Pinnacle Lecture Series

Ann Wolbert Burgess, D.N.Sc., APRN, FAAN, is an internationally recognized pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse. She has received numerous honors including the Sigma Theta Tau International Audrey Hepburn Award, the American Nurses’ Association Hildegard Peplau Award, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Episteme Laureate Award. 

Her research with victims began when she co-founded, with Boston College sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, one of the first hospital-based crisis counseling programs at Boston City Hospital. She then worked with FBI Academy special agents to study serial offenders, and the links between child abuse, juvenile delinquency, and subsequent perpetration. Her work with Boston College nursing colleague Carol Hartman led to the study of very young victims and the impact of trauma on their growth and development, their families and communities. Her work continues in the study of elder abuse in nursing homes, cyberstalking, and Internet sex crimes. She teaches courses in Victimology, Forensic Science, Forensic Mental Health, Case Studies in Forensics, and Forensic Science Lab.

Victor Petreca, Ph.D., D.N.P., PMHNP-BC, CNP, is a board-certified advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. He has extensive experience in psychiatry (including forensics and personality disorders), correctional health care, psychopharmacology, and risk assessment. 

His research focuses on forensic psychiatry and mental health, examining issues related to victimology, sexual trauma, sexual offending, and violent behavior (e.g., mutilation and strangulation). His research is also funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to explore jail diversion programs, working closely with law enforcement and forensic clinicians to assess and optimize behavioral crisis responses. In his clinical work, he has performed psychiatric evaluations and managed the mental health care of individuals in several correctional facilities. He also performs psychiatric evaluations and psychopharmacological management for individuals who are under supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons as they reintegrate into society.

Jeff Wood, M.S., worked as a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation for more than 20 years, where he conducted complex criminal investigations targeting violent street gangs including the Bloods, Crips, Gangsta Disciples, Hell’s Angels, Latin Kings, and MS-13. An expert in interviewing and interrogations, violent crime investigations, and the creation of multi-agency investigative task forces, Wood provided expert witness testimony in federal and state courts.

He began his career in the United States Army as an airborne Ranger serving in Panama, where he was a rifle platoon leader and a scout/sniper platoon leader. Upon returning to the U.S., he served as a rifle platoon leader and company executive officer in Washington, D.C.

After leaving the Army, Wood spent two years in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, protecting U.S. and foreign dignitaries including Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. He also served as assistant regional security officer in the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.