Sophia Amoroso

Thesis: "Effects of the Consent Decree on Police Subculture: Perceptions of Baltimore Police Officers"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: Interning at the Baltimore County states attorneys office and studying for the LSAT.

"The honors program transformed me as a student, not only through the quality of my work, but also by showing me how much I was capable of."

Serena Bujtor

Thesis: "The Relationship Between Public Safety Policy Components in a Mental Health Crisis and Students' Likelihood to Seek Help"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: Serena will be attending a Counseling and School Psychology combined PhD program at Florida State University.

“This program was a great introduction to the world of independent research. I am so glad that I got to cement my goals to further my education and research career along side a cohort that has supported me through the stress of balancing work, school, volunteering, and my research."

Jenna Ferrick

Thesis: "New Generation: College Students' Identity and Concern for Mass Shooting Victimization"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: I will be working full time at Mclean Psychiatric Hospital as a Mental Health Specialist in Boston!

"The honors program was such a privilege to participate in. The collaborative and welcoming environment created by the advisors and peers made this program both academically challenging and rewarding."

Kara Groisser

Thesis: "Deciphering the Factors: Faculty Discretion in Academic Misconduct Referrals"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: I will be working in New York City as a public defense investigator for 1-2 years post-graduation, before applying to grad/law school.

"The honors program has provided me with invaluable insights and experiences that I will surely carry with me through the rest of my career. More importantly, I am beyond grateful for the incredibly supportive community of brilliant advisors and peers that the honors program has given me!"

Elliott L. Idol

Thesis: "Gender and the Blue Code of Silence"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: I plan to pursue my PhD at Michigan State University and do research on police policy.

“This program was amazing in so many ways. I received guidance on my present studies, had networking opportunities, had support from peers and Dr. Bersani in academic and personal struggles, and learned so much about the research process and how to manage larger/long term projects. This program was invaluable in setting me up for grad school."

Natalie Jillson

Thesis: "The Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. Cybercrime"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: I am pursuing a Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security at the University at Albany, SUNY.

“The CCJS Honors Program challenged me academically and allowed me to explore research through topics that interested me. I am very grateful for the constant support I had from Dr. Bersani, Casey, and my cohort."

Rhiannon Little

Thesis: "Changing the Conversation: The Use of Person-First Language in Criminal Labels"

Public Dissemination: Website

Post-Grad Plans: After graduation, I plan to gain work experience in the legal field before pursuing a JD/MA in Criminology.

“The CCJS Honors Program has connected me with the most inspiring community of student researchers. I have learned so much about myself over the past two years and developed a passion for research, while making friends for life."

Darcy Luntz

Thesis: "Incarcerated Women and Help Seeking: How Self-Identity Impacts Program Participation and Perceived Effectiveness"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: After graduation, I will be continuing my internship at Baltimore Life Insurance, with the hopes of pursuing a career in criminal justice research and reform in the future.

“The honors program has taught me so much and helped me build on my research skills. It also helped me gain confidence and inspired new passion for criminology and criminal justice research."

Dylan Sarubin

Thesis: "Toward an Understanding of the Intergenerational Cycle of Violence: The Development and Pilot Test of the Intimate Partner Abuse Scales"

Public Dissemination: Website

Post-Grad Plans: I will be taking a gap year to work in a behavioral neuroscience lab before pursuing a Ph.D.

“The honors program has been an incredible experience where I have grown as a researcher under Dr. Bersani's guidance and made several close friends. I will undoubtedly look back on my time in the program fondly and use the skills I have learned as I continue on my academic journey."

Leslie Sena

Thesis: "Components of the Domestic Violence Victim-Advocate Connection"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: I plan on pursuing a career in child victimology and advocacy.

"Without the CCJS Honors Program, I would not have been able to develop my writing and research skills to the level they have reached. My professor, graduate teaching assistant, and peers helped me further these skills and made this a great experience."

Camila Valeria Soler

Thesis: "Does Receptivity to Immigrants Correlate with Sentencing Disparities for the Latine Population?: A State-By-State Study"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: My post-graduation plan is going to law school! For my career I want to provide free and affordable representation for the immigrant community and I want to help with research in order to reform current policy.

"I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of this amazing program that pushed me intellectually to research a topic that I am so passionate about. I am very thankful for Dr. Bersani, Casey, and the entire cohort, could not have done it without all the support and collaboration!"

Jillian Tryon

Thesis: "The Role of Religion on Human Trafficking Victimization"

Public Dissemination: Coming Soon

Post-Grad Plans: I plan to ultimately obtain a Master's in International Relations.

"This program was definitely challenging, but it ultimately ended up being super rewarding. It was fun to be a part of a cohort who was so passionate about their research."

Joanna Wahmhoff

Thesis: "Beyond Benefits: Examining the Effects of Welfare Disqualification Due to Felony Drug Convictions on Recidivism"

Public Dissemination: Poster

Post-Grad Plans: I will be attending Northeastern University in pursuit of a PhD in Criminology and Justice Policy.

“The honors program has opened up a lot of opportunities for me and I feel much more prepared for graduate school than I would have without it. The writing and research experience gained throughout the program will be invaluable moving forward."