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UT Dallas > School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences > About > Programs > Criminology and Criminal Justice > Criminology Student Spotlight

Criminology Student Spotlight

This page honors criminology students for their exceptional internship experiences, showcasing the skills, dedication, and insights they’ve gained through hands-on involvement in the field. Click on the image to expand and learn more about their impactful work and contributions to various organizations and agencies.

Sarah Choi

Nicole Kim

Student Spotlight Nicole Kim Catholic Charities of Dallas - Immigration Legal Services Administration Assistant Intern Class of Fall 2025 BA in Criminology Meet Nicole Kim! “During my internship, I completed a series of trainings to familiarize myself with database and scheduling systems and ensure proper communication with clients. My tasks focused on reviewing and organizing documents critical to immigration processes and conducting attorney consultations with clients. Also, I assisted with a citizenship workshop, during which I interacted directly with applicants and went through their application processes together. I found great enjoyment in concentrating on a particular field of law, especially immigration law. I discovered that many view the attorney’s role as essential, which inspired me to pursue a similar path in the future.“ Upon graduation, Nicole plans to continue her education by going to law school and figuring out which area of law to focus on to become a successful and helpful attorney. Congratulations on your internship this summer! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Dept. at UTD would like to thank you for your willingness to always help out and support our program in a positive manner. Thank you for representing UTD! #GoComets

Madison M. McNew

Student Spotlight Madison M. McNew Collin County District Attorney’s Office - Legal Intern Class of Spring 2025 BA in Criminology Meet Madison! “During the duration of my internship, I completed a plethora of tasks while learning pivotal knowledge of the Texas Criminal Justice System. My main duties were to sift through and review discoveries, complete legal research, and converge with prosecutors about strategies and ideas. Additionally, I watched several trials and pre-trial procedures over a multitude of charges and crimes.” “Honestly, I enjoyed every aspect of interning at the district attorney’s office. I learned so much from this short, 6-week internship. Most importantly, It confirmed that I 100% want to become a Criminal Justice attorney.” Upon graduation, Madison plans on continuing her education by going to law school, and eventually becoming a young, successful criminal attorney. Congratulations on your internship! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department wishes you the best of luck. #GoComets

Matthew Clark

Student Spotlight Matthew Clark PhotoFax - Private Investigator Intern Class of Fall 2024 BA in Criminology Meet Matthew! “As an intern for PhotoFax, I conducted surveillance of individuals suspected of fraud in civil cases of insurance and fraud in motor vehicle incidents. I use a company vehicle to stakeout and follow these individuals throughout their day to film any action against restrictions. Actions of an agent include stakeouts, tailing, covert film, undercover investigation, questioning, and many other tasks in order to verify the health and wellness of the subject.” “My favorite aspect of the internship is after an agent has satisfied all requirements of training, they are released to conduct their own investigation. This freedom has abled me to work over 25 cases myself which allowed me to practice and perfect all the skills required of a private investigator.” After graduation, Matthew intends on spending a semester as a private investigator before attending law school in the Fall 2025. I hope to become a corporate attorney at a major law firm. Congratulations on your internship! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department wishes you the best of luck. #GoComets

Logan Kain

Student Spotlight Logan Kain Denton County Adult Probation Class of 2025 BA in Criminology Meet Logan Kain! “I did an internship with Denton County Adult Probation where I shadowed probation officers and helped them with tasks such as filing warrants, motions of adjudication to the court, doing field visits, and helping with each unit in the department. The one thing that I will remember is the connections I made and the field visits. Everyone was extremely open and willing to show me how a probation department operates. After graduation I plan on pursuing a career in law enforcement or as a probation officer while I pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity with the hopes of moving into federal law enforcement or US probation.” Congratulations on your internship this summer! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Dept. at UTD would like to thank you for your willingness to always help out and support our program in a positive manner. Thank you for representing UTD! #GoComets

Imran S. Abdul

Student Spotlight Imran S. Abdul Carrollton Police Department - Criminal Investigations Division Intern II Class of Summer 2024 Master of Criminology Meet Imran Shaik Abdul! “As an intern with the CID Unit in the Carrollton Police Department, I shadowed and assisted detectives in conducting search/arrest warrant investigations and analyzed numerous Child Protective Services reports. I observed interrogative tactics and written victim/suspect interviews from the Child Crimes and the Homicide Units. I also evaluated 17 DFW surrounding cities’ online incident reporting questionnaires and compiled a report for the CID Commander.” “On the last day of my extended internship, the CID Commander surprised me by awarding a Commander Coin. I am humbled and honored to receive it, as it is typically awarded to exemplary law enforcement personnel for their service.” Upon graduation this summer, Imran will join the Carrollton Police Department to become a law enforcement officer. Congratulations on completing your internship and earning the Commander Coin for your exemplary service with Carrollton Police Department! We all would like to thank you for your hard work while representing UTD! #GoComents

Elizabeth Jarrett

Fawn Barron

Student Spotlight Fawn Barron Tracie Investigations LLC - Private Detective Intern Class of Fall 2025 BA in Criminology Meet Fawn “As a PI intern, I had the chance to learn the details of what goes into investigative work, both on the research side as well as the field work side. With this work, after the training, I have mostly performed surveillance on subjects to find specific things out in their day-to-day lives, at the clients’ requests, filling out reports afterwards. I also have attended some networking events for this line of work and met many unique people in the field.” “I feel quite accomplished because I legally became a licensed Private Investigator as a result of this internship. I will always remember the thrill that comes with following people and the satisfaction that comes with getting the last piece needed to close cases.” Upon graduation, Fawn plans on going into investigations and plans to hopefully become a professional criminal detective. Congratulations on your internship! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department wishes you the best of luck. #GoComets

Pratyush Nene

Student Spotlight Pratyush Nene Frisco Police Department Intern Class of Spring 2026 BA in Criminology Meet Pratyush! “At the internship, I shadowed various units like the CSI (Criminal service investigation), and CID (criminal investigation department), went on ride-along with different police officers during the day and night, and experienced the 911 dispatch.” “I enjoyed meeting with many different police officers and learning about their work. I got some good advice on how to maximize my potential to become an officer. One thing to take away from this is the experience was getting to interact with great individuals and the connections that I made. I was their first intern, and everyone made me feel welcome and doing this confirmed that I want to get a career in law enforcement.” After graduation, I plan on attending the Frisco police academy and then eventually becoming a Frisco police officer. Congratulations on your internship! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department wishes you the best of luck. #GoComets

Camila Estrada

Student Spotlight Camila Estrada Archer Fellowship: Legal Aid in DC Class of 2024 BA in Criminology Minor in Political Science Meet Camila Estrada! “The Archer Fellowship has been an incredible experience that has immersed me into the world of federal policy making while interning, living, and learning alongside some of the most brilliant students of the UT System.” “As an intern with Legal Aid DC, I assist attorneys with their hearings and trials, conduct intake interviews with potential clients, and review legal documents for all five legal departments. Because of my interest in criminal justice reform, I have also worked closely with Legal Aid’s Reentry Justice Project, where I assist attorneys in criminal record sealing proceedings.”  Upon graduation, Camila will be completing a Masters in Criminology at UTD and then headed to law school! Well done on your dedication and effort! Congratulations on being awarded the Archer Fellowship! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at UTD wishes you the best of luck in DC. Thank you for representing UTD! #GoComets

Sarah Choi

Student Spotlight Sarah Choi Garland Police Department Intern Class of 2026 BA in Criminology Meet Sarah Choi! As an intern with the Garland Police Department, Sarah had a unique opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of a police department. The experience provided her with a comprehensive understanding of patrol operations, criminal investigations, and various administrative duties. “At Garland PD, I follow a rotational schedule in which I go to different divisions every week and observe the role of the officers under different settings. It is a great opportunity to get a first-hand experience in the field and to have a better understanding of the law enforcement field.” Upon graduation, Sarah plans on pursuing a career in law enforcement within a federal agency. She hopes to one day work with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Congratulations on all of your hard work! Congratulations on your internship! The Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at UTD wishes you the best of luck. Thank you for representing UTD! #GoComets