Incoming ICJ MA students!

Get to know our incoming students!
Portrait of Andrew Cruz

Andrew Noe Cruz

Andrew Noe Cruz is a recent admit to the DAAP program in International Crime and Justice here at John Jay College. His academic and professional interests center on transnational organized crime, global security, and the use of technology, particularly open-source intelligence (OSINT), to analyze emerging security threats. Andrew is a Jeannette K. Watson Fellow and has previously interned with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he supported ongoing Workforce and Artificial Intelligence initiatives citywide. He is also interested in international diplomacy and Model United Nations, hoping to one day represent his community on global policy platforms. Committed to public service and international engagement, Andrew aims to continue developing the academic and practical skills necessary to contribute to international justice and security institutions worldwide.

Portrait of Yin Chen

Yin-Chen Liu

"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."

Portrait of Joseph James

Joseph James

Joseph James was born and raised in Queens, NY.  An interest in traditional organized crime (in the form of books, television & film) led Joseph to pursue a career in the law enforcement field.  Joseph has obtained both a bachelor’s degree in Police Studies and a master’s degree in Public Administration from John Jay College.  Since 2017, Joseph has served as a Crime Analyst with the NYPD.  He is currently an analytical supervisor for the Detective Bureau.  Joseph’s main area of professional interest is transnational burglary rings and the criminal ecosystem surrounding them.  

Portrait of Alina Weston

Alina Weston

"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."

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