Affecting parole policy

• In Event: Rutgers at 50: Choosing a Non-traditional Career Path after Completing the PhD

Abstract

After earning her Ph.D. in 2018, she joined Fairleigh Dickinson University as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice. Three years later, she pivoted to the New Jersey State Parole Board, seeking to conduct research, learn best practices, and share knowledge in a place where her work could have more of a direct impact on those involved with the criminal legal system. She saw potential for growth at Parole that was not present in an academic position. Her current work entails: conducting in-house research for the agency, co-coordinating the agency’s internship program, engaging in community outreach, applying for, managing, and evaluating federal grants, overseeing the agency’s contracted community programs, overseeing the agency’s reentry initiatives, and serving as Public Information Officer.

Author

• Nicole Swiderski, New Jersey State Parole Board