The University of Maryland's Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is proud to announce the recipients of the Annual Dr. Anat Kimchi Graduate Student Awards for the academic year 2024-2025. These awards, supported by the Kimchi Family and the Department, serve as a heartfelt tribute to the memory and legacy of Dr. Anat Kimchi, a beloved University of Maryland graduate student in Criminology and Criminal Justice who was tragically killed in 2021.  This endowment memorializes her passion for quantitative empirical research related to racial inequality, recidivism, social justice, or the study of formal institutions of social control.

In this year's selection, we honor the outstanding work of three exceptional graduate students, each making significant contributions to the field of criminology and criminal justice. In making these awards, the Kimchi Family and the Department preserve the memory of Dr. Kimchi’s life and accomplishments.

 The Kimchi Memorial Graduate Student Awardee: Torri Sperry

Torri Sperry, the recipient of the Dr. Anat Kimchi Memorial Graduate Award, is a CCJS doctoral candidate, at the forefront of unraveling racial inequalities in law enforcement. With a focus on reducing community violence and enhancing policing practices, Torri collaborates closely with communities and law enforcement agencies to drive tangible change. This research zeroes in on the often-overlooked racial disparities, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

Supported by the Kimchi Memorial Graduate Award, Torri's data-driven approach aims to illuminate the intricate dynamics of race, community violence, and policing. Through participation in the prestigious ICPSR Summer Program, she is sharpening her skills in time series analysis and quantitative techniques, poised to make lasting contributions towards a more just and equitable society.

Torri expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is an incredible honor to be nominated for the Kimchi Memorial Graduate Award. I am grateful for the opportunity that this award provides to expand my quantitative skills at ICPSR's Summer Research Program and to carry on the legacy of Anat's efforts for effecting positive change in the justice system.”  

The Kimchi Memorial Graduate Student Travel Awardee: Dixin Li

Dixin Li, the recipient of the Dr. Anat Kimchi Travel Award, is a CCJS doctoral candidate researching the impact of Kim Foxx's progressive prosecution policies in Cook County from 2014 to 2019. Using methodologies like difference-in-difference designs, Li examines how these reforms influence policing, prosecution, and sentencing patterns, focusing on racial disparities and incarceration rates.

Reflecting on past experiences, Dixin notes, "The Kimchi Graduate Award was instrumental in supporting my academic conference travel two years ago, allowing me to network, receive valuable feedback, and enhance my master's thesis project. I am grateful for the continued recognition and support from this award, and I plan to use the funding again this year to attend the ASC Annual Conference. Thank you for the ongoing assistance and opportunities provided by the Kimchi Graduate Award."