University of North Texas 
First, tell us a little about yourself. 
I have always been involved in the world of academia. I am a double graduate from
the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green!). I obtained my B.S. in 2018, and my
M.S. in 2022, both in Criminal Justice. While in school, I worked full-time in the
Texas wine industry and served as a graduate student assistant (GSA). After a two-year
break, and deciding to further my education, I am now a doctoral student at Tarleton
State University working towards my Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. When I am not studying,
you can typically find me at CrossFit WestWood in Fort Worth or at home spending time
with my husband and our cat.
Why did you choose to study criminal justice?
I chose to study criminal justice because I want to help juveniles who may have experienced
a difficult upbringing. Many juveniles will seek the “easy” route and turn to a life
of crime because they feel like there is no other alternative. I hope to become a
positive influence in the life of local juveniles and show them that our past doesn’t
define our future.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The topics within criminal justice can generally be difficult to hear. We tend to
deal with a significant amount of violence, victimology, etc. I enjoy being able to
take this information and present it to students in a way that encourages them to
have difficult conversations with one another. After all, they will be the future
of the criminal justice system.
What do you hope your students gain from your courses?
I hope that my students can not only comprehend and retain the information presented
in each course, but also develop a passion and drive for wanting to help members of
their community.
What did you do before pursuing a career in academia, and why did you decide to pursue
higher ed instead?
I have always been interested in the world of academia. After all, I have only ever
been a student. I enjoy learning and teaching others the knowledge that I have gained.
While in the graduate program at UNT, I worked both as a graduate student assistant
(GSA) and as a server in the Texas wine industry. Both positions have encouraged me
to come out of my shell and exude confidence in my work and presentations. It is my
goal to continue to pursue work in academia both in teaching and future research.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not teaching, I am a doctoral student at Tarleton State University. My friends
and family joke that my career will be a “forever student”. In addition to studying
for the Ph.D. program, I am working towards my Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Level 2 Certification in Wine. All education aside, I also enjoy being active at my
local CrossFit gym.
Do you have any fun facts that others may not know about you?
Fun Fact… I am afraid of open water (such as oceans, lakes, rivers, etc.).