The aim of this study is paramount to effective public safety and perception of the police in the public’s experiences. Looking through the lens of procedural justice, we examine the implications of citizen-gender perceptions during police interactions. We expect that, despite invariant implementation of procedural justice, public perceptions will vary depending on both officer and respondent gender. 

Research conducted by Dr. Julia Hellwege, Dr. Thomas Mrozla, and Keenan Knutelski 

The purpose of our research is to compare college student perceptions, beliefs, and aspirations regarding careers in public service. University students enrolled in social science programs are afforded the opportunity to work in various sectors. Within each sector exists a diverse set of occupations students may aspire to. Students majoring in political science have several career prospects available to them such as involvement in local, state, and federal government, education, and non-profit administration. Students with a criminal justice degree may aspire to work in some aspect of public safety whether it be as a sworn law enforcement officer or as part of the net of social safety offered by different levels of governments. These career prospects offer a chance for an individual to make a difference. However, there is little research that has been done to examine how college students enrolled in the social sciences view their aspirations toward careers in public service. This research helps achieve that goal. 

Research conducted by Dr. Julia Hellwege, Dr. Thomas Mrozla, and Kaleb Peterson 

This study examines the role of motherhood as an identity for women in Congress by looking at the introduction of bills that affect children and families from 1973 through 2013. We define working mothers as women who have children below 18 years of age at home while they are in office, as opposed to those who have adult children or no children. Our findings show that Congressional working mothers are more likely to introduce legislation that address issues specific to parents and children. We also find that legislation specifically dealing with children’s health and welfare is more likely to be introduced by members with children than those without. 

Research conducted by Dr. Julia Hellwege and Dr. Lisa A. Bryant