MA in Criminology, Law and Society

Mindy Thai, 2024

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone.
I developed a randomized vignette study to examine the influence of media framing on individual's perceptions of pretrial reform efforts.

How did you choose your specific area of study?
As a graduate research assistant with Professor Evan Lowder, I became more familiar with and interested in the pretrial process/stage of the criminal legal system.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you? 
I am grateful for my time at Mason which has developed me as a scholar and researcher. I learned and gained much insight from many wonderful academics, practitioners, and other graduate students. I am finishing this degree as a better scholar with the knowledge and skills necessary to continue pursuing questions that fuel my passion for the field.

Which accomplishments during your time at Mason are you most proud of?
I am proud to be a board member in the Criminology, Law and Society Student Association as I have been able to work with the other board members to develop and arrange interesting events for graduate students and faculty within our department. I am also proud to have received an honorable mention from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?
My time at Mason has been positively shaped by all faculty and staff members within the department. I am incredibly grateful for their wisdom, expertise, and moral support!

I am most grateful to my advisor Professor Evan Lowder. She has been an incredible mentor who has provided me with great opportunities as her Graduate Research Assistant and supported me in my pursuit of personal academic interests. I am incredibly thankful to Professor Lowder for her guidance, patience, and encouragement, which have all been invaluable to my development!

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
I would tell them to enjoy their time at Mason and to invest in their relationships with other grad students and faculty.

Also, if they have a penchant for caffeine, invest in the Panera Sip Club.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
I am currently planning on continuing my education at Mason by pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society. After earning that degree, I intend to become a professor.