Jaspreet Heer

Research Project:

"Campus vs. Municipal Policing”

Faculty Mentor:

Ryan Patten, PhD | Dean, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences

Interview with Jaspreet

A brief bio (including your major, year, and any extracurricular activities)

• “My name is Jaspreet Heer and I am a senior graduating in Spring 2025. I am majoring in psychology and minoring in criminal justice. My extracurricular activities include being a part of Punjabi Club on campus, interning at Sutter County Probation, community service, and volunteering at my younger sister's school events, and at the Gurdwara as well. I used to play basketball in middle school, I don't play anymore professionally but, I play occasionally with my sisters.”

What inspired you to join the BSS Future Scholars Program?

• “When I first received the email from my professor, asking if I wanted to be part of his research, I was excited as I had never done anything of that sort before. I didn't know what I was doing but I was excited to do it. Wanting to experience how research is conducted and being a part of research was what inspired me to join the BSS Future Scholars Program. In addition, I am going to be a Parole Agent/ Probation Officer, so I was excited to join as the research we were going to conduct was focused on the criminal justice field. This would have also looked great on my resume!”

What has been your most memorable experience in the program so far?

• “My most memorable experience in the program so far is the BSS Future Scholar's meetings and check-ins! At first, I was nervous about being in the group, but the very first meeting I saw some of my friends and professor! I was excited to see them, but the majority of the people were new faces, they instantly felt like family. I look forward to these meetings as we can be ourselves and connect with each other so well. Everybody is so kind and always willing to help in any way!”

How has the program impacted your academic and personal growth?

• “This program has impacted my academic and personal growth as it gives me a better insight into what career I am going into. It is educational and teaching me more about the reality of the topic instead of textbook information. As in regard to my personal growth, I am stoked to learn so much about criminal justice and actually do the research and tell others about it as well. I would say that I am nervous to speak in front of a crowd but presenting my work in front of other BSS Future Scholar's has helped me improve so I can do so much better for the May 2025 Symposium.”

What are your future goals and aspirations?

• “My future goal/aspiration is to be a Parole Agent or Probation Officer! I would like to help individuals that made the wrong choices get back on track in their lives.”

Any advice you would like to share with fellow students?

• “A piece of advice I would like to share with fellow students is to never be shy to try new things! I had never done any research or be a part of a research, but I was excited to get this new opportunity. I am shy and get nervous in front of a crowd and was actually stressing on how I would present my research at the Symposium next semester but, with practice and my peers, I can be confident and do my best.”