I’m Julia Mack and I was born and raised here in Erie, PA. Graduated from Villa Maria Academy in 2003, left for 9 years to pursue my post-secondary education and came back to teach here at Gannon, my dad’s alma mater. I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology from Saint Francis University (Loretto, PA). I earned an MA and PhD in Sociology (Criminology concentration with a minor in Family Studies) from Bowling Green State University of Ohio. Throughout my five years at Bowling Green, I served as both a teaching and research assistant, during which time I gained experience in qualitative and quantitative research. My final year was spent working on the longitudinal study, Toledo Adolescent Relationship Study (TARS), which was in its fifth wave of data collection (Primary Investigators: Peggy Girodano, Wendy Manning and Monica Longmore). This study examined the workings of adolescent relationships over time, with special attention placed on understanding intimate partner violence in emerging adulthood. While working with TARS, I spent most of my time locating study participants, analyzing data and transcribing qualitative interviews. My dissertation examined how early contact with the criminal justice system influences later outcomes including; co-residential unions, psychosocial maturity and criminal offending in adulthood (Chair: Susan Brown; Co-Chair: Jorge Chavez). It is because of the research experience I obtained from Bowling Green that I am privileged with teaching courses such as Criminological Theory, Research Methods and Statistics. Aside from being the CJ program director, I’m involved in various organizations throughout the Gannon, Erie and research communities. During the summer months, aside from taking care of my baby, I spend most of my time playing slow-pitch softball.