Meet Shanika Freeman

Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• Minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Degree Mentors

• Dr. Laszlo Korossy, Political Science 
• Carrie Sauter, Individualized Study

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose INDS because it allows me to combine my interests in sociology, urban studies, and policy in a way that feels cohesive and focused. The program’s flexibility has been crucial in helping me explore these fields while addressing complex topics like mass incarceration, recidivism, and crime.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a Fulbright grant to research recidivism and reentry among women in Norway or pursue my Master’s in criminology, where I can continue to focus on prison systems, recidivism, and reentry processes. The fields of recidivism and reentry are inherently interdisciplinary, often requiring a deep understanding of sociology, criminal justice, public policy, and geographical information systems (GIS), among other disciplines. Through my INDS degree, I’ve gained the skills and  to navigate these fields to address real-world issues.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Opinions Writer and Editor, The Retriever
• Student Ambassador, Alex Brown Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Student Volunteer for the Individualized Study Committee, Individualized Study Program at UMBC 
• Intern with the ""I Hate Politics" Podcast, UMBC
• Research and Evaluation Intern, Annie E. Casey Foundation

For more information on Shanika's INDS journey please click here: