Category: Masters

I am still in touch with a number of classmates from my time at UTD.  Most of them were fellow teammates on law-related competition teams (mock trial or mediation), and when we’re all in town, we try to catch up over lunch or dinner.  We made so many great memories during our time together which has helped us maintain that bond even after graduating.   

My EPPS education sets the foundation for how I facilitate my own classes. When I build my courses and think about content and assignments, the first thing I do is put myself in the shoes of my
students.

Throughout my graduate student career, I have routinely sought out opportunities to improve my teaching skills. For example, I have participated in various workshops, training programs, and initiatives that offered me new insights regarding cutting-edge pedagogical skills and strategies. These skills and strategies are those that I now implement daily in the classroom.

Throughout my graduate student career, I have routinely sought out opportunities to improve my teaching skills. For example, I have participated in various workshops, training programs, and initiatives that offered me new insights regarding cutting-edge pedagogical skills and strategies. These skills and strategies are those that I now implement daily in the classroom.

I graduated with a Master of Science in Criminology from UTD in 2016, and a Ph.D. from UT Arlington. Since graduation, I found and followed my passion for teaching and research.

The main focus of my research is based on examining active offenders and their decision making process to commit crime. Society often questions why an individual decides to commit a crime, and more specifically why that person selected a specific location or how they got involved in that particular type of crime. These answers could be found by asking the offenders to analyze their motivations and justifications in deciding to commit crime. Therefore, in order to complete this task, I go out to the field to conduct interviews with active offenders who are involved in various types of criminal activity.

I am greatly appreciative for the opportunity to share with students my lifetime’s worth of experience working in schools, non-profits, and state agencies. Prior to becoming a professor, I started out working with elementary kids in non-profits, and then worked with middle and high school youth to provide them tools to overcome barriers. It was during my work as a practioner when I decided that I needed to earn my Ph.D. so I could share what I have learned in the field with the next generation. I am truly passionate and greatly enjoy being able to show others how the criminal justice field touches so many facets of our communities.

Truth be told, years ago when I was playing dodgeball with youth or when I was counseling a gang member, I never thought that I would be a professor. Early on in my career, I was happy simply seeing a youth pass a test or complete their probation. Now, I am thrilled to see my students graduate college and go on to start their career.

I have always had a passion for finding solutions to social issues and socioeconomic inequity. The sociology program at UTD has created a pathway for me to not only better understand these issues but has also opened my eyes to solutions and progress.

I think one of the biggest reasons I’ve been successful in the GIS program is because I’ve taken the opportunities that have been offered to me, even though they were out of my comfort zone: from classes I’ve never heard of to research in Guyana and GIS internships.

My EPPS education in the Criminology program is the bedrock of my career. I appreciate how the program and faculty provided an education applicable to policy workers as well as academics. The union of theory and policy has been invaluable while conducting government research.

I work with consumer & sales data to identify product preferences, purchase behaviors, and optimal messaging strategies. I really enjoy the challenges of putting theory into practice and presenting complex statistical findings into relatable, actionable narratives.

Mary Elbanna BA ‘16, MPP ‘16, chief of staff for Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, discusses the value of her experiences at UT Dallas and her internships as a student. Elbanna’s first internship, which she discovered through UT Dallas, led to her jobs as campaign manager and chief of staff for Johnson.

Gain practical experience through internships, fellowships, join organizations and travel.

I went to a couple of classes and loved it. I was around other adult learners like myself, all from different branches of government and other local entities. I really made a lot of friends.

UT Dallas is the best thing that ever happened to me. It has a small-family feel but big-school resources. I loved being surrounded by smart people who constantly push you to be better, with professors who give so much attention to the individual success of each student.