Danielle Lacorazza
Adjunct Professor
Degrees/Certificates
Ph.D., Criminology & Justice Studies – University of Massachusetts, Lowell
M.A., Criminal Justice – University of Massachusetts, Lowell
M.A., Community Social Psychology – University of Massachusetts, Lowell
B.A., Social Science – Daniel Webster College
What online courses could a student possibly take from you?
CJS2050 Criminology
CJS6900 Criminal Justice Capstone Project
What do you like most about teaching online?
There is so much to love about teaching online! One of the aspects of online teaching that I really value is the opportunity to connect with students with diverse backgrounds and experiences that may otherwise not have had the opportunity to take college courses. The stories shared with the class in discussion board posts allows for deeper conversation and reflecting. I am truly honored to be part of the journey of so many individuals seeking flexibility and rigor. I also really enjoy the innovative nature of the online realm, as it requires versatility and outside-of-the-box thinking to create an environment that is engaging and still personalized.
How do you bring the industry to life in class?
I bring the industry to life by tying in my own experiences working across the criminal justice system as a research analyst, as well as by bringing in perspectives by other practitioners, academics, and justice involved individuals. I also really enjoy creating assessments that allow students to apply what they know in “real world” settings, particularly surrounding solving complex problems, critiquing policies and programs, and coming up with suggestions for improvement across the field wherever we can.
Do you have any career advice for prospective students?
Be open to ideas you may not have knew even existed! As you learn new skills and knowledge from your classes, keep track of the bits and pieces you enjoy most and see what’s out there for jobs that align with those. If you can’t find one, ask your faculty! I am absolutely a resource for our students to discuss careers and internships, pathways of learning whether it be graduate certificates, masters, or doctorates, content related to the course and relevant current events, and really, anything they need to discuss pertinent to their academic and professional careers.