Catherine Venegas-Garcia is a student enrolled at Southern Oregon University currently working on getting a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Criminology with a minor in Philosophy. Catherine anticipates graduating magna cum laude in June 2025.
Catherine’s academic interest lies in studies of correctional facilities and offenders within the legal system. Her main interest would relate to the efficiency of punishments given to inmates. These punishments include solitary confinement and its effects on social behavior and recidivism rates.
Along with achieving Provost’s List in Fall 2022 and Fall 2021, Catherine has been awarded President’s List from Southern Oregon University in Spring of 2022, Winter 2023, and Spring 2023. Catherine’s undergraduate studies have been generously funded by scholarships received from the Renaissance Scholar Program, Jacksonville-Applegate Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville, Carpenter Foundation, Pear Blossom Princess Scholarship, and the Fairy Godmother Scholarship Program.
After completing her degree from Southern Oregon University, Catherine is pursuing a dual Ph.D. and J.D. program. She is hoping to get her Ph.D. in Criminology, focusing on courts and corrections through a legal lens. After graduating and earning both degrees, she hopes to become a practicing criminal lawyer in a Law Firm. She hopes to continue research in correctional facilities and offenders after finishing her education. With this research, she wants to be able to challenge inhumane punishments against inmates within jails and prisons.
McNair Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shanell Sanchez, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
