Working at the Tow Youth Justice Institute has been an amazing experience. I became a researcher in the Spring of 2019. The most significant takeaway that I have learned is that it takes a significant amount of effort and time to make changes in the Criminal Justice System. It feels amazing knowing that I was a small part of change in the last year. My experience at the Tow Institute will definitely help me in my many future endeavors. I now have a better understanding of how to complete research. I have gained new skills including new technology, communication skills, professionalism and teamwork. This semester has been exciting for me. Specifically, Dr. Cooper and I have been working on projects involving the Health, Housing, Justice and Education of juveniles. Just recently our IRB was approved. This semester I also helped plan an event that we had on campus: The Critical Perspective on Drugs, which was a huge success. Lastly, I was able to attend three JJPOC (Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee). During these meetings I was able to see some of the projects I have
been personally working on be brought to policy makers. Since touring the University of New Haven four years ago, I knew I wanted to attend. Since enrolling here, I have been an active member of the Criminal Justice Association, the Executive Assistant of the Juvenile Justice Club, studied abroad in Italy for an entire semester, and of course became a research intern at the Tow Youth Justice Institute. I decided to pursue a major in Criminal justice with a concentration in Juvenile and Family Justice along with completing two minors, one in Psychology and the other in Business Management. I will finally be completing my degree this May after four long years. My experiences have all made me into the strong, independent woman that I am today.
“Having taught Bridget in three of my classes, I have had the honor of watching her develop into a strong scholar and researcher over the past two years. She has worked tirelessly on curating the background research, reviewing the available data, and achieving necessary approvals from IRB for the Health, Housing, Education, and Justice study. Her efforts have helped move us forward as we work to secure funding and collaborative agreements for the project. As a graduating senior, her hard work and warm positive spirit be missed as she moves on from the University. I look forward to the seeing how she contributes to the field of youth justice as a practitioner and a scholar.”
