Sociology major, Rachel Scava '11 conducted original research with Dr. Ernest De Zolt this year entitled "The Age-Crime Curve: Deterrence Theory and Repeat Offenders Misdemeanor Time Frame". This study uses inmate data collected at a local jail near Cleveland, Ohio. The study explores the effects of no jail time versus the jailing experience for repeat offenders. Her data suggest that the jailing experience was found to be relevant to a degree and can be considered as a form of deterrence. She presented her findings in poster sessions "Celebration of Scholarship" in March, 2011 on campus and at the Ohio Council on Criminal Justice Education (OCCJE) annual meetings held in April, 2011 at Tiffin University.

Katie Kavulic '12, (Environmental Science) presented at the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Undergraduate Research Symposium in February, 2011. Working with Dr. Wendy Wiedenhoft-Murphy, Katie presented a poster based on her paper "Food Deserts in Urban Neighborhoods." This poster was included in the "Celebration of Scholarship" activities the week of March 28, 2011 in the Dolan Science Center on campus.

Sociology major, Samantha Cocco '09 was awarded the Al DeGulis Alpha Sigma Nu scholarship for the 2008-09 academic year. Selection to Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society, is based upon outstanding academic achievement, service to community, loyalty, and overall "greatness of spirit" in keeping with the ideals of the Jesuit mission. To read Samantha's profile, reference http://www.jcu.edu/campuslife/getinvolved/profiles1.htm on the JCU Office of Student Activities web page.

Ms. Cocco was also a finalist for the 2009 Beaudry Award honoring a graduating senior, as elected by the graduates, exemplifying most closely the ideal of Jesuit education, that is one who is a man or woman for others. To read about "Sam", and all other 2009 Beaudry Award finalists, visit http://www.jcu.edu/campuslife/campusministry/beaudry_2009.html

Additionally, Samantha was interviewed by WCPN speaking on career paths after graduation. Sam was the MILLOR ORATOR http://www.jcu.edu/osa/millor_orator.htm at commencement May 17, 2009. To read the text of her speach link to http://www.jcu.edu/osa/docs/millororator/mo2009_address.pdf

Sociology major, Bryan Mauk '08, received the 2008 William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose. This is a national award with one recipient selected annually. Bryan will utilize the $40,000.00 award to fund his recently established Metanoia Project with the goal of helping the homeless and opening a drop-in shelter. Bryan plans to buy homes in foreclosure and enlist the assistance of area homeless people to renovate and sell these homes. This project is the outgrowth of Bryan’s successful homeless outreach efforts at JCU which also include the St. Benedict Joseph Labre Ministry. For more information read the entire JCU article: http://www.jcu.edu/breakingnews/metanoia.htm or read the web pages for the Metanoia Project at: http://rustwire.com/2009/07/28/homeless-find-homes-thanks-to-clevelands-metanoia-project/

Sociology major, Missy Kocab '08, was awarded the $6,000.00 R. Earl Burrows Memorial Scholarship for exceptional work at an internship by the Center for Career Services office at JCU. Missy's internship was at the Day Report Center at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court following an internship during spring semester 2008. Mr. Carl Carter, her supervisor, characterized Missy as "...exceptionally worthy of the honor this recognition will bestow upon her.  She is one of the best interns that I have ever worked with at the Juvenile Court." Congratulations to Missy for this recognition of a job well done!