Successful internship a ‘natural springboard’ for criminologist

That’s why Russo took the initiative to approach David May, assistant professor of public and environmental affairs, about an internship. He suggested an opportunity on the Allen County Criminal Justice Task Force.

“The fact that the data and data analysis would determine how the criminal justice system in Allen County could be made more effective absolutely intrigued me,” said Russo “I wanted to be a part of that.”

May was looking for a competent student to intern with the task force; choosing Russo, he got competence and enthusiasm personified.

“I learned the patience it takes to do a project like this,” she said. “Now I get to discuss ideas based on software analysis, which allows us to forecast how many people will use these services in the years 2003 and 2004.”

“I had supervised Elizabeth’s internship with the Victims Assistance Program in 1999, and I knew she’d be good,” May said. “She has learned the difficulty involved in data collection, while increasing her knowledge of a number of the computer programs for data coding and analysis. And, she’s made many amazing contacts in practically every criminal justice agency in Allen County.”

Russo, who hopes to go to graduate school and eventually work in an experimental area of criminal justice, said May has gone above and beyond the call of duty both in the classrooom and during her efforts on behalf of the task force.

“Dr. May has been very involved. Anytime I had a question, he was always there,” she said. “He’s been very involved in the data analysis and introduced me to some of the software.”