Today@Sam Article

Doctoral Student Recognized By National Organization For Research

Nov. 22, 2023
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

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Kristina Block, a Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU CJ) doctoral student, was named the 2023 recipient of the Rolf Loeber Student Innovation Award by the American Society of Criminology’s (ASC) Division of Biopsychosocial Criminology. The accolade recognizes an exceptional paper written by a current graduate student in the biopsychosocial criminology field. Block won the award for her paper, “Head injury, sleep disturbance, and delinquent offending: Evidence from a longitudinal sample of juvenile detainees.”  

“Winning this award reflects my passion for research,” Block said. “I’ve grown a lot since I started the SHSU CJ doctoral program in 2020. This award reflects that and gives me the confidence to keep moving forward.” 

Eric Connolly, Block’s faculty mentor and SHSU CJ Undergraduate Programs Director, says the recognition is well-earned, pointing out that her work not only advances research but could also impact policy in the legal system.  

"Kristina is a rising star in biopsychosocial criminology,” Connolly said. “Her paper advances both theory and research on head injuries, sleep and delinquency amongst juvenile justice involved youth. The results also offer clear policy implications for health-focused delinquency intervention programming for violent and non-violent offending."  

Block received her award from the American Society of Criminology’s Division of Biopsychosocial Criminology when attending the 2023 ASC annual meeting this month in Philadelphia. While there, she looked forward to celebrating with some familiar faces.  

“One of my good friends also won an award,” Block said. “I’m very excited to celebrate with her in person.” 

The American Society of Criminology is an international organization whose members seek knowledge regarding crime and delinquency. For more information about ASC, visit their website. For more information about ASC’s Division of Biopsychosocial Criminology, follow this link. 

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