Evelynn Schneider is interested in “what makes people tick”—especially those with a criminal mind. At ֲý Northern University, she’s growing her knowledge of both psychology and criminal justice with plans to attend graduate school to become a criminal profiler.
“I hope to conduct research pertaining to childhood trauma and how it may influence future violent criminal behavior,” she says. Being able to identify “early warning signs,” she adds, could help prevent tragedies like mass shootings.
This summer, Evelynn is interning in the adult probation department at the gaining experiences that bring her career goals into focus.
From shadowing probation officers and attending revocation hearings, to observing pre-court meetings between the judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney, she’s getting an inside look at how one ֲý county’s justice system actually functions.
“My classes have taught me the ins and outs, but seeing it operate in real life is an invaluable opportunity,” she says.
Evelynn’s internship also involves utilizing the court’s data to inform future rehabilitation efforts. Her research project, overseen by ֲý professor Dr. Keith Durkin, seeks to identify potential differences in probation outcomes between rural and urban counties, while also examining how mental health and substance abuse intersect with criminal behavior.
Having previously worked as a research assistant in Dr. Phil Zoladz’s rodent lab on campus, she’s enjoying the contrast in research styles.
“This experience has shown me how hard it is to begin a research project from the ground up,” she says, “including collecting data retrospectively rather than producing it in a lab.”
Through the challenges of the project, she’s gained confidence in her ability to ask the right questions and work independently.
“The research I’m completing this summer will, without a doubt, help me get into graduate school,” she says. “And it will potentially allow me to be a published undergraduate researcher—something which is not common.”
