YSU students, faculty earn top honors at statewide criminal justice conference

Youngstown State University students and faculty earned top honors and recognition at the recent Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education Research Conference held in early April, highlighting the university’s continued leadership in criminal justice education and research.

YSU brought nine students and two faculty members to the annual conference. Students attending included Anobel Afriyie, Lexi Miller, Clair Nguyen, Isabelle Nguyen, Isabella Parsons, Amina Sarwar, Remy Sharpless, Tiffany Wagaman and Catrina Wright. Afriyie and Wagaman presented individual research projects, while Parsons, Sarwar and Wright collaborated on a group research presentation. The remaining students participated in conference sessions and professional development opportunities.

YSU students earned both the conference’s top student honors. Clair Nguyen received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student award, while Isabella Parsons was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student. Each award includes a cash prize and is presented annually by OCCJE to recognize academic excellence and contributions to the field.

Faculty members also received significant recognition. Ryan Roberts, assistant professor of criminal justice, was elected to the OCCJE Board of Trustees and delivered two presentations at the conference. John Hazy, chair of criminal justice and public safety, was elected OCCJE treasurer and received the organization’s inaugural Dan Ponstingle Service Award, recognizing 23 years of service and leadership. Hazy also presented a collaborative research project with Parsons, Sarwar, Wright, YSU Policy Academy Director Ed Villone, Lake Milton Police Chief Chuck VanDyke and Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth.

Founded more than 55 years ago, OCCJE was established by YSU and five partner institutions and as the second state organization in the nation dedicated to advancing higher education and professional development in criminal justice.