About the Authors

Bernice Chen is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a degree in Sociology and Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies. Her area of interest centers on the examination of the criminal justice system and the root causes of criminal behavior, with a particular interest in the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to criminality. Beyond her academic pursuits, Bernice actively engages in mental health initiatives, striving to offer emotional and mental support to individuals from all walks of life.

Jared Blackwell is from San Diego, California. He is an Air Force Reservist, a veteran, and an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He is a senior at the University of California, San Diego, studying Political Science. He has completed five legislative internships with Californian politicians at local, state, and federal levels. Blackwell was appointed as a Senator in UCSD’s Associated Students, which represents more than 33,000 undergraduates. His work has also appeared in the Journal of Student Research and the San Diego Veterans Magazine.

Aissata Kamara is a senior at Webster University-Saint Louis studying Psychology and earning a minor in Criminology/Criminal Justice.

Jessica Price is an undergraduate student at California State University of Bakersfield, majoring in Religious Studies and minoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is a participant in the 2023 CSUB Gender Matters Symposium, the 2023 CSUB Philosophy and Religious Studies Undergraduate Conference, and a 2023-24 Student Research Grant Scholar.

Parsva Shah is a junior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he studies Law & Society and Philosophy. He is passionate about social justice and questioning power structures in society. Parsva hopes to attend law school and defend the rights of American citizens.