Tiffin University faculty and students recently participated in the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) in Denver, Colorado. The conference, which draws criminal justice scholars, professionals and students from around the country, served as an opportunity to present research, network with professionals in the field and engage in discussions about the future of criminal justice.
Dr. Elizabeth Athaide-Victor, Professor of Forensic Psychology and Psychology, in collaboration with student Alexa Contreras, presented their research on “Perceptions of Attitude & Knowledge on Immigration Processes and Policies.” Dr. Fang-Mai Law, Professor of Psychology & Criminal Justice, also presented on “The Impact of Narrative Perspective, Coping Strategies on Grief, Loss and Well-Being.” In another session, John Reid who will receive a M.S. in Criminal Justice with a forensic psychology concentration this year, along with Tiffin University’s Dr. Law and Dr. Athaide-Victor co-presented on the topic “AI and Criminal Justice: Are We Ready for the Future?”
Tiffin University student Natalie Weiss presented her research, “Use of Force: A Study of Public Knowledge, Political Influence and Perception of Law Enforcement,” while student Marie Seaver discussed “The Difference of Opinion on Capital Punishment Between Criminal Justice and Non-Criminal Justice Students.” Additionally, students Zaria Morre and Lauren Swartzlander shared their research on “Psychedelics Treating Mental Illness.”
The university also featured a booth in the exhibit hall, where faculty and students shared information about Tiffin University’s programs, with an emphasis on the new Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program, starting this fall. Faculty and students also participated in a roundtable discussion about their criminal justice research.
“The ACJS Conference is one of the most important things that we do in the School of Criminal Justice,” said Dr. Athaide-Victor. “I am so grateful for the foresight that the university has to see how lifechanging this experience can be for our students. In the classroom, they learn about these concepts, but at the conference, they step beyond the classroom, present their research and see firsthand that they are capable of this work.”
“Presenting at the ACJS conference was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to my professors for making sure I was well prepared going into it,” said Marie Seaver, Senior at Tiffin University studying forensic psychology. “Their support gave me the confidence I needed to share my research and have real conversations with professionals in the field. It was a great opportunity to learn, make connections and build skills that will help me in the future.”