ADA, Ohio (WLIO) — Ohio Northern University hosted college students from across the state for a conference highlighting undergraduate research in criminal justice.
The university welcomed participants for the Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education 24th Annual Spring Research Conference, where students presented work on topics including gangs, drug rehabilitation and public perceptions of crime.
Organizers said the conference provides hands-on experience for students preparing for careers in criminal justice and related fields.
“We are delighted to host this conference and to welcome our peers from around the state,” said Dr. Stacey Lowery Bretz, dean of ONU’s Getty College of Arts & Sciences. “It allows students to share what they’ve learned, ask questions, and gain new insights about communities they may not be part of.”
Dr. Keith Durkin, president of the Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education, said the event helps students build practical skills.
“It gives them an opportunity to get some experience as a future social scientist,” Durkin said. “For those going into criminal justice, it’s real-life experience working with data, research and the professional processes we use every day.”
Students who presented said the experience offered valuable exposure to new perspectives and research methods.
Gabriel Mott, a senior at ONU studying political science, said he was eager to learn how criminal justice research differs from his field.
“I’m really interested to see how other people approach research,” Mott said.
In addition to ONU students, participants attended from the University of Findlay, Bluffton University, Youngstown State University and Ashland University.
Curtis Ware, an ONU sophomore, said presenting helped him better understand data analysis and public speaking.
“It’s a great opportunity and great practice for future research projects,” Ware said.
In addition to ONU students, participants attended from the University of Findlay, Bluffton University, Youngstown State University and Ashland University.
