About Alice Wickliffe
Class of 2024
Major: Criminal Justice
Distinguished Student Award winner, Alice Wickliffe, had the rare opportunity to present joint research with Dr. Caroline Jalain at the Southern Criminal Justice Association Conference in September of this year. Alice was kind enough to answer some questions about their presentation, entitled "Examining Veterans Treatment Courts Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Results."
How did you come to USI and the Criminal Justice program?
I first attended USI in 1984. Last year, I decided to return and finish what I started 37 years ago. I wanted to be a corporate lawyer all those years ago, but life has shown me the disparity in the criminal justice system, and I believe that being a voice for those who are accused of a criminal act is my purpose. I have been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), for more than nine years and found that I love working in criminal justice.
Tell us about your paper.
It was a joint effort with Dr. Jalain. We both wrote sections of the paper and did parts of the PowerPoint. The presentation focused on the research we will be conducting. Veterans Treatment Court is a specialty court that was started in 2008 by Judge Robert Russell in Buffalo, NY. Judge Russell had seen an influx of veterans on the court docket and felt that because of their unique situation, a specialty court could offer them an opportunity to receive treatment, get their life back on track, and avoid prison. The focus of our research is how the VTC (Veterans Treatment Court) operated during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The pandemic has had such a profound effect on every aspect of life. We feel that knowing and understanding the effect on VTC will help to improve policies and protocols going forward.
As a student, how does it feel to have been a presenter at an academic conference?
I am very honored to have been asked to be a part of such a rare opportunity. I did not fully understand the magnitude of it all until I arrived there. I had the opportunity to meet another undergraduate and during our conversation realized that few, in my position, got the opportunity to do what I was able to do.
Are you happy with how the presentation went?
Yes! I was nervous. Dr. Jalain and I practiced many times and she encouraged me. She said I did well. I wanted to make her and the University proud, so it was important to me that I did my best.
What are your future plans?
2024 is my graduation date. I have not decided if I will attend graduate school or go to law school. I do know that I will use my education and skills to be a voice for those who are wrongly convicted.
Is there anything else you would like to share about this experience?
It was the best academic experience I have had so far, and I am profoundly grateful for the trust and the honor that was given to me by Dr. Jalain.