Natasha Briones
Background:
I graduated from NMSU in the spring of 2019, with Bachelor of Criminal Justice. I am the current President of Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Vice President of the Criminal Justice Graduate Student Organization. I currently work as a Teaching Assistant for the Criminal Justice Dept here at State. Besides the organizations, schoolwork, and working, I enjoy traveling including studying abroad in Malaysia. Always up for any outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, shooting range.
Current work:
I am currently in my second year of the master program and chosen to pursue the thesis option. My main focus is with Native American women and victimization.
Why NMSU?
My overall career goal is judgeship anywhere in the United States. I never thought the dream would become reality but completing undergrad and now pursuing graduate degree, it is becoming possible. I like to say I didn’t pick State but rather State picked me. As well as much helpful guidance from friends and devoted professors guided me to stay for the master program. This additional degree will help with critical thinking needed for law school. I am proud to be an Aggie.
Taylor Hogan
Program: MCJ
Expected Graduation: Fall 2021
Email: tlh2798@nmsu.edu
Background:
I graduated May of 202 with my bachelors in Criminal justice with a double minor in psychology and forensic psychology. I currently work as a Teaching Assistant in the Criminal Justice department, as well as serve as an executive counselor for the Graduate Student Organization. Outside of school and work, I love to read, travel and get a chance to practice photography.
Current Work:
I am currently in my first official year of the MCJ program. I will get to graduate a little early because of participating in the Masters Accelerated Program while still in my undergrad. I have chosen to do the focused coursework option for my Master’s degree. I am trying to gain as much real-life experience in the criminal justice system before graduating.
Why NMSU?
I made the decision to attend New Mexico State because I felt that it would be the best place for me to grow personally and professionally. I consider NMSU to be full of opportunity and helps to open any door to any type of future. My undergraduate experience was amazing and exciting and although I never considered completing my Master’s before, the incredible support that NMSU faculty gives definitely convinced me to continue my time as an AGGIE.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2021
Email: Klp96@nmsu.edu
Background:
I graduated from New Mexico State University in the spring of 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minors in Forensic Psychology as well as History. I am currently the vice president of Alpha Phi Sigma- the National Criminal Justice Honor Society (NMSU Chapter) and President for the Criminal Justice Graduate Student Organization. Additionally, I work in the Criminal Justice Department as a teaching assistant and love to spend my spare time with friends and family.
Current work:
I am a second year (first semester) graduate student, and I am hoping to pursue the thesis option.
Why NMSU?
I chose NMSU originally because it was away from my home, Rio Rancho, NM, but it was also close enough that I could visit. I enjoyed my time here at NMSU as an undergraduate so much that I knew this is where I wanted to pursue my graduate studies. The environment at NMSU is so inviting and welcoming and it now feels like home to me. It is where I have found lifelong friends, a sense of community, and the desire to continue growing my knowledge, so it only felt right to continue my education here.
Background:
I graduated from New Mexico State University in the spring of 2019 with two Bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice and in Foreign Languages: Spanish. I am currently the community service officer of Alpha Phi Sigma- the National Criminal Justice Honor Society (NMSU Chapter) and Secretary for the Criminal Justice Graduate Student Organization. I am also employed in the Criminal Justice Department as a Teaching Assistant. On my free time I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my pets.
Current work:
I am a second year (first semester) graduate student, and I chose to pursue the thesis option.
Why NMSU?
I chose NMSU because I saw it as an opportunity to grow and to become independent. I am originally from Albuquerque, NM, so it was a significant change for me to go from living at home with my parents, to living on my own, in a foreign apartment, in a foreign city, going to a foreign university three hours away from all that I was very familiar and comfortable with. I loved the fact that it wasn’t too far or too close to home, and that I could have a fresh start in pursuing my career. My undergraduate career was without a doubt, the best experience, and though I didn’t start off wanting to pursue a master’s degree from the beginning, the right professors and right friends came long to encourage it.
Expected graduation date: December 2021
Email: gabytorr@nmsu.edu
Background:
I graduated from New Mexico State University in May of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. I am currently a teaching assistant for the Criminal Justice Department and the Executive Counselor for the Graduate Student Organization. In my free time, I enjoy painting and spending time with my animal companions, friends, and family.
Current Work:
I am a first-year (first semester) graduate student and would like to complete the thesis option for the master’s program. I will be graduating a semester early as a result of taking a few courses as an undergraduate student through the Master’s Acceleration Program (MAP). I would like to begin reaching out to faculty and looking for an interesting topic to research for my thesis.
Why NMSU?
I have chosen NMSU because it is in the city where I grew up and I am close to my family and friends. I am looking forward to spending a few more semesters at NMSU and making new friends while working closely with faculty.
Katia V. De La Cruz
Program: MCJ- MPA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022
Email: katia26@nmsu.edu
Background:
I graduated from New Mexico University in spring 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minors in Forensic science as well as psychology. I am currently the vice-president of activities for the Graduate Student Council, member of Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, and treasurer for the Criminal Justice Graduate Student Organization. I am also employed in the criminal justice and government department as a Graduate Assistant. On my free time, I love doing outdoor activities, reading, travel, hiking, and spending time with my friends and family.
Current Work:
I am a first-year graduate student and I would like to complete the coursework option for my Master. I will be graduating in Spring 2022 with two master’s in criminal justice and public administration, and a minor in Security Studies. I will get to graduate two semesters early as a result of participating in the Master Accelerated Program (MAP).
Why NMSU?
When I immigrated to the United States, I felt Las Cruces New Mexico helped to open the doors for me to improve and grow while also allowing me to achieve my goals. I chose NMSU because I had an amazing experience as an undergraduate student. The faculty at this institution always focuses on supporting and encouraging students toward success. NMSU helps me believe in myself and to grow professionally. I had the opportunity to be part of many organizations within NMSU through which I was able to help my community
Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Youtube page:
Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Facebook page:
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Graduate Student Erika Ochoa presented her thesis research on the Social Disorganization Theory and the College Campus Periphery at the SWACJ conference in San Antonio, TX
Graduate Student Adriana Chavez presented her thesis research on The El Paso/Juarez Prison Gang / Bario Azteca at the SWACJ conference in San Antonio, TX
