Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion.
He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film.
He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram.
Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors.
In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.
We were at Murder by the Book, and we had some time to “kill.” We leafed through the Michael Connelly, thumbed the Agatha Christie, photographed the many Sherlock Holmes artifacts on display…
…and even bought a “Hound of the Baskervilles.”
But the real reason we were there was to see Todd Waite.
With 25 years at the Alley Theatre and an incredible 135 productions under his belt, he’s an institution in Houston theater. When he announced that he will be semi-retiring following his upcoming lead role in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, we felt the “weight” of the occasion. It was “elementary:” we purchased tickets.
As a prelude to opening night, Waite spoke at Murder by the Book, where he took the stage to the delight of a full house.
During the discussion, Waite discussed his love of language, a passion instilled in him by his mother, an English teacher who taught him early on to appreciate the weight of every word. This foundation shaped his approach to performance, where even the smallest vocal shift—from “ah” to “oh”—can redefine a line’s meaning.
He spoke about the complexity of human emotion and how, beyond the broad categories we assign feelings, true depth is conveyed through inflection, gesture, and tone.
His role as an actor, he explained, is to bring those nuances to life in a way that honors the writer’s intent. He illustrated these ideas with stories from his career, sharing insights from specific productions that influenced his philosophy.
Theater, he notes, is a form of alchemy—combining words, movement, and presence to create something greater than the sum of its parts, and this is something the LEAP Center tries to capture in its approach to education, incorporating the fine arts, history, law, politics, and literature into its curriculum. It is perhaps appropriate, then, that a majority of LEAP students have seen their first professional play with Waite on the Alley Theatre’s stage.
LEAP Students / Alumni at the Alley’s “Thirty-Nine Steps”
The Alley Theatre itself is something of an anomaly in contemporary American theatre. According to Waite, the Alley employs a full-time, year-round resident company—one of the few, if not the only, to do so. And this, of course, allows the residents of Houston and the surrounding areas, to see first-class theatre year-round.
Although we bid farewell (for now) to Waite’s (Murder by the Book) performance, we eagerly anticipate seeing him take the stage once more as a resident of the theatre company on April 13. We anticipate Baskerville leaving audiences “howling” for more.
Professor Yawn structured the discussion chronologically, guiding the panelists through the legal process from the moment a crime is committed to when it reaches a judge’s docket. To set the stage, he introduced a hypothetical scenario in which a Sam Houston student is caught drinking and driving, registering a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12, which is above the legal limit of 0.08.
The conversation began with Investigator Smithers, who explained the circumstances under which an officer could pull the student over. He noted that probable cause is required to initiate a traffic stop. If the officer administers field sobriety tests, the next steps depend on the county’s policies.
In Harris County, for example, officers must contact a district attorney, provide all relevant details, and obtain approval before filing a charge for driving while intoxicated.
As the case progresses, investigators remain actively involved. When asked about her collaboration with criminal investigators, ADA Faulkner emphasized the close working relationship between prosecutors and investigators.
Smithers elaborated, comparing the dynamic to that of a married couple. Investigators, he explained, are responsible for gathering all available evidence and ensuring no crucial details are overlooked. Their role is to present a complete case during discovery so that defendants receive a fair trial.
When asked what factors could influence a case, Faulkner stressed the importance of mitigation evidence. She explained that defense attorneys should present information that humanizes their clients, such as testimony about their family life, employment, or community involvement.
These factors, she noted, can significantly impact the district attorney’s decision on whether to offer a plea deal. Faulkner further emphasized that many ordinary individuals receive DUI charges, and understanding their personal circumstances can shape the outcome of their cases.
Judge Moorman was then asked whether he had ever defended a DUI case while practicing law and what advice he would offer a student defendant.
He responded that he would begin by looking at the student’s academic record and community involvement, as prosecutors often focus solely on the risks posed by the defendant’s actions. Highlighting positive character traits could help, but he cautioned that students must take responsibility for their actions and avoid making the situation worse by repeating their mistakes.
The discussion then turned to last-minute developments during trials. Investigator Smithers explained that unexpected evidence can surface, requiring investigators to act quickly to obtain necessary documents or verify new information.
This, he said, is why district attorney investigators must be present in court; they need to assist prosecutors in real time. He emphasized that when prosecutors are in trial, investigators are actively involved as well. Professor Yawn humorously added that he had once been told that if a prosecutor asked an investigator to procure a goat for a closing argument, the only acceptable response would be, “What color eyes should the goat have?”
During the Q&A session, many students took the opportunity to ask a question, including one about common misconceptions in the courtroom. ADA Faulkner addressed a prevalent myth about prosecutors: that they must secure a certain number of convictions to meet a quota. She clarified that her duty is to ensure justice is served, whether through dismissals, pre-trial diversions, fines, or other resolutions.
With strong student participation and insightful discussions from the panelists, the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics was proud to work with the always-wonderful Doris Pratt and the SHSU Criminal Justice Department.
For those interested in similar opportunities, the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals will be visiting Sam Houston State University on April 16 in the CJ Courtroom. Cases will be heard at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
On March 19th, the Pre-Law Society (PLS) convened for our second meeting of the Spring 2025 semester.
With a focus on several professional workshops, the officers quickly addressed general business, discussing finances, membership, and exciting upcoming events.
President Olivia Discon unveiled the formation of two new committees, the Communications Committee and the Social Planning Committee, giving members an engaging new way to be involved with the Pre-Law Society.
Afterwards, Professor Yawn, advisor to the Pre-Law Society, presented scholarships to select students: Timi Akindele, Lindsey Castro and Michelle Moya, based on their attendance in previous events.
He then urged the attending members to consider the importance of acting on the information they gain from the Pre-Law Society, highlighting the success of some graduating seniors to motivate the younger members of the organization.
Pre-Law Professionals Workshop
President Olivia Discon then gave a preliminary workshop on basic business etiquette, discussing appropriate business attire and email etiquette.
We then broke off into groups, with members selecting which of the various workshops they wished to attend. These workshops are important because they provide students with valuable knowledge on professional attire, email etiquette, law school timelines, and the law school application process including key do’s and don’ts.
Law-School Timeline Workshop
Led by Pre-Law Advisor Jean Loveall, this workshop aimed to provide clarity to underclassmen about how to carry themselves during their undergraduate programs to best prepare for law school.
During their freshman and sophomore years, Ms. Loveall advised students to select their majors and minors and focus on building a strong academic record and cumulative GPA. Additionally, she advised underclassmen to join PLS, take a mock LSAT to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, begin to think about building their resumes and schedule an appointment with a pre-law advisor each semester.
During the Fall of their Junior Years, Ms. Loveall advised students to begin developing criteria for their choice of law schools and begin to think about professors who might write them letters of recommendation. Here, Ms. Loveall stressed the importance of developing personal relationships with professors, as it leads to stronger letters of recommendation. Ms. Loveall also advised students to begin thinking about their personal statements and to create an LSAC account.
During the Spring semester of Junior year, students were advised to take a practice LSAT and figure out when they want to take their actual LSAT, drafting a study plan accordingly. Students were also told to narrow their law school search and to begin drafting the other components of their application (e.g. the personal statement and optional addenda) in accordance with the standards set by their chosen law schools. Furthermore, students were told to request their letters of recommendation and to request that their transcripts be sent to LSAC. Most importantly, students should continue to meet with their pre-law advisor.
During the Fall of their Senior years, students should register for and take the LSAT, finalize the components of their applications, fill out their FAFSA forms and apply to law school. From that point forward, students must wait for responses from law schools.
Applying to Law School Workshop
This workshop, led by seniors Christina Biello and Hunter Hagan, focused on the process of applying to law school, which the two seniors had diligently undergone during the prior semester.
To begin with, they taught attending members how to make an LSAC account, perhaps the most pivotal step on the journey to law school (As it’s literally impossible to apply without one). Afterwards they ran through a variety of the procedural aspects of applying to law school, such as how to ask for letters of recommendation and how to submit your transcripts to LSAC.
Chrissy and Hunter then discussed some tools available to students that make the process of applying to law school less daunting, such as LSAC forums and the LawHub platform. They also provided a copious amount of advice on topics such as the LSAT, Personal Statements and the benefits of applying for fee waivers during the application process.
Resume Building Workshop
The Resume Building Workshop, led by Olivia Discon, focused on strategies for building a strong resume. Olivia outlined her five step approach to building a strong resume, after graciously sharing her first resume as a necessary example of what not to do when making a resume.
Olivia’s first step is to identify the resources available to you. She highlighted the Career Success Center as a resource available to students on campus, which provides them with templates on their resumes, as well as advice on how to improve them. The second step is knowing how to order your education and work experience. This step focused on understanding how to organize information on your resume, and recognizing what qualifies as relevant experience.
The third step is to know your strengths. Here, Olivia emphasized the difference between hard and soft skills, as well as knowing what skills are relevant for the job you are applying to.
The next is to become a stronger candidate. To do so, a student must utilize opportunities, list the honors they’ve achieved and any volunteer opportunities they may have been involved in. Olivia’s fifth step is to Advance Professionally, Intentionally. Olivia outlined what she refers to as the STAR test (situation, task action result) as a framework to bring purpose and clarity to each section of your resume.
Our next meeting is on April 16th; Stay tuned for our next blog!
With our longest driving day of the trip (8.5 hours in the car), we set out to see as much as we could while driving across the “Sunflower State.” While some may think of the Plains as plain, we were determined to see interesting spots, and we did!
The Largest Easel
Goodland, KS is the unlikely destination of artist Cameron Cross’s “The Big Easel” installation. The art project includes not only the titular easel, but also a replication of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase.”
Cameron Cross’s Homage to Van Gogh in Goodland, KS
Interestingly, it is one of seven such pieces that Cross has either created or hopes to create, with the other completed projects being in Emerald, Central Queensland; Altona, Manitoba; and Arles, France.
In all, the Goodland structure is eighty-feet tall, and it is a creditable replica of Van Gogh’s masterpiece.
Further, it is located in the midst of a city park, complete with a pagoda, a lending library, and some walking trails. It was a pleasant stop while traversing the western corridor of Kansas.
Lindsborg, KS
Nestled amidst the plains of Kansas is Lindsborg, KS, otherwise known as “Little Sweden USA.” The moniker derives from the fact that city was founded by a hardy group of Swedish immigrants in 1869, led by pastor Olaff Olssen. Even today, thirty percent of the population is of Swedish origin, and it is home to the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest.
Downtown Lindsborg
It is a lovely town and a delight to explore. The street is lined with “Dala” horses, a representation of Swedish culture and heritage. They are cleverly done, with a “one-Dala” horse being painted green and adorned with features from US Currency; a “Blue-Colla Dala,” recognizing the workhorses in the community; and, probably our favorite, a “Salvador Dala” horse, featuring the Spanish artist’s characteristic surrealist landscape.
Salvador Dala
We also loved City Hall…
City Hall, Lindsborg, KS
…a historic bank building originally built in 1887 (and reminiscent of the Roche Building in Huntsville, TX)…
…the quaint downtown streets, which were wonderfully walkable…
…and Swedish-themed telephone booth, as charmingly anachronistic as the town.
Small World Gallery
by Chrissy Biello
Jim Richardson is a legend in the field of photography, with countless features in National Geographic and a long list of prestigious awards to his name. His work has shaped how people see the world, especially Scotland and Midwestern America. But despite his global recognition, he calls the small town of Lindsborg, Kansas, home, where he owns a Main Street gallery and studio called Small World.
Small World Gallery
I recently had the chance to take Richardson’s The Working iPhone Photography Class over Zoom. The two-session course, each lasting two hours, completely changed the way I look at phone photography. Before, my approach was basically point, click, and hope for the best. But Richardson’s class made me realize just how much potential my iPhone camera had if I actually took the time to use it properly.
Jim Richardson’s “iPhone Photography” Class
During our trip to the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Conference, I tried to put some of Richardson’s lessons into practice. I was not sure if I was using his advice correctly, but I made an effort to be more intentional with my photos.
On the day we left Colorado and entered Kansas, we decided to stop in Lindsborg and visit Small World. To our surprise, Richardson was there in person. It also happened to be the first day of a new exhibit featuring some of his latest photographs from Scotland, Kansas, and other areas of interest.
Inside the studio, there was a lot to take in. Along with Richardson’s prints, there were books, drawings from other artists, and handmade jewelry crafted by his wife Kathy and Briana Zimmerling. Every part of the space had something interesting to look at.
Seeing Richardson’s work in person gave me a new appreciation for his photography. His photos capture people in a way that feels natural and genuine. His landscapes and wildlife shots show the same kind of attention to detail and care.
“Wheat Fields,” by Jim Richardson
While looking around, we had the chance to talk with Richardson. Since I had taken his class online, I was excited to meet him in person. He was just as engaging and knowledgeable as he had been on Zoom. He even gave Olivia a photography tip, suggesting she use her hand as a shade when harsh light was hitting the frame. She later tried it while photographing a Henry Moore sculpture at Wichita State University, and sure enough, it worked like a charm.
Henry Moore’s “Reclining Figure”
Of course, we could not leave without taking a few prints home. Choosing just one was nearly impossible, but after much debate, we each settled on the piece that spoke to us the most. As a bonus, each print purchase came with a free postcard; Olivia and I chose one that featured the Great Sand Dunes National Park as we had just visited.
Jim Richardson
Before we left, Richardson took the time to personally sign all our purchases, making them even more special. The visit had already been unforgettable, but this was a very thoughtful gesture that meant much to us all.
It is clear that Richardson is not only an exceptional photographer but also a truly kind and genuine person, qualities reflected in both his work and how he connects with others. It was an honor to meet him and have the opportunity to learn from him, even if only for a few hours. I gained valuable insights and look forward to applying them to my future photography.
Birger Sandzen Museum
One of the city’s most famous native sons is Birger Sandzen, a world-renowned artist who also taught art at the local Bethany College. Indeed, Sandzen was part of the Bethany faculty for an astounding fifty-two years.
Sandzen was known for his impressionist paintings, which he created using impasto strokes and vivid, sometimes unnatural colors. The result is a striking, three-dimensional effect, making Sandzen a highly collectable artist. Indeed, his work is in the Denver Art Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and many others. But it is the Birger Sandzen Museum in Lindsborg, KS, that has the most works on display at any given time.
Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery
The Museum, founded in 1957–three years after Sandzen’s death–now houses an impressive collection of the artist’s body of work, which was voluminous. It is tastefully displayed in two galleries, with three additional galleries devoted to rotating exhibits
Sandzen’s work, which ranges from small, monochrome lithographs to expansive, colorful landscape, is effectively showcased in the gallery.
We enjoyed looking through the rooms, seeing his body of work, distinguishing among his different styles, and picking our favorites.
Chrissy’s favorite featured Rockport Massachusetts, one of several paintings Sandzen did while visiting the Bay State.
Olivia’s favorite featured the Garden of the Gods, a wonderful area in Colorado Springs, CO, where Sandzen taught in 1923 and 1924. The artist painted several such pieces in the area, and his work in Colorado was featured in 2016 at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center.
Professor Yawn’s favorite was “Early Moonrise,” where Sandzen ventured into pointillism, producing a work with strong overtones of Paul Signac.
Beyond the main gallery, the Museum also featured an exhibit by Wayne Conyers, who had some clever riffs on other artists and some very nice ceramics.
In our group, other pieces from the Museum’s collection stood out prominently. Professor Yawn found Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton pieces; Chrissy was surprised to see works by Rembrandt; and Olivia spotted two Albrecht Durer works!
Wichita State University
Following a day of driving and art-themed exploration, we doubled down and did some more! We ventured onto the grounds of Wichita State University…
…which has a public art collection of almost 100 pieces, and we soon learned that many luminaries were among them.
We began with some big-hitters–Jesus Moroles, Joan Miro, and one of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculptures.
LEAP Ambassadors with Robert Indiana’s “LOVE”
We then did a walking tour of the campus, where we met many oddly friendly squirrels, and we saw even more great art. There was Oldenburg’s “Inverted Q”…
Claes Oldenburg’s “Inverted Q”
…one of George Rickey’s kinetic sculptures…
One of George Rickey’s Kinetic Sculptures
…Auguste Rodin’s “The Cathedral”…
Rodin’s “Cathedral”
…another Rodin, “Grand Torse de L’homme qui Tombe”…
…a “Reclining Figure” by the incomparable Henry Moore…
…Louise Nevelson’s “Night Tree;” and a large and attention-drawing Luis Jiminez sculpture, “Sodbuster San Isidro.”
Luis Jimenez Sculpture: “Sodbuster San Isidro”
We noticed that many of these pieces had been donated by (1) collectivities of students (such as cohorts or organizations); (2) alumni; or (3) funds from the Student Government Association. As LEAP Ambassadors and students who are passionate about arts, we have been excited about TSUS’s recent emphasis on the arts. We have also offered our own arts programs, and we hope to do so again.
But seeing the investments made by current students and the SGA on WSU’s campus provided examples of how collective action by students and governing organizations could be used to beautify the campus, engage the student body, and raise the profile of the University.
as another day closed on our art tours, and we headed to Oklahoma City–following a brief stop at the Allen House, by Frank Lloyd Wright– en route to a return to SHSU.
After months of compiling data, conducting interviews, and researching, Professor Yawn, Chrissy, and I finally had the opportunity to present our work at the ACJS Conference in Denver, CO. This experience was unlike anything I’d encountered before, and presenting research at an academic conference as an undergraduate was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
So, what is our research about? In short, our group is examining the implementation of police technology in home-rule cities across Texas. Contrary to common perception, innovation in cities isn’t driven by a single department, organization, or state entity. Instead, it emerges from a complex interplay of governance. Our primary focus is on Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), which rapidly scan license plates to aid in crime prevention. From a policy perspective, ALPRs are particularly interesting because they raise important questions about efficiency, privacy, and local governance.
Professor Yawn, who chaired the panel, led the presentation. As the primary researcher on this project, he has created an incredible opportunity for Chrissy and me to contribute meaningfully to the work.
While we still have a way to go before we “reach saturation” in our research, presenting at ACJS and receiving feedback from an engaged audience was invaluable.
Chrissy, who spearheaded our quantitative data collection, presented the methodology and preliminary findings. She did an excellent job of breaking down the statistical nuances and translating them into clear, digestible insights for us common folk.
Our session also featured a presentation from Tiffin University (TU), where undergraduates Zaria Moore…
…and Lauren Swartzlander…
…shared their public health study on mental health and alternative treatments.
They pursued this research voluntarily with strong mentorship support from TU faculty.
After both presentations, we engaged in a Q&A session with the audience…
…whose thoughtful questions and feedback left us excited to refine and expand our work further.
Safety, Crime, and Health in Urban Spaces
After our presentation, we attended another fascinating session on urban crime patterns and community development. One standout presentation came from Lauren Perron of Temple University, who examined agency collaboration in response to opioid use disorder.
She explored how organizational structure, leadership, and policy decisions impact the outcomes of the opioid crisis, particularly in the context of steering committees.
My favorite presentation of the session was Broken Windows in the Age of Big Data, which focused on Graffiti-Free NYC, a program led by the New York Sanitation Department. The study examined the correlation between quality-of-life indicators—such as graffiti removal and cleanliness—and crime rates.
While perceptions of crime can be subjective, this research provided compelling data-driven correlations that reinforced the impact of environmental factors on urban safety.
Chrissy’s favorite session was Policing the Opioid Crisis, which analyzed police-led deflection programs in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
This case study, conducted by Professor Sean Verano and student Niki Poutre, explored the effectiveness of these programs in helping individuals struggling with addiction and how police officers ranked the anticipated success of different approaches.
One particularly striking finding was that while deflection programs increased the odds of relapse, they did not significantly impact fatal overdoses.
This session was our favorite of the conference—not just because we could finally relax after our own presentation, but because the discussions were incredibly thought-provoking. The insights we gained from these panels will undoubtedly inform our research moving forward.
Presenting at ACJS was a milestone experience, giving us the chance to engage with experts in the field, refine our work, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of crime, policing, and policy implementation.
Dinner at Le French
by Chrissy Biello
Feeling the weight lifted off our shoulders, we headed to Le French for dinner. Founded by Senegalese-French sisters Aminata Dia and Rougui Dia, Le French is known for its combination of many worldwide influences and modern French cuisine. As semifinalists for the James Beard Best Chef in the Mountain Region in 2024, the Dia sisters have brought their culinary expertise to the forefront, making this dining experience even more exciting.
Through LEAP, my peers and I have had the unique opportunity to dine at James Beard-nominated and award-winning restaurants, and this was another highly anticipated experience for Olivia and me. Having not eaten much due to nerves, we were more than ready to indulge in what promised to be a great meal after a long day.
With little experience in French cuisine, Olivia and I found many menu items intriguing. To sample a variety of dishes, Olivia opted for the prix fixe menu. For her starter, she chose French Onion Soup, a dish she had never tried before.
When it arrived, she was thrilled with her choice. Not only did she enjoy a new experience, but she also discovered a dish she truly liked.
Professor Yawn and Stephanie ordered the escargot as their appetizer, and they were equally pleased with their selection.
For our main courses, I ordered the Saumon Fumé Savory Crepe, Olivia got the Suprême de Poulet Sauce Champagne (chicken breast with champagne sauce), Professor Yawn chose the Colorado Bass et Plantains, and Stephanie decided on the French Onion Soup.
When our meals arrived, we were all delighted with our choices. In true LEAP fashion, we made sure to sample each other’s dishes. Every selection turned out to be excellent, giving us a variety of flavors to experience.
For dessert, Olivia had the Panna Cotta, a dish featuring hibiscus, citrus, and marmalade berries. This was another first for her. Additionally, we shared a crème brûlée as a table.
It was a day full of firsts, from trying great new foods to presenting at our first academic conference. Nevertheless, we are especially grateful for the guidance of Professor Yawn and Stephanie. Their insights and encouragement, even their lighthearted stories to ease our nerves, were invaluable and something we could not have found elsewhere.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Later in the night, after doing some laundry, Olivia and I walked to The Yard Milkshake Bar for another sweet treat. I chose the Cookies and Cream Cheesecake milkshake, while Olivia went for the Cake Batter milkshake. Both were delicious and well worth the walk from our hotel.
With the stress behind us, we are excited to continue our trip, filled with fun, learning, and new experiences.
Being in Denver, we felt compelled to visit Rocky Mountain National Park on an off day, so we set out early to do just that! Along the way, we visited the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder to explore the local shops. One store we stopped at was the Boulder Bookstore, where Olivia purchased a notebook, a copy of Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, and a set of beautiful notecards. It was an excellent bookstore, and I am sure we all wished we had more time to explore it.
Nearby, we saw the Boulder County Court House, a building designed in the art deco style.
Finally, to prepare for our trip, we went to a local market in Lyons called St. Vrain Market, Deli, and Bakery. At the deli, we picked up sandwiches to enjoy on the mountain.
Rocky Mountain National Park
by Olivia Discon
The trails were a patchwork of ice and untouched snow, the lakes frozen over into eerie stillness. A single blue Stellar’s jay flitted between bare branches, watching us with the kind of judgment only nature can provide.
Rocky Mountain National Park in winter is a mix of beauty and betrayal.
The meadows stretched wide and open, peaceful and quiet under the weight of the season.
Trails wove through icy patches and steep layers of snow. Every step was a guessing game—solid ground or sudden sinkhole?
We crunched through the meadows, the wind howling low across the open expanse, until we reached the rocks.
That’s when things escalated.
Professor Yawn and I decided, in our infinite wisdom, that we should climb them. Not just once. Not just some rocks. No, we scaled rock faces like mountain goats who had lost all sense of self-preservation.
One climb turned into another, and before we knew it, we were standing at a questionable height, looking out over the vastness of the park.
And that’s when we heard it.
A faint, disembodied voice from below.
It was Chrissy.
From where we stood, she was just a tiny figure, barely visible, shouting up at us as if we had ascended into some divine realm. The wind carried our voices down to her, but to her ears, it must have sounded like the echoes of gods speaking from the mountaintops. We, of course, did not correct this perception.
“Chrissy, we see all,” I replied, as if we had unlocked some kind of mountain-wisdom. “We are everywhere and nowhere.”
She was not impressed. But she did eventually find her way up.
And we were able to share in the beautiful views.
We eventually made our way back down, the snow still unpredictable beneath our feet, the air crisp and unforgiving.
But it was as beautiful as it was unforgiving.
And we explored that beauty by circling the perimeter of Sprague Lake (on the East side of the Park, where it was much snowier)….
Note: Chrissy and Olivia in Distance
…where we witnesses to a proposal!
The winds were brutal, but the scenery was just compensation.
And we ultimately enjoyed our time on the Lake–so much so that we decided to go to another!
The Brutality – Scenery tension was a bit more on the side of Brutality at Bear Lake. The snows were deeper, so much so that the trail was indiscernible, except for the occasional signs that were almost buried in the snow.
Note “Bierstadt Lake,” Named for Artist Albert Bierstadt
Few people were on the trails, for good reason.
But we ventured on, trudging through the snow, around rocks, and even on the frozen lake!
It was quite a different experience than we were accustomed to in Texas on spring break.
As we made additional forays into the park, we made additional discoveries, such as deer (we ended up seeing almost 50).
On one case, when returning to the van, Stephanie interjected, saying, “Moose. Don’t step any further.”
Little did we know, there were two of them—the first that Chrissy and I had ever seen.
They moved through the trees, pausing only to munch on whatever food they could find amidst the snow. Later, on our drive out, we saw even more moose, casually grazing along the roadside. Professor Yawn and Chrissy, feeling adventurous, hopped out to get closer for photos. Stephanie and I, however, stayed in the car, content with admiring from a safe (and smart) distance.
Despite the unpredictability of nature, we thoroughly enjoyed Rocky Mountain National Park.
It became, by a wide margin, our favorite National Park experience. It was immediately understood why painters and romantic poets expressed the sense of awe provided by America’s vast and inspiring landscape.
Following panels where we had a chance to see some SHSU professors and staff, we proceeded to explore the art scene in Denver. With four major art museums in the city, Denver is considered a high-profile art destination–a reputation we wanted to assess for ourselves.
Denver Museum of Art
After a quick lunch break, we decided to spend our afternoon stimulating our minds in a different fashion by visiting the Denver Museum of Art. Not knowing what to expect, besides a “scavenger hunt” list provided by Professor Yawn, we were eager to explore and curious to know what we would come across.
LEAP Ambassadors with a Claes Oldenburg Sculpture at the Denver Art Museum
To our great surprise, there were several incredible pieces from many of the great artists, especially in both contemporary and western art. The building, which is quite modern in and of itself, was filled with names such as Keith Haring, Louise Bourgeois, Victor Higgins, Donald Judd, and Birger Sandzén (more on Sandzen in upcoming blogs).
There were some important outliers to be noted in this collection. Chrissy especially enjoyed a wintery scene by Monet, which she fondly associated with the film, Citizen Kane.
She also enjoyed some modern pieces, and if you know Chrissy, that is a true surprise! Particularly, she preferred works by Roxie Paine in varying mediums.
It’s been a pleasure to see her immersion into becoming an art enthusiast, branching out into more types of art.
Sure, it did require a phase of Andy Warhol, but it was worth it!
It is too bad fellow LEAP Ambassador Michelle Cardenas was not with us; she is a big fan of the idealized paintings of Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, and Thomas Moran, and there were many of these to be seen!
As for me, I enjoyed tying in themes in this trip, and seeing some newfound favorites reinforced their name and style further. Allan Tupper True…
…Alexander Phimster Proctor…
… and Victor Higgins.
I also saw some of my all-time favorites! Among Deborah Butterfield’s herd of bronze-casted horses, we came across three, including the best one I’ve seen in person, which was a horse lying down.
Butterfield’s work is interesting. Not only does she create horses from broad solid objects not typically associated with horses, but the material is often disguised. The above piece, for example, appears to be pieces of wood put together to resemble a horse, but in fact, this piece was made of metal. The metal was cast from wood and then assembled to create the horse.
In the past, we’ve seen Butterfield pieces in DC (the Kennedy Center), NOLA (Besthoff Sculpture Garden), Lubbock (Texas Tech University), and Fort Worth (Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art), but we’ve never seen three in the same place!
Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art
by Chrissy Biello
When people think of art, they might not immediately picture chairs, tables, clocks, or other everyday objects. However, these ordinary objects become extraordinary when designed with unique styles that allow individuals to showcase their personalities and express what truly makes them who they are. The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art in Denver, Colorado, highlights this idea by showcasing a diverse collection, offering visitors a unique museum experience.
One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its chronological layout. Rather than grouping pieces by type or artist, the collection is arranged by time period, starting in 1870 and continuing to the present. This approach allows visitors to see how artistic styles and design trends evolved over the decades.
Among the many artists featured, the museum showcases the work of Vance Kirkland. His early paintings focused on realism, as seen in Moonlight in Central City.
Later in life, his style shifted toward abstract expressionism, reflecting a dramatic change in his artistic approach.
For those curious about Kirkland’s creative process, his personal studio is preserved within the museum. It features a spacious area where he painted, and in front of this space stands a large bookshelf spanning the back wall. The books include artists such as Matisse, Cézanne, and Botero.
Beyond paintings, the museum features an impressive collection of furniture. One highlight is the Taliesin Dining Chair, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955. The name comes from Wright’s home, which was destroyed in a fire in 1914 and rebuilt. The chair’s “Taliesin edges” are a signature element in his designs.
Many other Wright pieces can be found throughout the museum…
The museum also displays work by Philip Johnson. Johnson is known for designing the PPG Building in Pittsburgh and the AT&T building in Houston. His Floor Lamp, created with lighting designer Richard Kelly, offers visitors a look at different approaches to lighting and design.
Another highlight is the collection of works by Charles and Ray Eames, a husband-and-wife duo known for their work in architecture, graphic design, and filmmaking, though they are best recognized for their innovative chair designs. Their chairs, displayed throughout the Kirkland Museum, differ from modern furniture yet remain highly functional.
In terms of trinkets, you can find a Noguchibird compact, a ceramic pitcher designed by Pablo Picasso, and small tea cups designed by Alexander Calder.
Additionally, visitors can view a piece by Dale Chihuly…
…and a set of Roy Lichtenstein dinner plates!
In all, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art offers a unique experience for those accustomed to traditional art museums. With its diverse collection of paintings, furniture, glassware, and more, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
The ACJS Conference has officially begun! As we inch closer towards our presentation on Automated License Plate Reader technology (as it relates to the Criminal Justice world), the anticipation only continues to rise. This is our first time presenting on a panel at an academic conference–or any conference, for that matter! With that being said, we of course scoped out the space and enjoyed several sessions on day one.
Criminologists Converge
While hundreds of criminologists converged at the Sheraton in Denver, we split up a bit, maximizing the coverage of the conference and the sessions it offered. Collectively, we attended sessions on “Perceptions of Law Enforcement Technology,” where the standout presentation was “Support of BWCs by Type of Law Enforcement Agency,” by Dr. Mustafa Demir (John Jay);
“Rational Choice Theory and Crime: Emotions, Cognitions and Opportunity Structures,” which featured SHSU professors Timothy Barnam…
…and Shaina Herman;
…”Crime, Data, and Technology;” and the Presidential Panel: Key Strategies for Successful Academic-Practitioner Partnerships, the latter of which, we turn to next.
A Presidential Panel with the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University
The highlight of these sessions was unanimous among our group, which was the Presidential Panel from Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) College of Criminal Justice. We were, of course, incredibly biased, but it was fascinating to see the various leaders within the college along with the diverse institutes they represent.
As noted by Dean Lyons, SHSU is uniquely positioned to serve as a leader in the criminal justice field, and the College has “its finger on the pulse” of criminal justice.
Whether it be forensic science, corrections, policing, criminal justice legislation, or sociological phenomena, SHSU remains a leader, a resource, and an asset to the state of Texas. Interestingly, the nationally recognized program is the reason I chose to attend college and, by extension, to major in criminal justice.
We had the opportunity to hear from John Ray, Executive Director of LEMIT;
…William Wells, Faculty Research Director of LEMIT; Christie Haney, Assistant Director of CEMIT; Michael Aspland, Executive Director of the Institute of Homeland Security;
Ryan Randa, Associate Professor; Doug Dretke, Director for the Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership;
…Erin Orrick, Associate Dean for Programs and Assessment; and Dr. Bitna Kim, President of ACJS, professor at SHSU, and former doctoral candidate at SHSU!
Among the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU’s many accolades and amenities, what stuck out was its embodiment of a concept, noted by John Ray, as “pracademics”.
The relationship between academician and practitioner, as we devolve further into niches and silos, is more important than ever. I truly respect how SHSU has gone beyond what others simplify Huntsville to be–a “prison town” – and instead aim to drive crucial research and policy that impacts the state, our country, and impressively, the entire world as it relates to criminal justice.
It was a great opening to a first experience for us, made all the more comfortable and welcoming by being among friends and mentors.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 