My academic passion is learning why criminals do what they do/what made them the way
they are.
Meredith Bart
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Criminal Procedures because I felt like I learned the most useful tips.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Getting an A in a class that the professor said was considered one of the hardest
classes in the department.
What is your plan after graduation?
My plan after I graduate is to attend graduate school and get my masters.
McKayla Bishop
Junior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
My interest is in helping sure people stay out of jail. Helping understand how we
can influence the way people think about individuals who face hardships due to a criminal
record.
McKayla Bishop
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Sociology of criminal law because Dr.Shields adds in scenarios that the students have
to prosecute themself. I find that a very fun way to learn law.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am apart of the music fraternity SAI.
What is your plan after graduation?
I want to work in the forensics department.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I used to play the bassoon and tenor saxophone.
Kaitlyn Campbell
Sophomore
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
I chose the double major program because I felt it was two topics I have always been
passionate about. My research and interests are juvenile delinquency, crime and place,
environmental crime, and gang violence.
Kaitlyn Campbell
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Intro to Criminal Justice and Criminology with Dr. Drawve! He provided a course that
was very informative and introduced me to the SOCI/CRIM club, research opportunities,
mentors, and more!
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Thus far, starting research with Dr. Harris, Dr. Drawve, and Hannah Steinman.
What are you involved in on campus?
Delta Delta Delta, Sociology and Criminology Club
What is your plan after graduation?
Graduate School
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I am a cancer survivor!
Samantha Davis
Junior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
I am very passionate about serial crime. It is one of the many reasons I wanted to
study Criminology; it was not until I got to college that I ended up pursuing Sociology.
Samantha Davis
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Sociology of Criminal Law. It was a very engaging class and really pushed me to step
out of my comfort zone. It was also a very rewarding class that made me feel accomplished
in myself when I did well.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Being accepted to the University of Arkansas. This college is my dream college. I
worked very hard to be accepted at this educational institution.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am a part of LAE and the Esports Club on campus.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan to go to graduate school and continue a career in academia. I am hoping to
begin research on criminal behaviors.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I LOVE to game. Gaming allows me to apply sociological theories into inter-game conflicts.
I enjoy playing with my dog, Budi, and spending a lot of time with my Mom.
Bryson Fletcher
Senior
Criminology
Criminal Justice is very interesting to me and I plan on going to law school or a
private agency.
Bryson Fletcher
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Criminal Investigation. Professor Brooks was one of the best professors I’ve had and
made the class extremely interesting.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Passing Finance.
What are you involved in on campus?
Greek life and intramural sports.
What is your plan after graduation?
Law School
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I’ve been in the Marine Corps for 2 years and spend most of my time outdoors.
Triston Gill
Senior
Criminology
I chose to study Criminology because I intend on becoming an attorney and felt that
Criminology would provide me with a solid foundation for the work that I will be doing
in the future. In addition, I find the material and areas of study within my major
to be very fascinating, especially on the research side.
Triston Gill
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
My favorite course so far in my undergrad has to be a Criminal Law course that was
taught by Dr. Shields. It was challenging but extremely rewarding and the content
was very interesting to me as it pertains to subject matter that I will most likely
be encountering later on as an attorney.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
I feel that my greatest academic accomplishment is a research paper I that I wrote
on the topic of New Religious Movements and their link to Social Anomie in the United
States. It dove into the historical context of the proliferation of New Religious
Movements of the mid to late twentieth century and how they influenced and were influenced
by the socio cultural and political climate of the time.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan on graduating and attending Law School at the University of Arkansas. I intend
on interning at a law firm while I earn my JD and I plan on making a career out of
practicing law in Northwest Arkansas.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I was born in Springdale, Arkansas, but moved around a lot as I grew up and came back
to Fayetteville for college. I love the area and the people in it and intend on staying
here and making a life for myself.
Sydney Heyl
Sophomore
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
My academic passions are sociology and criminology related because I have always loved
the statistics behind crime, and more specifically, why people act in the ways they
do.
Sydney Heyl
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
My favorite class I have taken so far is Introduction to Criminology and CMJS because
it covered a variety of topics to explore, I looked forward to go going to class.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
My greatest academic accomplishment thus far is maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout my
first year of college.
What are you involved in on campus?
I wanted to spend my freshman year exploring what campus has to offer, so I did not
join many clubs; although, I look forward to getting more involved in the Sociology
and Criminology department as well as Alpha Upsilon Beta. I am a member of the National
Society of Collegiate Scholars.
What is your plan after graduation?
After graduation, my plan is to attend law school.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I live part-time in Belleville, Illinois and
in Frisco, Texas when I am not at the University of Arkansas.
Riley Hoogerwerf
Senior
Double Major in Sociology and Psychology
I’m interested in mental health and am going to school to get my PhD in clinical psychology.
Along side that, I’ll be researching sexual assault in marginalized communities.
Riley Hoogerwerf
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Special Topics- The Sociology of Mental Health. It gave me a fresh, and novel view
on the topic of mental heath that I don’t think I would have gotten, or at least wouldn’t
have gotten in such depth, in another class.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Getting into grad school!
What are you involved in on campus?
I’m in Psi Chi and on the university’s track and field team.
What is your plan after graduation?
Graduate school!
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I have a spot on Australian accent, I know how to juggle, and I can deadlift 450lbs.
Braden Hughes
Junior
Triple Major in Sociology, Criminology and Psychology
I chose my majors because I want to better understand people and learn to help them
either in times of need, or just in everyday life.
Braden Hughes
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Social Theory.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Maintaining above a 3.5 GPA.
What are you involved in on campus?
Army ROTC, Treasurer of New Life Elevation RSO, multiple intramural sports.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan on going to Graduate School for either Masters of Divinity (seminary) or for
a masters of psychology!
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I am in the Army ROTC program on campus. I was All-Conference in baseball for 3 consecutive
years, track for two consecutive years, and bowling for one year in high school. I
come from a family with 8 siblings who are all incredibly different.
Chloe Junkerman
Sophomore
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
I discovered my love for criminology while in high school. I took college classes
through my school and the professors there pushed me to become a better student. I
originally never knew what I wanted to do once I went to college, but after taking
their class I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in federal law enforcement. I
then decided to add on another major of sociology to broaden my horizons and make
more jobs available to me once I graduate.
Chloe Junkerman
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Criminal Investigations has definitely been my favorite class. Professor Brooks makes
the class enjoyable for his students and makes it fun to learn. He goes through different
cases that he worked at the police department and educates the class on how they were
handled. The class is super interesting and fun to learn about.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
My greatest academic accomplishment was receiving the Outstanding Criminal Justice
Student Award my senior year of high school. I took college classes through my high
school which is where I discovered my love for criminal justice. I was so proud and
honored to be awarded the highest award I could receive in the class.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am currently a member of the Razorback Marching Band and I absolutely love it.
What is your plan after graduation?
I currently plan on receiving internships my junior and senior year of college in
order to increase my chances of getting a job in federal law enforcement. Once I graduate,
I plan to work for a federal department in either counterintelligence or surveillance.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I have been playing the clarinet for almost nine years now and I absolutely love reading
about the justice system and famous criminals. I also was a part of the Future Agents
in Training Program for the F.B.I. my senior year of high school.
Emory Kincaid
Junior
Triple Major in Criminology, Sociology, and Political Science
I have an interest in the history of law and how previous decisions affect current
and future cases and decisions. I also have a keen interest in how governments and
political structures vary from country to country, but more importantly why each specific
country assumed their particular shape or structure.
Emory Kincaid
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
My favorite class I have completed within the department is Juvenile Justice (CRIM
4043), taught by Dr. Sabon. In this course we took a closer look at the challenges
juveniles face in the justice system and where these issues are rooted. Many juveniles
are labeled as a criminal at an early age and we focused on how this can lead to a
lifetime of obstacles and recidivism.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Being named to the Chancellor's list upon back to back 4.0 semesters in the fall of
2019 and the spring of 2020.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Razorback Foundation
Collegiate Board. I am also a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. During the 2019-2020
school year I served on the ASG executive cabinet and also served as the Vice President
of Leadership for New Greek Council.
What is your plan after graduation?
Upon graduation in the spring of 2022 I plan on attending Law School.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I currently (June 2020) work for a media group that produces "The Hog Pod," an Arkansas
Razorbacks sports podcast that is in conjunction with the University of Arkansas Athletic
Department.
William Travis Martin
Senior
Criminal Justice
My passions are to be able to help people because not everybody has the tools to help
themselves.
William Travis Martin
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Any of Dr Shields because he’s awesome.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Completing ROTC.
What are you involved in on campus?
Army ROTC, Razorback Veterans.
What is your plan after graduation?
I am attending graduate school at the U of A to study Sociology with a focus in Criminology.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I served 7 years active duty and am currently in the National Guard.
Haley Martinez
Freshman
Criminology
I began studying psychology when I was a junior in high school, then I took forensics
my senior year. Those two classes heavily influenced me when choosing to study criminology
as my major.
Haley Martinez
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
I really enjoyed CRIM 1003 with Dr. Dwarve. He always kept class interesting by interacting
and asking questions during the lecture.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
I’m only a freshman, so I haven’t really had any influential ones yet.
What are you involved in on campus?
So far, I am only truly/ heavily involved in my sorority, Delta Gamma, but we serve
so many other organizations as well that I feel involved all over Fayetteville.
What is your plan after graduation?
Hopefully after my 4 years at The University of Arkansas, I can move on to finding
a law school in Texas to further my path to being a licensed criminal lawyer in Texas.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
From 1st-12th grade, I was in the spanish immersion program at my school and was taught
primarily in spanish throughout the entire academic career. I really loved this experience
because as a young hispanic woman myself, I think it’s important for me to stay close
to my culture by learning their beautiful language
Erin Parrish
Senior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
I chose to study Criminology and Sociology because those are two subjects that have
always interested me. I have wanted to be in the FBI since I was a little girl so
majoring in Criminology is something that will hopefully get me to that end goal.
I also love Sociology and decided to pick that up as a second major because people
and their living styles are so interesting to me and I feel that it is important to
learn about how others live.
Erin Parrish
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
My favorite class I've taken so far has to be Sociology of Criminal Law with Dr. Shields.
I enjoyed learning about all of the different laws and also how to apply them to real
world scenarios. Dr. Shields is also such a great professor and is super knowledgable
about criminal law.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
My greatest academic accomplishment is earning a 3.75 GPA for three semesters in a
row during my college career.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority here on campus.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan to hopefully get a job at the new FBI office here in Fayetteville or to find
a job in the Criminal Justice system. I am currently doing a research internship with
Dr. Harris and Dr. Drawve this summer. Hopefully this internship will allow me to
narrow my search to what exactly I want I do when I graduate.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I was born and raised in Grapevine Texas, which is just outside of Dallas, I grew
up playing soccer and volleyball but ended up just playing volleyball year round for
about eight years, and I am left handed which is something that people find very interesting
when they first meet me.
Kasey Kameron Lee Pechal
Junior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
I would like to continue my studies in the field and go on to study forensic psychology
in the future. After taking some classes a couple years ago, I thought it was interesting
in how the human brain, especially of criminals, works.
Kasey Kameron Lee Pechal
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Criminal Investigation, because it was interesting learning about what goes on behind
the scenes in solving a case.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Making it to my junior year, and making good grades every semester!
What is your plan after graduation?
After graduation I plan to find a job in the field and in a couple years after gaining
some experience, go back to graduate school.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I love being outdoors and I enjoy the time I spend with my friends and family!
Reese Petersen
Senior
Criminology
I chose criminology because while my primary major is psychology, my long term goal
is to work at the intersection of these two fields as I find them to be linked in
incredible ways
Reese Petersen
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Deviant Behavior with Dr. Bradley. She made information that was often tough or upsetting
easier to digest. She also helped us all reexamine what we all think of as deviant
and why.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Making the very scary decision to completely change my academic path from biology
to psychology/criminology.
What are you involved in on campus?
I'm in the honors college, I'm an honors college ambassador, I'm a student ambassador
for the school, I was a research assistant in the Law and Memory Processes lab in
the psychology department, and I'm now completing my thesis in the lab.
What is your plan after graduation?
Graduate school for forensic psychology.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I love theatre, I volunteer at the Walton Arts Center frequently, I love to embroider
even if I'm not very good at it.
Courtney Phillips
Senior
Sociology
Social equity is a major concern for me.
Courtney Phillips
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Social Theory, because Dr. Barnum's passionate and entertaining lectures managed to
bring the occasionally unwieldy sociological essays to life. He has a talent for relating
the material to current events that makes it accessible and thought provoking.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Graduating from college with a 4.0 at the age of 48!
What are you involved in on campus?
I drive a bus for Razorback Transit!
What is your plan after graduation?
I am exploring attending graduate school to obtain a master's degree in adult education.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
My partner and I keep bees, and we are spending a month rafting through the Grand
Canyon next year!
Tenaj Russell
Senior
Criminology
I’m very interested in law and the criminal mind also problem solving.
Tenaj Russell
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Police and society it was really eye opening and fun.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Being the first of my siblings to attend and finish college.
What are you involved in on campus?
I’m a member of lambda alpha epsilon.
What is your plan after graduation?
A job and then graduate school.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I love poetry, music and traveling.
Michala Reynolds
Senior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
My dream is to work with juveniles who often find themselves involved in the Criminal
Justice System due to environmental consequences and reduce the exposure of the system
to these adolescents.
Michala Reynolds
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Mass Incarceration because Dr. Engel is a great professor who is passionate about
this topic, and it was interesting learning about the policies that have been enacted
and their effects on the prison population.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Getting accepted into Alpha Phi Sigma and Psi Chi.
What are you involved in on campus?
Alpha Phi Sigma, Psi Chi, Psychology Club
What is your plan after graduation?
Graduate School in a Clinical Psychology or Criminology program.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I have known I wanted to be involved in Criminal Justice in some aspect since I was
six. My favorite thing to do outside of school is to play board games and spend time
with my two dogs.
Brooke Sanders
Junior
Criminology
My academic passion is Law.
Brooke Sanders
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Criminal Evidence, because it’s a hard class but I feel like I learned the most that
I have learned so far.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Yet to be determined.
What is your plan after graduation?
Law school
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
If I were not pursuing law I would pursue fine art, such as theater and/or singing.
Neftalí Segovia
Senior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
My interest is in helping sure people stay out of jail. Helping understand how we
can influence the way people think about individuals who face hardships due to a criminal
record.
Neftalí Segovia
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Medical Sociology. It was very interesting learning about all the different medical
issues we gave as a society.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
I feel as for now my greatest academic accomplishment is being able to successfully
manage being a double major, and at the same time maintaining a full time job.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan on attending graduate school for forensic psychology. After this, I hope to
get a job with a government agency where I can work towards my goal of being part
of the behavioral analysis unit.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I like to run, hike, play instruments, and video games. I enjoy the out doors and
like to spend a lot of time outside.
Emily Sparkman
Senior
Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
I chose to study criminal justice and sociology because I have always found them interesting.
From a young age I was interested in the latest crimes stories depicted on Dateline
or 48 hours. I have always been fascinated with the FBI as well. I started out as
a business major but then soon realized I needed to study something that would make
my heart happy and make my time here worth while.
Emily Sparkman
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
My favorite class has been Criminal Investigations with Professor Brooks. This class
gave me insight into the life and career of a crime scene technician, I also got to
see real cases that occurred in Fayetteville. Also Professor Brooks is just awesome
and made learning in his class fun.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
My greatest academic accomplishment has been my high grade point average while maintaining
my responsibilities within my job, my sorority, my clubs, and my volunteer work.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in RUF (Reformed University Fellowship), Alpha Phi Sigma, and I am a
member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
What is your plan after graduation?
After graduation I plan to either attend Chiropractic school where I will become a
Doctor of Chiropractic or I will pursue a career in the FBI or with the US Marshals.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I am a Chiropractic Assistant. I love photography and art. I have a mini dachshund
named Princess Peach. My mom was on WorldStar my sophomore year after attending a
football tailgate. I am athletic, I like to golf and to go running. I also like to
shoot my 22 caliber hand gun in my free time as well.
Aidan Stuart
Freshman
Criminology
I am interested in exploring the criminal mind and why people do what they do. I chose
this major because I want to provide a feeling of safety for my community. I just
want to better the world and society by stopping those who have ill will for others.
Aidan Stuart
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Intro to Criminology, because my teacher passionately and carefully explained criminology
and its various aspects.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
I earned a 4.0 for both 1st and 2nd semester of my 1st year of college.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am in the Honors College and Greek Life.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan to have an internship with the FBI, if they'll accept me,, to explore what
I am passionate about.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in high school and absolutely love to read fictional
books.
Nikki Williams
Senior
Triple Major in Sociology, Social Work and Criminology
My academic passion is to advocate for inmate rights.
Nikki Williams
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Into to criminology by Professor Drawve/ Race, Class, and Gender by Professor Barnum.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Maintaining honor rolls while in a pandemic.
What is your plan after graduation?
Get my Masters in Social Work.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I write poetry and I served in different areas at my church.
Treyce (Joseph) Williams
Senior
Triple Major in Sociology, Criminology and Psychology
I interned at the Terrorism Research Center last summer, and I found a passion for
crime mapping and research regarding terrorism.
Treyce (Joseph) Williams
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
Criminal Law in Society because Dr. Shields is undoubtedly one of my favorite professors.
The way he teaches is phenomenal, and he makes sure to keep the class interesting.
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
Successfully defending my honors thesis and maintaining a 4.0 major GPA.
What are you involved in on campus?
I was involved in Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity and Catholic Campus Ministries.
What is your plan after graduation?
I am attending graduate school at the U of A to study Sociology with a focus in Criminology.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
I spend a lot of my time refurbishing old furniture that I find, thrifting vintage
clothes, and doing photography.
Callie Zane
Senior
Triple Major in Sociology, Criminology, and Psychology
I chose to study my majors because I truly think I can enact a positive change in
the world. I want to be able to help others and make a difference on both the macro
and individual level. I did not think signing petitions and doing the bare minimum
was the way to do that, so I began studying something that I am really passionate
about. I know I have the ability, knowledge, and empathy to make this change.
Callie Zane
What has been your favorite class that you have taken in the department so far? Why?
I have really enjoyed every class I have taken in the department! I would have to
say my favorite was CRIM LAW with Dr. Shields because the cases and laws sparked my
curiosity and desire to learn. Corrections and Control with Dr. Sabon was also fantastic
because it offered different perspectives about our system. I really enjoyed the reading
material "Just Mercy" because it changed the way I viewed our system. I think everyone
should read that book and everyone will learn something different. Lastly, I thoroughly
enjoyed any course taught by Dr. Paez. Her passion for what she taught showed and
made all of her students want to succeed!
What is your greatest academic accomplishment?
I would say that my greatest academic accomplishment is maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout
my college career and receiving the Fulbright award!
What are you involved in on campus?
I am the captain and president of the Women's Ultimate Frisbee team. This team provides
great stress relief and many friendships! I also work part time at the Fay Jones School
of Architecture and Design. I was hoping to join the SOCI/CRIM honors society but
was unable to before everything was moved online.
What is your plan after graduation?
I plan on attending graduate school for forensic psychology. After this, I hope to
get a job with a government agency where I can work towards my goal of being part
of the behavioral analysis unit.
What are some interesting (nonacademic) facts about you?
1. I have a cat named Chessie who loves to eat my plants. But, I adore her anyways.
2. I really enjoy crafting, whether its knitting, painting, or embroidering. Anything
to keep my mind and hands busy is fantastic!