Welcome! I’m Romy Zingraff, a PhD student in Criminal Justice at Texas State University (Eat ‘Em Up, Cats!). My research explores incarcerated women, disparities in media coverage of missing persons, and female officers’ exposure to suspect resistance. I am passionate about bridging the gap between academia and real-world justice issues.

Beyond research, I am dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scholars. As an instructor, I provide students with the tools to critically engage with the criminal justice system and navigate the complexities of academic life. Through this website, I aim to share insights, resources, and reflections on research, teaching, and the broader academic journey.

Why I Chose Criminal Justice

My passion for criminal justice comes from a deep curiosity about the intersection of law, policy, and human behavior. Growing up in France, I was lucky to be surrounded by people from various life paths. I became increasingly aware of how justice systems shape societies and individuals. This interest led me to pursue a career where I could critically analyze these systems, contribute to research-driven solutions, and educate future scholars and practitioners.

During my academic journey, I became particularly drawn to the roles and experiences of women in the criminal justice system. Establishing more equitable policies that reflect the realities of women navigating the system is crucial. As such, my research aims to bridge gaps in our understanding of criminal justice-involved women. 

Key Achievements

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of:

• Publishing research on female police officers’ exposure to suspect resistance, the role of the media in missing person cases, and the sexual victimization of Native American women.
• Teaching undergraduate courses at Texas State University, where I guided students in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system.
• Receiving an R-1 scholarship to actively participate in Texas State University’s run to R1 status.
• Organizing and moderating a debate about gender equality at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

These experiences have strengthened my commitment to research, teaching, and advocacy in criminal justice.

Future Goals

As I continue my PhD at Texas State University, my primary goal is to expand my research on women in the criminal justice system. I am particularly interested in incarcerated women’s access to healthcare, hoping to contribute to policy discussions and academic discourse.

Beyond research, I aim to support students through teaching, mentorship, or resources that make academic life more accessible. This website is part of that mission, offering insights on criminal justice, academic success, and professional development.

Looking ahead, I aspire to secure a tenure-track position where I can combine research, teaching, and advocacy to shape the next generation of criminal justice scholars and practitioners.