Research Lab & Opportunities
About the lab
I study how decisions get made in the criminal justice system—especially the ones that can change a person’s life forever. My research looks at why innocent people sometimes end up convicted, how trauma and stress affect what people say and do in legal situations, and how small mistakes or pressures can snowball into big problems like wrongful convictions. I use interactive and experimental methods, like Choose-Your-Own-Adventure scenarios, so we can see how people actually make choices step by step, not just in theory. I also do a lot of work with information from real cases, including records from courts and video recordings of legal hearings. I’m especially interested in cases involving sexual violence and in understanding how the system can be made fairer for everyone, no matter their background.
My approach to mentoring student-researchers
When you join my research team, you’re not just helping with someone else’s project—you’re a partner in discovery. I believe everyone brings something valuable to the table, and I want students from all backgrounds to feel welcome and supported. I use clear language, real-world examples, and hands-on learning so that everyone can get involved, even if you’ve never done research before. We’ll work together on everything from reviewing real case files to building new research tools, and I’ll help you develop the skills you need to ask your own questions and find your own answers.
Student outcomes and achievements
Students who work with me gain real experience that goes beyond the classroom. Many have presented their work at conferences, earned research grants, or completed honors theses and graduate research projects. Most importantly, they learn how to think critically, work independently and as part of a team, and use research to make a difference in the world. Whether you want to go to graduate school, work in the legal system, or just understand how big decisions get made, you’ll leave my lab with skills and confidence that will serve you wherever you go.
Common skills students gain
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Case law research and case reading
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Court docket reading
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Public record search and coding
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Narrative data coding for quantitative analysis
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Systematic literature review
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Professional writing and presentation development
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Public speaking and networking
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Grant writing basics
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Data analysis
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IRB application preparation and submission
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Project development and management
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Using Qualtrics (among other tools!)
Student outcomes, by the numbers
20
Undergraduate students mentored
8
Went on to graduate school or law school
7
Honors Theses and Capstones chaired.
15
Presented at a conference
8
Graduate and law students mentored
10
Received a grant or monetary award
Who can join?
You are eligible to join if you have...
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a major or minor in a social science discipline (psychology, criminal justice, legal studies, sociology, etc.)
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one full academic year (or more!) left before you plan to graduate
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a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
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some relevant goals and interests, such as interest in continuing to graduate school, an interest in related topics, and/or in developing research skills
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both Willingness and ability to dedicate no fewer than 6 hours per week to lab work
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regular access to a working, internet-connected computer that you can use for lab work and occasional meetings
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a good work ethic, independence, and initiative