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Kalani Lopez, who earns her Master of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, has also accumulated a staggering amount of recognitions and awards throughout her time as a ������ student. Most recently, Kalani was named the Outstanding Graduate for the College of Health and Human Services, in addition to her other university and department awards from the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management (CCJEM). 

In 2023, Kalani obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from ������. Two years has seemed like two days, especially for someone like Kalani, who took full advantage of her time spent at ������, participating in numerous school clubs and getting deeply involved in school research and activities, including serving as the 2024-2025 President of Clubs and Fellowship, being founding member of Students for Critical Social Justice, along with serving on the CCJEM Critical Justice Committee, Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, Criminal Justice Student Association, and serving as a CCJEM teaching assistant -- just to name a few. 

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Kalani’s Master’s Thesis entitled: Holy Hell: The Effects of Non-Secular Ideologies in Peer-Based Recovery garnered her a department Outstanding Thesis Award. As an undergrad, Kalani’s research with CCJEM Director Dr. Christine Scott-Hayward, and for which she received an ORED Summer Student Research Assistantship, provided Kalani with an opportunity to develop real-world research early in her academic career. 

“My academic journey at ������ completely changed the course of my life,” Kalani says. “I’ve learned so much about myself and my field of study. Stepping into my own as a scholar, student and friend, has helped me in all areas of my life. As a result of the connections and achievements I reached here at ������, I learned that things I never thought I could achieve on my own were not only possible, but closer than I thought. I am so grateful and hold so much ������ pride as a result of my experience here.”

Furthermore, Kalani adds, “Going into college, I had no idea what I actually wanted to do. I just knew I wanted to help people and felt desperate to stick with a career that could make a change.” 

Kalani has done that, and more, in spades. She says that while sitting in her first criminal justice classes, she found a newfound passion and personal cause to want to instill equity in the foundations of the legal system. She ultimately decided to stick with the field in the hopes of uplifting those who have been impacted by the legal system. Through her degree, she hopes to provide for the betterment of the things that, according to Kalani, feel broken in the legal system. 

Beyond graduation, Kalani plans to take some time off and reflect on all that she has accomplished, before applying to Ph.D. programs to continue her education. 

“I further hope to serve my community by fighting for equality and space for marginalized groups wherever I go.” 

Congratulations, Kalani!