Undergraduate Student Presents Criminology Research at National Conference

Mississippi State University undergraduate student Hannah Gjerde recently presented original criminology research at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) National Conference in March, showcasing the impactful work being conducted by MSU students on a national stage.

Her presentation, titled “Disparities in Crime Representation: Analyzing Media Crime Portrayals in Mississippi News and Social Media,” examines how crime is depicted across different media platforms and highlights important patterns in representation. The project was a collaborative effort with fellow Mississippi State University researchers Megan Stubbs-Richardson, Lauren Etheredge, and Ella Bissinger.

Participating in a national conference provided Hannah with the opportunity to engage directly with scholars, practitioners, and fellow students from across the country, gaining valuable insight into the broader field of criminology. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

“Presenting, while intimidating initially, was a great experience, and it gave me a new perspective on academia. Everyone I spoke to treated me like I had something of value to contribute, and getting to see everyone else's research was both exciting and eye-opening. Overall, it was far more inviting and accessible to undergrads than I would have ever imagined beforehand, and I would recommend the experience to every undergraduate with even a slight interest in learning more about their field.”

Hannah’s participation highlights the Department’s commitment to supporting undergraduate research in criminology and providing students with opportunities to contribute to meaningful academic conversations beyond the classroom.