Summer REU: Final Presentation
Summer 2024, I participated in the Summer REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program at the University of Arkansas, where I completed an independent research project focused on the nature of relationships between the victim and offender in hate crimes. Using national databases housed by the university, I was able to take initiative and craft a research question that explored this complex social issue. The broad guidelines allowed me to exercise autonomy in shaping the project’s direction. At the end of the program, I presented my findings to fellow students, honing both my analytical and communication skills.
Through this experience, I gained a wide range of skills that are highly applicable to a future career in criminology. I learned how to design and conduct a study from the ground up, including how to formulate a research question, identify relevant variables, and develop a methodological framework. I became proficient in Stata and SPSS, two key statistical software programs widely used in criminological and social science research, allowing me to manage and analyze large-scale datasets. These technical skills are essential for drawing evidence-based conclusions that can inform policy and intervention strategies.
I also learned how to translate complex findings into clear, engaging visuals, making data accessible to a broader audience. This ability to communicate insights effectively is crucial in the criminology field, whether presenting to law enforcement agencies, policymakers, or community stakeholders.
Beyond technical proficiency, the experience strengthened my critical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities—all of which are vital for criminologists who investigate patterns of criminal behavior, assess risk factors, and evaluate intervention strategies. My focus on hate crimes gave me a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and disparities that often underlie criminal acts, reinforcing my commitment to using criminological research as a tool for social justice.
Overall, the REU program equipped me with a strong foundation in empirical research and data analysis, and it deepened my passion for addressing complex societal issues through a criminological lens. These skills and experiences will support my goals of contributing to research, policy, or applied work in criminal justice reform, victim advocacy, or law enforcement analysis.
Visualizing Vulnerabilities: Tackling Auto Theft at DFW
In Spring 2025, I took a course titled Special Topics in Student Success, where the main goal was to partner with an organization to help solve a real-world problem. I chose to work with DFW Airport, who needed a better, more visual way to present and understand their vehicle theft data. Throughout the project, I examined several key factors, including time of theft, day of the week, car color, and theft location within the airport. I created a combination of visual tools—such as bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs—to make the data easy to digest and highlight important patterns.
For example, I broke down theft frequency by time of day into segments like early morning, afternoon, evening, and late night to identify when thefts were most likely to happen. I analyzed theft by day of the week to see whether weekdays or weekends had higher rates, which could help DFW better allocate their resources. I also conducted a car color analysis to explore whether certain vehicle colors were targeted more often, and used a time series graph to track theft patterns across different months to spot seasonal trends. Additionally, I performed a gate analysis to determine if certain terminals or parking areas were more vulnerable to thefts.
At the end of the project, I compiled all the visuals and findings into a polished, executive-friendly presentation paired with an abstract summary. This allowed leadership to quickly understand the major takeaways and see exactly where they could take action. Through this project, I strengthened my skills in data visualization, communication, and strategic problem-solving—and I’m proud that my work provided DFW Airport with insights that could directly improve their security planning and theft prevention efforts.
Serving Those Who Serve: My Holiday Mission
My favorite part of the year is Christmas break, but not for the reasons most people expect. What makes the holiday season so special to me is the tradition of volunteering at the airport. Since I was 10 years old, my mom and I would spend two nights each December at DFW Airport, welcoming troops home for the holidays. Around this time, all the boot camps near Dallas drive in their troops so they can fly home, and we’re there to greet them.
We would arrive at the airport around 10 p.m. and stay until 5 a.m., helping the troops find their gates, offering warm welcomes, and making sure they felt supported and cared for. To help, I would raise money for months beforehand, raking people’s yards, baking cakes to sell, and cleaning pools to buy them meals, because for many, it would be their first real meal in a long time.
Now that I’m older, my mom no longer joins me. I’ve taken over the tradition and go by myself. Spending those nights volunteering has taught me the true meaning of service, community, and kindness. It’s a tradition that continues to shape my values and remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Center for Community Engagement Service Award
University of Arkansas | Spring 2025
This award recognizes students who have completed over 50 hours of volunteer service through the University of Arkansas. I earned this recognition through my involvement in various service opportunities on campus and in the surrounding community.
Volunteering has allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds, gain a deeper understanding of local needs, and contribute in a meaningful way outside the classroom. Whether assisting with campus events, community drives, or outreach programs, each experience has strengthened my commitment to service and personal growth.
I am thankful to the Volunteer Action Center for providing opportunities to get involved and for encouraging a culture of giving back. Receiving this award has motivated me to continue serving others and staying engaged with causes that matter.