Christopher Alston
Christopher received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word. He served 21 years in the United States Army in various roles including Special Agent, Supervisory Special Agent, and Polygraph Examiner with the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. Christopher currently continues to serve as a federal agent and federal polygraph examiner. Christopher’s research interests include Transnational Crime, Evidence Based Policing, and Law Enforcement Program Evaluation. He plans to combine his 25 years of law enforcement experience with the knowledge gained from the doctoral program to assist policymakers and law enforcement agencies facilitate a more safe and effective policing environment for both citizens and law enforcement officers.
Ben Andrews
Ben holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 20 years of experience, Ben currently serves as a Sergeant with the Hurst Police Department, where he is the training coordinator. He is also an assistant commander on the NETCAST regional SWAT team. Ben is proud member of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. He plans to transition into academia and teach full-time after earning his Ph.D.
Sofia Brabham – PhD Candidate
Sofia holds a bachelor’s of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas. Her academic interests are law enforcement training and 911 emergency communications stress. Sofia hopes to use her PhD to pursue research and teaching at the university level. She is currently the Lead Trainer for Tarrant County 9-1-1 District. As the Lead Trainer she helps to provide training for about 700 emergency dispatchers throughout Tarrant County.
Francheska Brinkley
Francheska holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Theory and Research from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from American Public University Systems. She earned her Basic Peace Officer Certification in 2005 and has experience as a 911 operator and U.S. Army Family Advocate. Most recently, she served as a Family Advocate and Prevention Educator at a local crisis center, where she focused on turning research into practical applications. Her work centers on improving the well-being, retention, and performance of criminal justice practitioners across policing, corrections, probation, parole, and victim services. By integrating psychology, leadership, artificial intelligence, and trauma-informed care, she aims to advance evidence-based strategies that strengthen public safety and promote compassionate, effective responses to victims through policy, training, and community engagement.
Reagan Bryant- Ph.D. Candidate
Reagan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University and a Master’s of Criminal Justice from University of Texas at Arlington. Reagan is interested in research in the areas of human trafficking, the connections between the criminal justice system and mental health, and the criminal justice system and the education system, and the impacts of hashtag movements on the reporting of crime. Upon graduating with her PhD, she is looking forward to becoming a researcher and consultant. She is currently teaching English and journalism at Benbrook Middle-High School in the Fort Worth ISD. She is also serving on the Campus Employee Relations Committee, the Site Based Decision Making team, and the District Employee Relations Committee, and is the sponsor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Alejandro Coss
Alejandro holds a Bachelor degree from Midwestern State University and a Master degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. He served with the Dallas Police Department for over 18 years before leaving to serve as the Chief of Police for the City of Justin. Alex is currently the Chief of Police for the City of Whitesboro.
Kevin Buchanan – PhD Candidate
Kevin has been in law enforcement for over 10 years and currently works as a peace officer for the city of Roanoke. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a master’s degree in Criminology from Texas A&M-Commerce, and holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Kevin is passionate about educating the future of law enforcement and has been involved in the training of police recruits and police officers for the past several years. Upon completing the program, Kevin would like to continue his passion in teaching and contribute to the profession by applying research to shape criminal justice policy.
Glennie Burks
Glennie graduated from Western Michigan University and obtained his master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University. He completed fellowships at RAND Corporation and Harvard University. He spent a decade with the Tarrant County Juvenile Probation. In 2003, he returned to the army and completed 30 years of service. He has presented at conferences and given talks on crossover offenders and distressed communities. He has further researched and presented on racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system. Mr. Burks plans to focus his research on the question: “Why are delinquency and crime rates persistent in socially disorganized neighborhoods?”
Christopher Cook
Chris holds a Master of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Chris’ research interests include communications, social media, public perception of crime, and critical incident mitigation. He plans to teach fulltime upon graduation and consult for public safety agencies. Chris currently serves as the lieutenant commander overseeing the media relations and strategic communications for the Arlington, Texas Police Department. He was also elected in 2019 and serves as the current Vice President of the National Information Officers Association (NIOA), the largest group of communication professionals in the world.
Kevin Denney- Ph.D. Candidate
Kevin received his undergraduate degree in sociology from Texas A&M in 1991. He earned his master’s in criminal justice in 2016 and a second master’s in public administration three years later, both from Tarleton State University. During his PhD program, Kevin plans to focus on evolving issues in law enforcement. While he has enjoyed his career in law enforcement tremendously, with this doctoral degree, he plans to give back to the profession he loves by positively shaping fundamental changes in police agencies and leaving a legacy for his children and grandchildren. He has been a police chief for five of his 28 years and is currently Chief for the Jarrell Police Department.
David Dickie – PhD Candidate
David received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Hardin-Simmons University and graduated from Indiana State University with a master’s degree in Criminology in 2012. He has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience with the Texas Department of Public Safety. David’s research interests include the future of policing, recruitment practices, and criminological theory. His interests encompass reviewing the policies and laws affecting the police function in today’s society. He plans to combine real-world experience with the knowledge gained from the doctoral program to enter a teaching position and work with policymakers to create a better system of policing through analysis and research.
Jonathan Favors
Jonathan Favors holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Tarleton State University. His professional focus centers on juvenile justice reform, reentry, and evidence-based interventions to reduce youth recidivism. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he now serves as a juvenile probation officer with the McLennan County Juvenile Probation Department, bringing over 15 years of experience in supporting at-risk youth. Jonathan also volunteers with community organizations and collaborates on gang awareness and prevention efforts, reflecting his ongoing commitment to helping young people and strengthening community safety.
Isaiah Fincher – PhD Candidate
Isaiah received his Bachelor’s degree in 2018 from Butler University in Philosophy. He received his Masters of Science degree in 2021 from Indiana State University in Criminology and Criminal Justice. His primary research interests are juvenile justice, preventative strategies for at-risk youth, the relationship between mental illness and crime, and racial disparities in mass incarceration. Upon graduating with his PhD, he plans to develop national community-based youth programs and be involved in policy making concerning juveniles and communities.
Marquis Fomby – PhD Candidate
Marquis graduated with Bachelor’s in criminal justice degree from Loyola University New Orleans and Masters of Science degree in management from Troy University. His primary research interests involve police, including community relations, accountability, and social change. Marquis also has an interest in Mental Health and Resiliency among Police Officers. His goals are to teach and to develop national community programs that strengthen the relationship between police and the community. Marquis is a 17-year federal law enforcement professional and Marine Corps veteran.
Amber Fort
Amber received an associate degree from Tarrant County College in spring of 2012 to which she transferred to University of Texas at Arlington where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2015. Amber continued her education at Tarleton State University where she obtained her master’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2019. Upon completion of her BA, she began working at Tarrant County CSCD in 2015, where she is still currently employed. Amber has a variety of research interests, but her focus is on the effects of legalization of marijuana on adult probation, expanding the knowledge of probation to young adults and the community. Upon completion of her PhD Amber hopes to become a professor educating others, continuing to obtain knowledge through research, and creating a course with more focus on community supervision in hopes to divert young adults from entering the system.
John Galloway
John received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tarleton State University in criminal justice. He has a wide variety of research interests within policing, public perception of law enforcement, and criminal psychology. Mr. Galloway has been a full-time police officer for over 21 years, with the last six years serving as a detective at Fort Worth Police Department. Upon receipt of his PhD, he plans to retire his badge and transition from practitioner to service in academia. He hopes to contribute research that is a benefit to the social science of criminal justice, as well as teach students who are eager to enter the field.
Christie Hamm
Christie is currently employed with Tarrant County Community Supervision and Corrections as a Counselor II working ss a master level LCDC. She holds Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a minor in psychology from UNT, as well as a Master’s in Social Work (mental health and addiction focus) from UTA . Christie is currently interested in biosocial criminology and juvenile delinquency, with a plan to teach within the field upon completion of her doctoral program.
Marissa Hayes
Marissa earned her Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Hardin-Simmons University in 2011, double majoring in criminal justice and psychology, and completed her MS in criminal justice at the University of North Texas in 2014. Her research interests include victimology, feminist criminology, violence against women, women in law enforcement, sexual assault, and mental health in the justice system, particularly the courts and the insanity plea. She currently works in the Special Investigations Unit for AmTrust North America. Marissa plans to become a professor, teaching students about the many facets of the criminal justice system and encouraging new ways of thinking. She aims for her research to help improve how sexual assault cases, especially on college campuses, are handled and prosecuted.
Pauline Herrera
Pauline holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. She has served with the Dallas Police Department for 25 years and currently leads as Commander of the Public Integrity Unit. Pauline’s research interests focus on juvenile delinquency as well as the recruitment and retention of women in law enforcement. Upon completing her program, she intends to consult with law enforcement agencies on juvenile diversion programs and continue her work in academia.
LynZee Jordan
LynZee holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in Agricultural Communications with a minor in political science and a master’s degree from Texas Christian University in Criminal Justice and Criminology. She is currently a peace officer for the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Her research interests include artificial intelligence in defensive tactics, use of force, and officer mental health. After graduation, LynZee would love to continue to share her passion and love for the profession by teaching the next generation of officers and criminologists, as well as working to help create and shape policies to better the profession of policing.
Krystal Kaether
Krystal has 10 years of law enforcement experience in Confinement, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Human Trafficking, and Internal Affairs. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice/Criminology, and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology. She is a TCOLE Instructor, Master Peace Officer, and Sergeant. Her passion is developing others in leadership roles and training law enforcement professionals. She purses a PhD for growth as a leader in her agency and to research leadership skills for law enforcement professionals. She aspires to join academia as a Criminal Justice Professor.
Heather Lucas
Heather Lucas holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. Her research interests include socio-structural conditions and crime, surveillance and technology in criminal justice, and interpersonal violence. After completing her Ph.D., she plans to pursue a career in academia.
Madison McDowell
Madison holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, both from the University of North Texas. Her research interests include juvenile delinquency and the impact of adverse childhood effects (ACEs), as well as juvenile victimization. Madison is currently a Visiting Lecturer with the University of North Texas and hopes to continue her journey as a collegiate educator and researcher.
Juliet Moturi
Juliet Moturi earned both her Bachelor’s (2022) and Master’s (2024) degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas. Her research interests center on victimology and how social service and justice systems support victims, especially within vulnerable populations. She examines how institutional responses influence access to safety and resources and seeks to promote fairness and improved agency practices. Juliet is also focused on shaping policy and programs that reflect community needs and voices. After completing her doctoral studies, she plans to pursue a career in international relations, advancing justice, human rights, and global well-being.
Angel Pace
Angel earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2023 and her Master of Science in Victim Services Management from Sam Houston State University in 2025. She currently serves as a resident assistant and survivor advocate at Bob’s House of Hope, supporting adult male survivors of sex trafficking through in-house and remote case management. Dedicated to creating safe and empowering environments, her research focuses on human trafficking, male survivors, and sex crimes. Angel aims to expand research and improve victim services for male trafficking survivors. After completing her PhD, she plans to serve as a victim advocate and program director while also teaching future students about victim services and human trafficking.
Ronny Phillips
Ronny Phillips is Chief of Police at Alvin Community College, bringing 43+ years in law enforcement. He began in 1982 with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and spent two decades with the Galveston Police Department, progressing through patrol, investigations, crime scene, dive team, and training before retiring as a sergeant. A seasoned instructor, he holds TCOLE Basic and Advanced Instructor certifications plus credentials in firearms, defensive tactics, EVOC, TASER®, and public safety diving; he has developed courses in underwater evidence recovery and field training supervision. At Alvin Community College since 2008, he served as Rangemaster, Training Coordinator, and Law Enforcement Academy Director, becoming Chief in March 2019 and overseeing campus safety and emergency management. He holds a B.S. and M.S. and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice at Tarleton State; his research centers on civil disorder, police training, and investigation..
Shea Robinson
Shea holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Criminology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. His research interests focus on policing and law enforcement program evaluations, particularly in the area of human trafficking. Shea’s passion is centered around improving criminal justice practices by developing and enhancing interventions that help law enforcement identify and apprehend traffickers while also better serving and protecting victims. With 8 years of law enforcement experience, Shea currently works as a School Resource Officer (SRO) with the Town of Little Elm and holds a Master Peace Officer certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Upon completing the PhD program, he aims to establish a consulting company that specializes in law enforcement program evaluations and practices.
Steve Romero – PhD Candidate
Steve Romero obtained a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 1992, and an Associate of Arts from Odessa College in 1990. His research interest is in the use of force by police, hiring practices and representation of minorities on police departments. Once he obtains his PhD Degree, he would like to get hired as a tenure-track professor at a university in their criminal justice department. He would also like to establish a consulting company that specializes in the analysis of police department’s use of force policies and training for deficiencies and provide recommendations to strengthen them.
Daisha Sipho
Daisha received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science from Texas Christian University. Her research interests include wrongful convictions, death penalty, and juvenile justice. Upon completing her PhD, she plans to become a criminal justice professor and continue to conduct research/publish.
Ramona Washington
Chief Ramona Washington is a veteran law enforcement leader with 25+ years of service, currently leading the University of North Texas Police Department, where she has served since 2002 in roles from detention and patrol officer to criminal investigator, instructor, and adjunct faculty. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Criminal Justice from UNT and graduated from LEMIT’s Leadership Command College. A Texas Master Peace Officer and licensed Police Instructor, she has advanced training in Assault and Strangulation Investigations, and Bias Awareness. Chief Washington is active in IACP, NAWLEE, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, contributing to the Women’s Law Enforcement Executive Committee. Her honors include the NAWLEE Ina Mae “Tiny” Miller Award, Excellence in Public Safety Award, UNT Creating UNiTy Award, selection as a Campus Safety and Security Director of the Year finalist, and the Bill G. Daniels Award for Outstanding Administrator. She is dedicated to mentorship, community outreach, and advancing higher education in policing; she enjoys teaching, travel, and family time.
John Wirt
John graduated from Tarleton State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in communication minoring in biology. In 2009 he earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Mississippi College. He has advanced training in brief, group, and personal therapies as well as family systems. His research interest center around recidivism among offenders with access to mental health treatment and public perception of law enforcement. Upon graduation John plans to work as a consultant and be involved in policy making concerning the mental health needs of offenders. John currently owns and operates a small business servicing a 5 state territory.
Dr. Mark Brown
Dr. Mark Brown graduated in 2024. His dissertation titled “Police Culture as a Predictor of Outcomes in Federal Pattern and Practice Investigations: An Application of Black’s Behavior of Law to Policing,” was supervised by Dr. Alex Del Carmen
Dr. Christina Camberos
Dr. Christina Camberos graduated in 2025. Her dissertation titled “Examining the Impact of Female Offenders on Victim Injury: Replication of a Study,” was supervised by Dr. Rhonda Dobbs
Dr. Susan Brown Davis
Dr. Susan Davis graduated in 2025. Her dissertation titled “Geo-Genomic Relatedness: A Test Among Arrestee Populations,” was supervised by Dr. Alex Del Carmen
Dr. R. Ryan Rider
Dr. Ryan Rider graduated in 2025. His dissertation titled “Advancing Law Enforcement Training: Unleashing the Power of Augmented Reality for Effective Policing,” was supervised by Rhonda Dobbs
Dr. Richard Savage
Dr. Richard Savage graduated in 2025. His dissertation titled “The Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Law Enforcement Institutional Culture in Relation to Police Hiring Practices,” was supervised by Dr. Alex Del Carmen