Real-world learning experiences catapult knowledge, provide big-picture perspective, reveal opportunities, and stimulate the appetite to learn more. A group of University of St. Thomas-Houston students majoring in Criminology, Law & Society returned from an enriching experience in April. Accompanied by Dr. Michael Kane, UST’s Department Director of Criminology, Law and Society, the group traveled to Washington, D.C., and visited several federal agencies with the FBI at the top of their list.

Criminology Students Describe Riveting Experience Viewing Investigation Artifacts

Through an FBI Experience tour, the students gained insights into how the Bureau operates in the field, at Headquarters, and elsewhere across the country. The group became aware of various facets within the FBI—investigative divisions, laboratory resources, and professional occupations. In addition, they viewed investigation artifacts, a riveting experience described by graduating senior, Camelia Pop.

“Seeing all the cases the FBI solved and some that they are still trying to solve was mind-blowing,” Pop said. “They have a letter with some random code that was found at a murder scene many years ago, and so far, no one can interpret the message. I took a picture of it and plan to spend some time figuring it out. Also, at the FBI headquarters, they have the boat that one of the Boston bombers hid in when the FBI was looking for him. You can see the bullet holes in it. That case is something that most of us were old enough to remember. Being so close to it was a unique experience.”

Former Student, now Special Agent, Hosts Group

One of Dr. Kane’s former students, FBI Special Agent Asiano Davila, generously hosted the group and shared his firsthand work stories.

Dr. Kane said, “The students were humbled to have Special Agent Davila accompany them at FBI Headquarters and provide real-world insights into the federal service as well as his personal experiences. When a student asked if he had always wanted to be an FBI agent, Davila pointed to me and answered that I was the reason he chose his career path—his deciding moment happened when I had an FBI recruiter speak at a class I was teaching at Coastal Bend College.”

Inspiration was Everywhere on the Trip

Special Agent Davila also facilitated the group’s access to inspiring areas of the Department of Justice.

The Romanian-born Pop recalled, “We got a chance to see their law library and they let us hold 500-year-old books. There’s something about history that makes you think about the future. Also, we walked in the hallways of the Supreme Court, and I have no words. I felt inspired; it reminded me of where I was 10 years ago and how far I have come.”

Other stops included some quiet time at the Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, Congress, the Jefferson Memorial, and a stroll through the cherry blossoms. Dr. Kane’s dedication to providing his students with real-world experiences is demonstrated by his organizing of trips like this one. Earlier this year, Dr. Kane accompanied students on a visit to the Harris County District Courts where they gained insights into how the judicial system works, observing a murder trial and hearing testimony in a different case.

UST offers options for a B.A. and an entirely online M.A. in Criminology, Law & Society. St. Thomas also offers a Law, Society, and Criminal Justice Leadership Concentration in its Doctor of Education degree.