Message from the Dean
It has been an exciting semester in the College of Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown. We have had faculty and students win prestigious awards and accomplish important milestones. I want to congratulate all the Spring graduates from our College. You are truly dedicated and determined and we are proud of the difference you will make in the future.
CPS Student Wins National Award
Newman Civic Fellowship
Congratulations to CPS Criminal Justice student, Kayla Mazariego, who has been officially named as UHD’s 2022-2023 Newman Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are change-makers and public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Fellows are nominated by their University President or Chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership. Her mentor, Dr. Judith Harris, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, commented that, “This is so exciting for her. My hope and dreams are that she is front and center ALL year in the college and the university. She has earned an honor that most students/faculty can only dream of.” Ms. Mazariego was selected to present her research at UHD’s Student Research Conference held on April 22, 2022. We recently interviewed Ms. Mazariego on her amazing award winning moment. You can view the interview by clicking the link below.
CPS Faculty Awarded Fulbright
Dr. Shahnaz Savani of our Social Work program has received a prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award for 2022-2023. As part of this Award, she will be conducting important research on mental health and suicide prevention in Tajikistan. Dr. Savani was previously recognized as a Fulbright Alternate in 2021. Learn more about her work here
The Latest News from the College of Public Service
The Financial Coaching and Economic Stability Lab (FCESL) in partnership with the UHD Student Government Association highlights Financial Literacy Month which is celebrated in April. Financial Literacy Month provides the opportunity to focus on and review personal finances and gradually improve them. The FCESL has published "30 Financial Tips in 30 Days" as a starting point to promote financial well-being for all. The 30 Financial Tips in 30 Days calendar is located on the FCESL website with financial tips updated daily.
Student Corner
Dr. Goins will host the 5th Annual Aging Research Symposium on May 4, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in C-222 with light refreshments served. The Symposium is sponsored by students enrolled in SOCW 3331: Practice with Aging Populations. Students will present posters based on their research on aging policy issues pertinent to seniors in the U.S. The Symposium showcases the high impact work conducted by students in this course. The event is open to all UHD faculty, staff and students. Please take time to learn about the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and support our BSW students in their research endeavors!
Houston Laboratory for Crime and Justice
Since its founding in late 2021, the Houston Laboratory for Crime and Justice has assisted local agencies with racial profiling report writing and police patrol resource reallocation program designing. Currently, the lab is designing a gang reduction program evaluation with one of the largest agencies in the nation, in collaboration with two local agencies on a multi-site police training program evaluation, and overseeing the first Court Watch Program in Texas. It has also been collaborating with local organizations to meet their research needs and securing research and internship opportunities for new faculty and students. If you are interested in learning more about the lab and research opportunities, please contact the Lab Director, Dr. Fei Yang, at yangf@uhd.edu.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr. Dana Smith, Assistant Professor of Social Work, and Dr. Nina Barbieri, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, received official notice from President Blanchard that they are being recommended for Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure. Their promotions and the granting of tenure will be reviewed for confirmation by the UHS Board of Regents later this year.
Ms. Ana Esparza, currently Assistant Director of the CPS Advising Center, has been promoted to Director of the CPS Advising Center.
Dr. Kevin Buckler, Professor of Criminal Justice, was interviewed for a Houston Chronicle article, Houston plan for security cams outside bars, clubs faces scrutiny (houstonchronicle.com)
SAVE THE DATES
- College of Public Service Student Awards Ceremony, May 6th, from 5:30-7:30 pm in C-100
- UHD Commencement, May 15th at NRG | College of Public Service Ceremony 12:00 pm
- Meet the Dean on Tuesday, August 30th from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm in C-100 with a celebration of Dean’s List Awardees for 2021-2022
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Spring 2022