Mia Thomas
Mia Thomas is a Junior in the School of Justice Studies majoring in Criminal Justice, minoring in both Spanish and Cybersecurity, as well as pursuing a Homeland Security certificate in Intelligence Studies. Originally from Northern Kentucky, Mia says she chose EKU for a variety of reasons including the campus, potential career opportunities, and the resources afforded students. In recollecting her decision Mia notes, “I chose to attend EKU after speaking with a representative from the College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science and deciding that the program was my best opportunity to study my passion.”
Mia was drawn to Criminal Justice as a career field after attending the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Program where she studied forensic science. After enrolling in EKU’s Criminal Justice program, Mia finds herself most interested in topics such as victim advocacy, corrections (both domestic and abroad), and the use of artificial intelligence as it pertains to both counterintelligence, and criminal justice and homeland security more broadly. Mia says, “Not only do I have an intense fascination with all things related to criminal justice, I feel it may be my personal pathway to do the most good in the world.”
While at EKU, Mia has demonstrated that she is an excellent student and truly a pleasure to have in the classroom. In addition, Mia has earned several accolades in her first few semesters in recognition of her hard work. For example, in 2024 she won the School of Justice Studies Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award and the First-Year Student of the Year Award. She has also earned the Dean’s Award and has been the recipient of the President’s Award twice. In addition, Mia has been actively engaged in undergraduate research pursuing a project on the role of artificial intelligence in terrorism and counterterrorism, the results of which she then presented at the 2024 Kentucky Honors Roundtable at Western Kentucky University, and at the 2024 Southern Regional Honors Council in Jacksonville, Florida. Mia has a passion for research and hopes to examine future topics on police discretion and correctional programs in the United States prison system.
Beyond the classroom, Mia is a very engaged in extracurricular activities, including serving as the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honors Society Chair, and in the Fall she begins a term serving as the organizations’ Treasurer. Mia is also enrolled in EKU’s Honors program. Additionally, Mia has aspirations to secure a law enforcement internship and study Spanish abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, specifically she hopes to study in either Oaxaca, México or Heredia, Costa Rica. In speaking about her experiences here at EKU, Mia states,
I have had many positive experiences while at EKU and have truthfully grown to love all of them. Not only have I grown as a person while participating in the transition from budding adult to young member of society, but I have bonded with others who share similar interests and have networked with incredible professionals. I have been offered career, research, and travel opportunities I never could have dreamed were possible and am grateful for each one.
When she graduates, Mia would like to work for the FBI or a local law enforcement organization supporting victims of violent crimes. Here in the School of Justice Studies we are very proud of everything Mia has already accomplished and have no doubts she will reach her goals.
Published 7/10/2024