Rieger named November Student of the Month

Rieger, a fifth-year senior, is majoring in criminal justice and psychology. She said she has been interested in criminal justice since she was a child and double majoring will help toward her future career.

“Psychology and criminal justice go extremely well together and where I want to go in life the double degree helps me,” Rieger said. “I want to work as a behavioral analyst. I am really interested in criminal behavior, their brains and why they commit the acts they do, whether it is because of genetics, environmental influences or other influences. I’m just really interested in why they do the things they do.”

Rieger said applying psychology to current events in classes taught by CSC education faculty member Marv Neuharth has been beneficial.

“He ties current events back to psychology, which to me is extremely helpful,” Rieger said. “The class wasn’t always about thinking from a textbook. It seemed we were using our critical thinking more.”

Rieger said she enjoyed completing a mock investigation of a staged crime scene in Forensic Studies I (CJ 323) taught by Dr. Jamie Wada, associate professor of Justice Studies. Rieger said students had to predict the offender’s signature, something specific to the offender that could be traced back to other crime scenes, and give a report predicting the suspect’s characteristics and traits.

In addition to her studies, Rieger has been active in Zeta Alpha Kappa, the Psychology Club and Project Strive/TRiO.

Rieger said she learned of Project Strive/TRiO through her freshman roommate and has come to appreciate the personal connections the program has provided.

“It is a home away from home. They are always super helpful and are willing to put down anything to help you,” Rieger said.

Rieger said she uses several services the program provides, including Counselor Sonja Dressel and attending events.

Dressel said Rieger brings enthusiasm to Project Strive/TRiO.

“She always has a smile on her face and kind words for other students and staff. Her work ethic is top-notch and her dedication to her work always shows,” Dressel said.

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.