Meet the Graduate Students

Headshot of justice studies graduate student Patricia AdvinculaPatricia Advincula

Patricia received her B.A. in Criminology, Law & Society and Psychological Sciences from University of California, Irvine. Her research interests include policy analysis, program evaluation, criminal justice, social policy, and law & society. She currently works as a Research Specialist at Pacific Clinics. Her goals are to receive her Ph.D. to become a public policy researcher/analyst.

Headshot of Justice Studies graduate student Eva Gonzalez

Eva Gonzalez

Eva Gonzalez graduated from California State University, Chico with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Diversity Studies. She grew up in a mixed status family and witnessed the harsh realities, persecution, and discrimination that undocumented persons face in the United States. Eva is a first-generation college student whose immigrant parents paved the way for her to pursue a master's degree in Justice Studies at San Jose State University. Based on Eva's passion for supporting the undocumented community, she aspires to attend law school and specialize in international or criminal law. Currently, Eva works as a Lead Case Manager with justice involved youth. Her research interests include the prison industrial complex, immigration law, and contemporary racial issues. 

Photo of justice studies graduate student Clarissa Guevarra

Clarissa Guevarra 

Clarissa graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Legal Studies and Sociology. She completed the Paralegal Program from the School of Law at University of San Diego. Her research interests include the impact of state and federal laws on the criminal legal system, women and children impacted by the penal system, prison and jail visitation policies, media criminology, and the Norwegian prison model. After graduating with her M.S. in Justice Studies, she hopes to pursue a J.D. or Ph.D.

Headshot of Justice Studies graduate student Veronica HughesVeronica Hughes

Veronica Hughes received her B.A. in Criminal Justice and Political Science from The University of Alabama. Her research interests include prison programming reform with an emphasis on performing and creative arts for both adults and juveniles and improving post-release programming and resources for adults and juveniles. She is currently employed with the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder's Office and serves as an instructor for South Bay Dance Center.

Headshot of justice studies graduate student Sophia JaureguiSophia Celeste Jauregui

Sophia received her B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, East Bay. Her research interests include youth justice in schools, youth civil rights, restorative and procedural justice, and intersectionality. She currently works as a substitute teacher. Her areas of interest are the RIPA Act, juvenile justice, record clearance, and public policy. Upon receiving her M.S. in Justice Studies, Sophia plans to teach part-time while pursuing a Ph.D. and possibly a J.D.

Photo of justice studies graduate student Samantha Magbulos sitting on the steps of a courthouseSamantha Quibuyen Magbulos

Samantha received her B.A. in Political Science and a certificate in Law & Society from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her research interests are green criminology and urbanity. Her career goal is to become a criminal investigator.
 

 

Headshot of justice studies graduate student Badiana MartinezBadiana Martinez-Garcia

Badiana received her B.A. in Justice Studies and Criminology and a minor in Psychology from San Jose State University. She is interested in researching intimate partner violence (IPV) with a focus on (1) law enforcement families, (2) Hispanic families, and (3) the role of technology on IPV. She currently works as a juvenile institution officer and hopes to continue working in law enforcement, dedicating herself to helping others.

Photo of justice studies graduate student Erica PowellErica Powell

Erica received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from San Jose State University. 
Her research interests are the outcomes of child welfare from an ecological systems theoretical standpoint, family law and policies, and the foster care to prison pipeline. 
She aspires to become an attorney in family law, specifically advocating for children’s voices in divorce proceedings. 

Headshot of graduate student Lisette Valenzeula under a lemon tree.Lisette Valenzuela

Lisette received her B.S. in Justice Studies and minor in Forensic Studies from San Jose State University. Her research interests include prison reform and juvenile justice. She currently works with the Department of Social Services in the Community Care Licensing Division.