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Recent CU Boulder graduate Kavya is heading to the �Թ��� of Cambridge to pursue a Master of Philosophy in Criminology! Drawn to the field for its focus on the deeper principles of justice and the criminal justice system, Kavya hopes that this advanced education will strengthen her future career as an attorney. She explains “having that deeper understanding is so important to make appropriate decisions when advocating for clients.”.

During her time at CU Boulder, several key experiences shaped her academic path. Early on, Professor Sarah Sokhey’s Russian Politics class sparked Kavya’s interest in research and introduced her to experience in rigorous research methods. This opportunity led to summer research on higher education policy in authoritarian countries and an honors thesis focused on sex trafficking- experiences that developed her skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, and international perspectives on justice.

Kavya also credits Political Science courses like Sex, Power, and Politics��that have a focus in political science research methods with deepening her understanding of how policies impact diverse populations. “We can write code all day long, but ultimately, we need to translate that data into something accessible to the general population,” she notes.

Reflecting on her journey to grad school, Kavya emphasizes that students should never count themselves out. While CU Boulder may not have the Ivy League label, its resources and faculty provide the foundation for students to compete at the highest levels. Kavya stresses that if applicants are specific about their interests and clearly demonstrate how a graduate program aligns with those interests, prestigious schools will seriously consider them, regardless of background or institutional prestige.

She also encourages students to take their time when considering graduate school. After graduating, Kavya worked for two and a half years, using that period to hone her research interests and carefully target programs that were the right fit. She believes that stepping back and allowing oneself the flexibility to grow, explore, and refine interests can ultimately lead to stronger, more focused applications. There is no set timeline, and students should feel empowered to move at their own pace.

Lastly, Kavya advises students to explore broadly during their undergraduate years. Taking a variety of courses both inside and outside of the political science department can open new areas of interest and introduce students to influential mentors. Kavya’s own academic journey was shaped by courses in Russian politics, sex trafficking, Supreme Court decisions, and international relations — all of which deepened her understanding of criminology and shaped her future goals. She emphasizes that CU Boulder’s political science department offers a wealth of opportunities, and that students who remain open and curious will find supportive mentors who can guide them along the way!