Incoming ICJ MA students!

"My name is Yin-Chen Liu, and I am from Taiwan. I currently serve as an officer in the Criminal Investigation Bureau and am supported by the government to pursue a master’s degree at John Jay College. I have a strong interest in transnational crime, international law enforcement cooperation, and criminal justice policy, and I am excited to join the MA in International Crime and Justice program to deepen my understanding of global crime challenges and develop practical skills to address them."

"My academic interests include transnational organized crime, human trafficking, cyber-enabled fraud, and emerging drug trends. Through this program, I hope to gain a broader international perspective and strengthen my ability to contribute to cross-border criminal investigations and international justice initiatives. I look forward to learning from faculty and classmates from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds."

"My name is Alina Weston, and I am currently a Biometric Technician with Amentum, where I also serve as the Backup Site Supervisor. In this role, I assist with daily site operations and capture and process biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs for the applicants of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This position has strengthened my attention to detail and understanding of security and adherence to procedures within a secure environment."

"I graduated from Hartwick College in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I interned as a Sexual Assault Prevention Student Educator where, under the guidance of my advisor, planned and facilitated a panel discussion on sexual assault prevention and resource for students and faculty. I led multiple campus tabling events to educate students and promote awareness of the support services available."

"In addition to my academic and professional experiences, my travel experiences have further motivated my interest in international crime and justice. My love for traveling and learning about different customs has deepened my curiosity and commitment to understanding justice systems from a global perspective."

After more than two decades in the legal field, I never expected criminal defense to become an area I would find so meaningful. My longstanding interests in white-collar crime and forensic psychology, coupled with my current exposure to restorative justice, have changed how I think about accountability, rehabilitation, and what justice should ultimately accomplish. I earned my B.S. in Criminal Justice from John Jay, graduating cum laude with Honors in Major, and am excited to continue exploring those questions through an international lens. My Caribbean roots have made me especially curious about how justice systems differ across countries and why those differences can produce dramatically different outcomes. I hope to develop these interests through research and eventually pursue doctoral study. Outside of law and academia, I am a creative entrepreneur who loves fashion, traveling, and disappearing down research rabbit holes that somehow turn into full-blown side quests.