Lauren Maldonado

Thesis: The Impact of the Prison Code on Program Participation

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I will be attending the George Washington University Law School next fall to pursue my aspirations of becoming an attorney.

“I am extremely grateful for my time in the CCJS Honors Program because of the guidance and support I have received from Dr. Bersani and my peers. I have seen so much improvement with my research and writing abilities, which will help me tremendously in law school and future jobs.”

Jordan Roberts

Thesis: Human Trafficking as A Cybercrime: A Rational Choice Theory Perspective

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I plan to earn a Masters degree in I/O Psychology.

“I've gained so much knowledge and skill in this program, all thanks to Dr. Bersani and my awesome cohort!”

Tatiana Reyes

Thesis: Treatment Accessibility and Mental Well-Being Amongst Incarcerated Women

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: This upcoming year I will be taking a gap year while working as a Lead Mentor for Terp Young Scholars and applying to masters’ programs for Social Work. I hope to spend this year planning financially and traveling to new places.

“The honors program has given me the opportunity to challenge my research capabilities and critical thinking in an inclusive and encouraging environment. I have been able to expand my network with departmental faculty and participate in more research and internship opportunities as well.”

Logan DiStasio

Thesis: A New Era of Reentry: Addressing the Application of Identity Theories of Desistance to Reentry Programs for Individuals Experiencing Emerging Adulthood

Public Dissemination: Youtube

Post-Grad Plans: I am planning on converting to a full-time employee with the United States Department of Justice while also obtaining a Master's degree in Criminal Justice.

“I am very grateful and appreciative for the impact the honors program and all those involved had on my future ambitions. My favorite part was learning to think more critically about academic research and how it impacts the structural conditions of the criminal justice system and criminology as a whole.”

Lois Richman

Thesis: An Evaluation of State-Level Trauma-Informed Care in the Juvenile Justice System

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I will be teaching English abroad for a year before attending graduate school for a Master’s in Social Work.

“The CCJS honors program instilled a newfound confidence in my ability to conduct research. It also provided a supportive community which changed my college experience for the better.”

Jordan Pierce

Thesis: College Student Attitudes towards Those with Criminal Records in Higher Education

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I will be joining the University of Maryland's Criminology and Criminal Justice PhD program in the fall.

“I really enjoyed my time in the honors program as it gave me the opportunity to conduct my own research and learn more about the research process. I think this program has prepared me well for graduate school and I look forward to continue conducting research in the future.”

Morgan Sirota

Thesis: Assessment of School Resource Officers Regarding Perception of Safety and Opinions

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I plan on taking a gap year to gain some work experience before applying to graduate school.

“I am thankful for the honors program as it allowed me to discover my love for research.”

Anna Newell

Thesis: A State-Level Analysis of Juvenile Justice Policies and Outcomes

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I will be attending Pennsylvania State University and pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminology.

“The honors program was a great way to get research experience and was very useful in developing my career goals.”

Talia Frank

Thesis: Testing the Incorporation of Racial Threat and Contact Theories into One Framework

Public Dissemination: Video

Post-Grad Plans: I am planning on taking some time off from school to do direct service work and reflect on whether law school or grad school would be the right path for me.

“I am truly shocked at what I have been able to learn and achieve in this program. At the beginning I couldn't even read a research paper and I tried a "fake it till I make it" approach. At some point it all just clicked and now I have written a theory heavy thesis and conducted data analyses, two things I never imagined I would be able to do.”

Sofia Del Signore

Thesis: How Cooperation Between Victim Advocates and Police Impact Victim Satisfaction and Effectiveness 

Public Dissemination: Video

Post-Grad Plans: After graduation I will first be traveling and then begin pursuing a career within the field of victim advocacy.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my entire time within the CCJS Honors program and I am very grateful to have been able to be a part of this program. It has introduced me to the most amazing people and has helped me to develop my research skills and shape my future career aspirations.”

Shannon Leigh McGuire

Thesis: A Cross-National Analysis on the American and German Prison Model

Public Dissemination: Tik Tok Video

Post-Grad Plans: After graduation, I plan on taking a gap year traveling abroad during the summer before finding a job at a law firm and then later attending law school.

“My time in the honors program is one I will always value for teaching me more about many criminology and criminal justice topics as well as giving me more research experience. More importantly, this program gave me the opportunity to conduct my own research and discover my area of focus: prison reform.”

Emilia Curzake

Thesis: The Effects of Covid-19 on Juvenile Delinquency: A Routine Activities Approach

Public Dissemination: Infographic

Post-Grad Plans: I plan to work in law enforcement after graduating.

“My favorite part of the Honors Program has been the relationships fostered within the cohort. Being at such a large university, it is rare to get the opportunity to form a community like the one we have found in this program. It has been a pleasure to work with everyone and be a part of such a supportive group who genuinely want to see each other succeed.”