Why FSU?

When I decided I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree in criminology, it was important for me to select a nationally recognized program that would provide me with the best opportunity to learn and train under some of the most accomplished scholars in the field. Not only did FSU’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice meet these criteria, but it also provided me with a supportive and enriching environment that allowed me to immediately get involved in academic research with faculty and other graduate students in the college.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I have always been interested in the reasons why individuals engage in crime and violence or why certain places have higher rates of crime than others. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to take several criminology and criminal justice courses that furthered my interest on the topic. As I entered college, I quickly realized that I really enjoyed taking classes, reading interesting books and papers, and acquiring knowledge on a wide range of subjects. I also had the opportunity to take a criminology course from one of the most respected researchers in criminology, who would later inspire me to pursue a graduate degree. Pursuing a graduate degree has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Importance of your research and work

My research focuses primarily on the link between immigration and crime. During my first semester in graduate school, I read a scholarly article that showed that first-generation immigrants were nearly half as likely as third-generation immigrants (i.e., their grandchildren) to engage in violence. To me, this research finding was surprising and unexpected given what we hear in the media and from some politicians, who often associate the foreign-born with higher rates of crime. Since then, I have published my own research that further dispels the myth between immigration and crime. The importance of this work is that it shows that politicians and the media need to stop scapegoating immigrants as criminals, as this connection is refuted by the scientific evidence. It also highlights that any policies and practices intended to reduce crime by limiting the size of the foreign-born population are not based on empirical evidence.

Advice for prospective graduate students

My advice for students interested in graduate school is to do your research. Find a program of study that allows you to pursue your goals and work with faculty who share your research interests. You will be spending at least the next two years in this program, so it is important to be as comfortable as possible with your decision.

Accomplishments during graduate career

As scholars, we have the opportunity to study what we are interested in because we think it is important. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of conducting your own research is when other people think it is important as well. For example, a summary of one of my research projects that examined the influence of research on criminal justice policy and practice in Florida was published on the National Institute of Justice’s website.

I also have a summary of a recent project I have been working on that will published on the Crime and Justice Research Alliance’s website on September 18, 2019. This project found that immigrants released from Florida prisoners were less likely to reoffend in comparison to their native ex-inmates.

Career aspirations

After earning my doctorate, I hope to become a professor at a university that would allow me to continue to pursue my research interests and teach classes on a wide range of topics devoted to criminology and criminal justice. As a researcher, I also hope to establish partnerships with criminal justice agencies to assist them in implementing policies and programs that are evidence-based.