In the Spring, 147 students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. We are not only excited at all their accomplishments during their times as undergraduate students but also are excited to see where they go in the future. We are thrilled to have them join our growing alumni base. Once a Hoosier, always a Hoosier!
Our 4+1 Pathway Program is still growing! This program allows students to earn and BA and MA in five years. This Spring, two students graduated from the undergraduate portion of the program: Natalie Feiwell and Gene Gerardot. They will spend the next year finishing the Masters part of the degree – the +1. Join us in congratulating these two students on their graduation.
Phi Betta Kappa, is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic honor societies in the field of liberal arts and sciences. Since its founding in 1776, it has had over half a million lifetime members. Joining the organizations from our department include Lily Ecoff, Natalie Feiwell, Makayla Karsch, Anna Marble, Evan Swettenam, and Konner Sommers.
Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Honor Society in Criminal Justice, had several members graduate as part of the Class of 2026. This organization is dedicated to fostering analytical thinking, academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service among students and professionals in the field. Congratulations to the following individuals: Faisal AlGhamdi, Mawaddah Aminou, Marquelah Derrick-Rowles, Jennifer Karakash, Emma Murphy, Lyndsey Gentil, Madison Green, Samantha Meyer.
The Criminal Justice Student Association provides undergraduate students with opportunities to interact with modern issues in the criminal justice field. The fall semester was focused on guest speakers. Students heard from both new and familiar faces. Professor Cohen spoke about his 25 years as a member of the Indiana State Police and his expertise in online social networks, criminal intelligence gathering, and cybercrime. Then students had the opportunity to hear from an IU Alumni, Rebekah Bauer, who is now a Forensic Interviewer in Bloomington. In October, Stacy Uliana spoke about her experience as a criminal defense attorney and expertise with mental health issues. Bradley Seifers spoke to the group next and discussed his four years at the Deputy Superintendent at the Indiana University Police Department, his experience with the community policing strategic framework, and the U.S. military. The final speaker of the semester was Troy Hatfield, a 25-year veteran probation officer who is now the Deputy Chief of Probation Officer for Monroe County. In the spring, students had the opportunity to hear from Ben Arrington, a candidate for the Monroe County Prosecutor. We are so thankful for all the professionals who took the time to come and speak to the CJSA and help them learn about employment opportunities in the field of criminal justice!
Writing Excellent Award: Kai Burk
Bill Selke Heart of Justice Award: D’arrah Barlow
Outstanding Senior Award: Gene Gerardot
Honorable Mention: Natalie Feiwell
In the spring, the department hosted the Criminology and Criminal Justice Undergraduate Research Symposium to close out the academic year. This year we had five students present:
Jack Brehm, supervised by Ph.D. Candidate, Hannah Ridner, presented “Just What the Judges Ordered: Measuring the effectiveness of Indiana’s Drug Courts in Relation to Harm Reduction Services.”
Kai Burk, supervised by one of our PhD graduates Dr. Mitchell Farrell, presented “Learning about Learning: Conducting Meta-Analysis Research about Normative Influences on Adolescent Delinquency.”
Isaiah Farrell, supervised by Dr. Natalie Hipple, presented “Deep Dive into the Jake Laird Law.”
Allison Kobialka, supervised by Ph.D. Candidate, Hannah Ridner, presented “State Drug Policies and Spending in the Midwest.”
Addison Richards, supervised by Dr. Jennifer O’Neill, System Strain and Subjective Discretion: Racialized Detention Outcomes Intensified by COVID 19.”
The College of Arts