As part of the City Fellows Internship Program, we are continually exploring the inner workings of Huntsville. Our latest adventure took us to the heart of the city’s safety net: the Huntsville Fire Department, where we got an exclusive tour of the facility, led by Chief Greg Mathis.
The tour began in the lobby, where we were greeted by an impressive piece of history—a restored 1927 Huntsville fire truck. Chief Mathis regaled us with tales of the truck’s features and its rich history.
Macey and I even took a picture on the fire truck, joking that we were “officially” part of the fire department now.
Among the artifacts on display, Chief Mathis highlighted a particularly interesting item—a black-ball lottery device. This relic from the past determined whether someone would last as a volunteer firefighter. The process was simple yet harsh: firefighters would vote by placing either a white ball (yes) or black ball (no) in the container.
We then headed to Chief Mathis’ office, a treasure trove of knowledge where we learned the most about the department’s operations. Among his office testaments of pride, we got to see his impressive coin collection, which includes challenge coins from various of his experiences. These coins recognize achievements and build team spirit in the fire department.
He also emphasized that his job extends beyond fighting fires; it also involves securing grants, managing budgets, and ensuring his team can serve the community while staying safe.
We also noted the three hats from his career journey (including one that showed just how dirty the job gets).
Then we explored the residential area of the department, noting a unique feature—the “petrified wood” used in the television design is the same as the fireplace in the Josey Boy Scout Lodge. We also saw the “watch room,” which serves as the department’s nerve center, monitoring all alarms and operations.
As we learned more about the watch room, Chief Mathis emphasized the crucial role that volunteers play in the Huntsville Fire Department. Volunteers undergo rigorous training and are equipped to respond to emergencies alongside career firefighters.
The living quarters were equally impressive, with bunk rooms featuring sliding barn doors and four closets each. They also have access to a private gym with equipment like a rowing machine, treadmill, and Jacobs Ladder.
Finally, we arrived at the apparatus bay, where the fire trucks are stored—representing the traditional perception of a fire department.
Chief Mathis pointed out the physical fitness test equipment outside for the Candidate Physical Ability Test firemen have to pass. Our very strong Macey even tried her hand at the test, successfully lifting to an extent, while Jacob also gave it a go with full strength and managed to lift it off the ground!
Now, my favorite part of the tour. The multi-force wood door device they have been experimenting with lately. It’s designed to simulate various door types and jamb materials, allowing firefighters to practice different breaching techniques. Attempting it once more with Macey! After a lot of effort, she managed to get the door open!
The day showed us not just how a fire department operates but also how city services, budgeting, and management all work together. Not to mention, Macey learned just how hard it is to be a firefighter!
We are grateful to Chief Mathis and the entire Huntsville Fire Department for sharing their time and knowledge with us! We deeply appreciate all they do.
Every Wednesday in the fall and spring semesters, a select group of freshmen meet to learn about leadership. The topics vary, but the emphasis on building leaders persists from week-to-week and, in fact, from year-to-year. For one of these sessions, the LEAP Center offers a program, typically focusing on leadership at the local level, and this year was no different: Professor Mike Yawn and LEAP Ambassador Chrissy Biello adopted roles of locally elected officials to demonstrate how a courtroom operates.
Thus, last week, a simulated voir dire was presented to 24 students selected for the Freshman Leadership Program, as well as program leaders Dante Tamez, and Emily Figueroa. Professor Yawn took on the roles of judge, defense attorney, and prosecutor, while Chrissy took on the role of District Clerk.
Each student was provided a fabricated background, created by Chrissy, to guide the students’ answers as prospective jurors. Some students, for example, had been convicted of various crimes; others had clean records; some were Republicans; others, Democrats; some were unemployed; some were employed, and some were overachievers. Beyond these general biographical details, students could fill in their answers in a manner they believed consistent with the backgrounds provided.
The presentation went through being called for jury; arriving and filling out paperwork, which sometimes contains intrusive questions; the research that is done on potential jurors, both behind the scenes and live, in the courtroom; and the screening process, which can also be intrusive.
Along the way, students asked questions; posed scenarios, some of which were not anticipated by Yawn and Biello; and answered voir dire questions in ways that led to more interesting scenarios. One student even–in her hypothetical world–claimed her “water was about to break” and she “needed to be excused from service.” So much for civic duty…
As it turned out, several of the students are on a pre-law path, providing the opportunity for some additional discussion about courses of action. All of the students, however, are on a path to leadership, and after eight months at SHSU and in the Freshmen Leadership Program, are closer to fulfilling their promise as leaders of tomorrow.
To round off an eventful week, we had the honor of hearing Judge Alberto Gonzales provide both inspiring and informative perspectives. Known for his distinguished career in law, government, and academia–which Olivia Discon shared with us in her introduction…
…Gonzales shared invaluable insights, drawing from his extensive experience as the 80th U.S. Attorney General, White House Counsel to President George W. Bush, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and, most recently, as the Dean of Belmont Law School.
Judge Gonzales began with a visual presentation that showcased personal photographs from his time in the White House, and President George W. Bush, as well as images from his early years.
These visuals setting the tone as powerful reminders of how far a dedicated individual can go—from humble beginnings to the highest levels of government.
But it was principles taught to him by his parents, he explained, that guided him from his humble beginnings as one of eight children born to a construction worker through the highest levels of government service. Gonzales underscored the guiding principles that shaped his path, particularly the importance of “showing up,” his father both literally and figuratively taught him, which he emphasized as a key tenet of the work ethic he hopes to instill in any student.
The presentation seamlessly transitioned into an insightful comparison of Gonzales’ two high-profile roles: White House Counsel and U.S. Attorney General. Judge Gonzales, having held both prestigious positions, offered unique perspectives on these roles that few Americans can provide.
He explained that while both positions serve the American people, they do so in vastly different ways—the White House Counsel advises the President and a select group of legal advisors, while the Attorney General leads the nation’s legal apparatus, overseeing thousands of lawyers, acting as the chief law enforcement officer, and spending a lot of time on television.
Perhaps one of Gonzales’s most memorable moments was being the “designated survivor” by President during the 2007 State of the Union Address.
Using this opportunity to explain the presidential line of succession—from Vice President to Speaker of the House and beyond—and his own astonishment at the possibility that, under catastrophic circumstances, he could have become President of the United States.
Gonzales also focused on the importance of professional networks, sharing his own journey–from serving in the Air Force to attending Rice and then Harvard Law–which led to meeting Governor George W. Bush. This connection would profoundly shape Gonzales’s career–and it is clear his appreciation for this impact remains deeply felt.
When Jacob Wessels asked Gonzales what his most difficult action as Attorney General was, the former AG mentioned the investigation of former Congressman William Jefferson, which involved a search of the Representative’s congressional office.
While law-enforcement officials argued that the search was necessary to nail down a conviction, Gonzales was concerned about long-held principles relating to the separation of powers. He authorized the search, which was challenged in court (eventually being ruled partially unconstitutional), but Congressman Jefferson was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison-the longest such sentence imposed on a member of congress.
Having served many prestigious roles, Judge Gonzales distilled his philosophy into three key characteristics: integrity, vision, and discipline—qualities he emphasized as essential for success in both law and public service.
In addition to his reflections on leadership and ethics, Gonzales offered practical advice for students considering law school as Dean of Belmont Law–to which we listened attentively!
His advice was both practical and powerful: highlighting the importance of staying informed about current legal issues and honing strong writing skills—fundamental abilities for anyone pursuing a career in law and government careers. Gonzales also offered advice to students hoping to go to law school, from what to include on personal statements to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores.
Throughout the session, students were able to pose a range of thoughtful questions.
I had the chance to ask about Gonzales’s time on the TX Supreme Court, which he indicated he wasn’t sure was right for him. Gonzales had spent little time in a courtroom, and he had never been a judge before the appointment. Eventually, though, he decided that service was his calling, and this position led to his eventual appointment as White House Counsel and US Attorney General.
For SHSU students, this interactive discussion proved a great learning experience. As a thank you, LEAP ambassador Chrissy provided Judge Gonzales with a signed copy of the “The FBI Code” by former Assistant FBI Director Frank Figliuzzi. Grateful for his time and wisdom, we left the event motivated to dream big and stay committed to our paths of service and leadership!
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.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 