September 2025
Vanessa Centelles' research published by Criminal Justice and Behavior
Dr. Vanessa Centelles’ new research “Exploring Subgroup Differences in Offending among Latine Adults in the United States” has been published by Criminal Justice and Behavior.
🔍 Findings suggest that cultural, historical, and racial experiences shape significant differences in subgroups’ involvement in both violent and non-violent crime. This study challenges one-size-fits-all labels and calls for more culturally responsive research.
Critical Criminology publishes Adam Snitker's research
Critical Criminology has published PhD student Adam Snitker’s article, “Expanding Wildfire Research with Insights from Green Criminology.”
His research explores how green criminology can deepen our understanding of wildfires. Adam challenges three components of existing wildfire research:
🔥 What counts as criminal activity?
🌲 How are victims identified?
🍃 How do human actions affect nature?
Adam ties these to green criminology and provides an innovative perspective of wildfire based on social forces.
Dylan Witte is using SOC skills to create change
"Sociology encourages me to understand how others may fit into society, and this skill shows up in even my day-to-day interactions, as my coursework has prompted me to be curious and engaged with multiple perspectives. I believe a degree in sociology provides more than analytical skills – it encourages empathy – a skill that is applicable in all aspects of life."
Dylan recently accepted a manager position at Arboretum, a non-profit coffee shop near campus, where she is also the lead trainer for immigrants and refugees who want to learn job skills.
Michael Carolan shares his research
Dr. Michael Carolan returned to campus this fall and kindly kicked off our fall Sociology-in-Progress series. He shared his research, experiences and insights in his talk “Food is Medicine, Until it Isn’t: Lessons from 12 Months at the so-called Science-Policy Interface."
Thanks to all who joined us to kick off this year's collective effervescence!
Alum Erin Washington is a stepping stone to healing
Erin Washington (B.A., ’24) is a Family Case Manager for the Family Connections program at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Larimer County.
Erin and Tara Opsal recently crossed paths, and Erin kindly agreed to an alumni spotlight. Learn more about the important impact she's having locally as well as how her CSU SOC training helped inspire and prepare her to take on such an important role.
Please continue to submit your news and events to Sociology's Communications Coordinator. Thank you!