Working as an assistant researcher for Dr. Ulmer, Dr. Zajac, and the Criminal Justice Research Center has been an immensely academically enriching experience that I would recommend to any student with interest in real world application of Criminology and Criminal Law. This one-of-a-kind opportunity has allowed me to gain personal insight into what I wish to achieve in my future career endeavors; I have found myself invested in the practical application of research regarding policy for the Criminal Justice System. I started this research as an undergrad, and it was fundamental in inspiring me to begin my graduate degree in the School of Public Policy here at Penn State, where I concentrate on Criminal Justice policy analysis. This research that I assist in is particularly fascinating and thought provoking as I have combed through hundreds of homicide-related case documents. I consider Dr. Ulmer and Dr. Zajac valuable mentors, and I am thrilled to have gotten to know them through this project. Every week, I look forward to engaging in this thought-provoking work!