her journey and pursual of a Masters of Business Administration, which she achieved in 2023 from the John’s Hopkins University. She was able to obtain a Dean’s Merit Scholarship from the University as well. Since then, Alex has grown in her career with project management and criminal justice through the LPRC. She is welcoming a newborn baby as of June 2024 and will enjoy splitting her time between Baby Jovie and her career.
Kim Ruffier
Membership & Events Coordinator
Kim graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in public relations. She recently relocated back to Gainesville from Orlando, where she was the event manager for a historic venue, overseeing 100+ events a year. She was also active in civic and non-profit organizations such as the Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County Public Schools, and the City of Orlando. In her free time, Kim enjoys watching Gator sports, especially football and baseball, as well as spending time exploring outdoors and trying new restaurants.
Jaclyn Siu
Research Assistant
Jaclyn Siu has a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Geography in Global Health and a Bachelor’s of Public Health from the University of Florida. She has also obtained certificates in Geo:AI and Geographic Information Systems. She graduated magna cum laude in 2024, completing a thesis on anthrax environmental predictors with the UF Geography SEER Lab. She began working as a research assistant with the LPRC to explore her passion for geography and spatial analysis. Jaclyn will continue to grow as a geographer with the LPRC by developing geospatial content. While not working on maps, Jaclyn enjoys exploring Gainesville’s many nature areas and trying new foods.
Justin J. Smith, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Justin J. Smith was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. He received a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Justin’s dissertation, “Innovation Resistance ? Understanding Officer Attitudes Toward Police Innovation ,” reported the key findings of a mixed-method study he devised that involved primary data collection. He surveyed and interviewed police officers regarding their opinions toward innovations such as community-oriented policing and crime analysis. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Justin received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in criminal justice, both from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He is also a graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts where he majored in theater. Justin has authored several peer-reviewed publications. He has presented at national conferences, such as the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and regional conferences such as the Southern Criminal Justice Association. He has taught undergraduate courses such as Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Famous Crimes and Trials. His primary research interests include police innovation and culture, environmental criminology, and situational crime prevention. In his off hours, Justin enjoys exercising, watching classic films, and spending time with his family.
Hannah Williams
Operations Coordinator
Hannah is a graduate of The University of Florida, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sustainability. She is an active member of TEDxUF, where she works on a team to fundraise and gain partnerships for their annual spring conference. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with friends and exploring the many nature preserves in Gainesville. Hannah is encouraged to continue learning the Criminology and the psychological motives behind crime as a part of the operations team at LPRC.
Sam Yeung, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Kam Leung (Sam) Yeung received his BS from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at Iowa State University, where his research focused on consumer psychology, judgment, and decision-making. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of North Florida and Iowa State. He has authored research reports in top journals such as Nature Sustainability and Educational Psychology Review, and an Op-Ed in The Washington Post on consumer behavior. He has extensive experience with experimental design and statistical modeling.
He is also well-versed in data science techniques such as SQL, Python, data visualization, machine learning, natural language processing, and big data analysis. He builds secure data pipelines, collects publicly available data at a large scale, and works on projects within the Innovate program and Retail Fraud working group at the LPRC.
He is always learning the latest data techniques. He is interested in biking, hiking, photography, and likes to spend time with his family.
Read Hayes, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Hayes started as a store detective in retail loss prevention and has more than 30 years of hands-on crime and loss control experience working with organizations worldwide. He is co-director of the Loss Prevention Research Team at the University of Florida and director of the retailer-supplier coalition Loss Prevention Research Council. Dr. Hayes co-founded the University of Florida’s globally used National Retail Security Survey in 1989 and has conducted more than 75 LP field research projects. He has spoken at more than 100 conferences and is the author of more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, 150 magazine articles, and four top-selling books. He provides crime prevention expertise to Fox News, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, Oprah, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, BusinessWeek, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, and the BBC.
Chad McIntosh
Chief Operating Officer
Chad retired from Bloomingdale’s where he was vice president of asset protection and risk management. Chad is an accomplished loss prevention executive with more than 40 years of experience as a strategic partner with corporate leadership. Chad has retail loss prevention experience with various retailers including Neiman Marcus, The Home Depot, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Macy’s. Chad is a founding member of LPRC and is currently the director of operations for the council. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in business administration.
Bryan Hayes
Chief Financial Officer
Bryan, a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Biology and Business Administration, brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and business acumen to his role. With a proven track record in sales, business growth, and development, coupled with exceptional management skills and a sharp attention to detail, Bryan is a formidable asset to the Loss Prevention Research Council. Having dedicated four years to LPRC, Bryan is deeply committed to advancing the organization’s mission of fostering a safer and more profitable future for the retail industry. His strategic leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in driving the LPRC towards its objectives and making a lasting impact in the industry.
Cory Lowe, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Cory Lowe was born and raised in Taylorsville, Georgia. He moved to Gainesville in 2016 to pursue his Ph.D. in criminology, law, and society at the University of Florida. At UF, he specialized in criminological theory, crime prevention, and research methods and defended his dissertation “Moral Communities in Chicago Neighborhoods: Examining the Relationship between Family and Neighborhood Religiosity and Youth Substance Use and Delinquency ” in July 2020. He has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, several chapters, and entries in edited volumes, and has presented his research at numerous regional and national conferences. Prior to attending the University of Florida, he received his B.A. in history and political science from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia; and his M.A. in sociology and criminology at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. His grandfather, Clayton Jackson Harris, is his hero.
Diego Rodriguez
Marketing Manager
Diego graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, and a minor in Sociology. He graduated with cum laude honors for both degrees. While at the University of Florida he was heavily involved in pre-law programs including Phi Alpha Delta and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. In 2019 the UF Phi Alpha Delta Pre Law chapter awarded him the inaugural Diego J Rodriguez UF Phi Alpha Delta Outstanding Member Award. He was also recognized by the National chapter for putting together Law in the Swamp, a pre-law conference with over 40 law schools and 20 organizations from across the nation. The event was awarded the National Outstanding Professional Program Award beating out dozens of other nominated programs. In his spare time, he enjoys finding new nature trails to explore and volunteering at the Alachua County Animal Services Center.
Christy Bauswell
Director of Business Development
Caleb Bowyer, M.S.
Research Scientist
Caleb Bowyer is a PhD candidate in engineering at the University of Florida, and his dissertation research is about determining how to best train cooperative autonomous agents from noisy and partially observed data for decision making tasks. At the LPRC, he is head of the LPRC’s DETECT research initiative and co-leader of the Data Analytics Working Group (DAWG). He researches, develops, and implements AI solutions related to detecting theft, fraud, or violence attempts earlier and further away from retail stores. For examples, his research spans everything from web scraping social media sites or forums online in Zone 5, to utilizing license plate reader technology in Zone 4, to running various object detection models in Zone 3, to trialing audio threat detection in Zone 2, down to what are the best protocols for Body-Worn Cameras in Zone 1 inside of a retail store. His dream goal at the LPRC is to integrate all of the AI sensors and models across the five zones of influence, once they are all sufficiently developed, into a production ready system for better alerting of offenders in real time and detecting repeat offenders on their journey to commit harm and then deflecting that harm. Caleb is also highly interested in new OSINT methodologies and leveraging better OSINT tools to help with improve outcomes in investigations and for retroactive studies of incidents. His list of research projects at the LPRC is ever evolving and expanding.
Christina Burton, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Christina received her PhD in criminal justice at the University of Central Florida where she focuses on situational crime prevention, intelligence-led policing and crime analysis, wildlife criminology, and environmental criminology. She previously received a Master’s Degree in criminal justice and a graduate certificate in crime analysis from UCF, and Bachelor’s Degrees in both anthropology and biology from the University of Florida. Christina joined the Loss Prevention Research Council as a part-time research scientist with the intention of transitioning into a full-time position upon completion of her PhD at UCF. Christina will apply her skills and knowledge to support LPRC research on supply chain protection, product protection, and other areas.
Josh Bush, M.S.
Research Project Coordinator
Josh Bush has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a focus in fermentation science from Appalachian State University along with a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. He has a diverse work history with experience in nuclear medicine, hazardous waste, chemistry research, hydrogen fuel cells, email marketing, brewing, and higher education lab management. While in his master’s program Josh was a top 16 finalist in UF’s Big Idea competition, a business plan and pitch competition for UF students. He is a solution-focused problem solver bringing his diverse experience and education to create solutions to unique problems. In his free time he spends time with his family cooking, hiking, and traveling. His favorite places to travel include Apalachicola, Florida as well as Boone, North Carolina.
Jonathan Duong
Research Technologist
Jonathan attended FIT in New York City where he studied design. He has more than fifteen years of experience working in technology and is passionate about user experience and teaching others. His hobbies include painting, sculpture, and volunteering in his community. He and his wife Kate also enjoy traveling and trying new cuisines.
Tiffany Frison, M.A.
Research Assistant
Tiffany, a native of Gainesville, Florida, graduated from the University College Dublin, where she received her Master’s Degree in sociology. She has more than nine years of experience working in administration and international education and is excited to apply her experience to her new role as a research assistant at the LPRC. Tiffany is a creative at heart and enjoys going to concerts and anything to do with the arts.
Tom Keel
SP Engagement Coordinator
Tom is a long-time independent fee-based financial advisor within the Investment Management arena. As the Solution Partner Engagement Coordinator for the LPRC, he’s able to utilize his extensive marketing and client service skills. Tom is “Mr. Fixit ” for the SP membership portion of the LPRC community and strives to advance their knowledge and use of the many benefits therein.
Alex Palomar, M.B.A.
Research Project Coordinator
Alex Palomar graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 with a Bachelors of Criminology. She was able to excel academically, graduating Cum Laude and being involved in in the Criminology and Law honor society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars while enrolled at the university. She immediately began her career upon graduation in the forensic behavioral health field and moved into program evaluation for forensics. This inspired her to begin her journey and pursual of a Masters of Business Administration, which she achieved in 2023 from the John’s Hopkins University. She was able to obtain a Dean’s Merit Scholarship from the University as well. Since then, Alex has grown in her career with project management and criminal justice through the LPRC. She is welcoming a newborn baby as of June 2024 and will enjoy splitting her time between Baby Jovie and her career.
Kim Ruffier
Membership & Events Coordinator
Kim graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in public relations. She recently relocated back to Gainesville from Orlando, where she was the event manager for a historic venue, overseeing 100+ events a year. She was also active in civic and non-profit organizations such as the Orlando Museum of Art, Orange County Public Schools, and the City of Orlando. In her free time, Kim enjoys watching Gator sports, especially football and baseball, as well as spending time exploring outdoors and trying new restaurants.
Jaclyn Siu
Research Assistant
Jaclyn Siu has a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Geography in Global Health and a Bachelor’s of Public Health from the University of Florida. She has also obtained certificates in Geo:AI and Geographic Information Systems. She graduated magna cum laude in 2024, completing a thesis on anthrax environmental predictors with the UF Geography SEER Lab. She began working as a research assistant with the LPRC to explore her passion for geography and spatial analysis. Jaclyn will continue to grow as a geographer with the LPRC by developing geospatial content. While not working on maps, Jaclyn enjoys exploring Gainesville’s many nature areas and trying new foods.
Justin J. Smith, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Justin J. Smith was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. He received a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Justin’s dissertation, “Innovation Resistance ? Understanding Officer Attitudes Toward Police Innovation ,” reported the key findings of a mixed-method study he devised that involved primary data collection. He surveyed and interviewed police officers regarding their opinions toward innovations such as community-oriented policing and crime analysis. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Justin received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in criminal justice, both from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He is also a graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts where he majored in theater. Justin has authored several peer-reviewed publications. He has presented at national conferences, such as the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and regional conferences such as the Southern Criminal Justice Association. He has taught undergraduate courses such as Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Famous Crimes and Trials. His primary research interests include police innovation and culture, environmental criminology, and situational crime prevention. In his off hours, Justin enjoys exercising, watching classic films, and spending time with his family.
Hannah Williams
Operations Coordinator
Hannah is a graduate of The University of Florida, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sustainability. She is an active member of TEDxUF, where she works on a team to fundraise and gain partnerships for their annual spring conference. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with friends and exploring the many nature preserves in Gainesville. Hannah is encouraged to continue learning the Criminology and the psychological motives behind crime as a part of the operations team at LPRC.
Sam Yeung, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Kam Leung (Sam) Yeung received his BS from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at Iowa State University, where his research focused on consumer psychology, judgment, and decision-making. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of North Florida and Iowa State. He has authored research reports in top journals such as Nature Sustainability and Educational Psychology Review, and an Op-Ed in The Washington Post on consumer behavior. He has extensive experience with experimental design and statistical modeling.
He is also well-versed in data science techniques such as SQL, Python, data visualization, machine learning, natural language processing, and big data analysis. He builds secure data pipelines, collects publicly available data at a large scale, and works on projects within the Innovate program and Retail Fraud working group at the LPRC.
He is always learning the latest data techniques. He is interested in biking, hiking, photography, and likes to spend time with his family.
Special Advisors
Mike Lamb
Special Advisor
Tom Arigi
Special Advisor
Mike Lamb
Special Advisor
Tom Arigi
Special Advisor
Research Fellows
Ben Stickle, Ph.D.
Research Fellow