Emma Cochran

What was the most impactful class you took in your major? what made it so? The professor? The assignments? What you read or learned? 

The most impactful class I took in my major was Criminal Investigation with Professor Remick. This class was very interactive where we would complete affidavits, timelines, and interview questions for varied cases. The class was a mix of projects, at home assignments, and guest speakers from different specialties. The mixture of assignment types made this class one of the most memorable classes at Mason. Professor Remick was someone that I had taken three separate classes with and is one of my favorite professors at Mason. He values each and every student that he teaches and is honest about his experience in law enforcement.  He has even stayed in touch with me and helped me in the process of finding a job post-grad

What activities were you involved in during your time at Mason that impacted you? A club? Research? Internship? Study abroad? Can you describe that experience a bit? 

I am apart of Zeta Tau Alpha, a sorority on campus, filled with women who push each other to be the best versions of themselves. This organization has allowed me to meet some of the best people, and work for a cause greater than myself. ZTA's philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, and I had the honor of being the VP of Service and Philanthropy. Our philanthropy impacts me and my family, so being able to work on campus and around the community for this cause greatly impacts me. I was also able to study abroad during my time at Mason. I participated in the Hooligans and Homicide study abroad program with Kevin Fornshill, where we traveled through the UK and Ireland learning about varied types of law enforcements and criminal procedures. This trip allowed me to look at Criminology in a different light and has been very impactful in my studies.

What is your most memorable moment at Mason inside or outside of the classroom? Can you describe it? 

My most memorable moment at Mason was when a retired FBI agent came to talk to my Intelligence Analysis Techniques class. We discussed a case that happened in the 1980s with a woman who tampered with Excedrin to murder her husband. This is the most memorable experience because we worked the case from the beginning and had to work through it like we were on the scene. I valued getting this type of experience in the classroom and being able to learn in a hands-on way.

As your reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey? 

Get involved! Mason is a big school, but finding your community and people makes it feel like home. I also recommend studying abroad if you can. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and put my degree into perspective.

What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans? 

I am on the job search and looking to work the government. I want to go to graduate school but am going to take some time off to work before going back to school.