12th Biannual Utah Crime, Justice and Equity Student Conference – Saturday – May 2, 2026

12th Biannual Utah Crime, Justice and Equity Student Conference – Saturday – May 2, 2026 – SLCC Miller Campus

Saturday, May 2, 2025
9:00am to 5:00pm

Salt Lake Community College
Miller Campus

Address:
9750 South 300 West. Sandy, UT, 84070 USA
Parking is Free.

Free, Family Friendly, and Open to the Public.

Calling Utah undergraduate and graduate students for presentations

submit proposals to present or have posters here:
https://forms.office.com/r/bSFYptTx1r

Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 15, 2025

Conferences Chairs:
Stephanie Hoffman, Anthony J. Nocella II, David Robles, Antonette Gray, Amy Woods, and Cecile Delozier

Rooms:
Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215

Room 2: PSET 211
Room 3: PSET 215
Room 4: PSET 278

Forensic Science Lab Tour: PSET 221
Lunch and Awards Room: PSET 278
Agency and Organizations’ Booths Room: Hall Near Elevator
Posters: Hall

Conference Mission:

The Biannual Utah Crime, Justice, and Equity Conference, founded in 2019, hosted and sponsored by academic departments, colleges, universities, student clubs and nonprofits, is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in Utah to present within the field of justice studies, criminology, criminal justice, peace studies, and conflict studies. The purpose of this conference is to promote — scholarship, respect, community engagement, intellectual discovery, research, networking, collaboration, learning, innovation, inclusion, and a more educated democratic citizenship for a peaceful world.

SCHEDULE
(Based on USA Mountain Time)
8:40am– 5:00pm

Welcoming
8:40 – 9:00am

Session One
9:00am-10:00am

Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Antonette Gray, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [9:00am-9:15am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [9:20am-9:35am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [9:40am-9:55am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Room 3: PSET 215
Chair: Anthony J. Nocella II, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Four:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Five:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

5 to 10 minutes for Q and A

Room 4: PSET 278
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Stephanie L. Hoffman, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [9:00am-9:15am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [9:20am-9:35am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [9:40am-9:55am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Session Two
10:00am-11:00am

Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Antonette Gray, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [10:00am-10:15am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [10:20am-10:35am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [10:40am-10:55am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Room 2: PSET 211
Chair: David Robles, Assistant Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Four:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Five:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

5 to 10 minutes for Q and A

Room 4: PSET 278
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Stephanie L. Hoffman, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [10:00am-10:15am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [10:20am-10:35am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [10:40am-10:55am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Session Three
11:00am-12:00am

Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Antonette Gray, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [11:00am-11:15am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [11:20am-11:35am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [11:40am-11:55am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Room 4: PSET 278
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Stephanie L. Hoffman, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [11:00am-11:15am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [11:20am-11:35am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [11:40am-11:55am]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Lunch: 12:00pm to 12:30pm
Room: PSET 278

Facilitated by: Dr. Anthony Nocella II
Menu: Free Pizza and Juice (Vegan Options)

Moment of Silence for Lauren’s Promise: 12:30pm – 12:40pm
Room: PSET 278

Make Lauren’s Promise
Facilitated by: Interim Dean Cecile Delozier

Lauren’s Promise is a vow that anyone – faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members – can take to indicate to others that they represent a safe haven for sharing incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking. Anyone who makes Lauren’s Promise will listen to and believe those individuals who are being threatened or experiencing sexual assault, dating violence or stalking and will help connect victims to support resources. By making Lauren’s Promise, individuals are helping to change campus cultures that respond poorly to dating violence and stalking throughout the nation.

I WILL LISTEN AND BELIEVE YOU IF SOMEONE IS THREATENING YOU.

Fill out the form below to make Lauren’s Promise and request more information about how you can improve safety on your campus.

12:40pm – 1:30pm – Keynote Speaker
Room: PSET 278

Title: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives: History, Impact, and the Path Forward
Keynote Presenter: Tammy Dee Platero
Biography: Tammy Dee Platero is an urban auntie who has had to learn, unlearn, and forge new pathways toward belonging. Growing up at a distance from her Navajo family (born for the Edge of the Water clan), Dee has spent much of her life navigating the spaces between cultures and building deeper connection with community. She brings a background in computer science and technical consulting to Indigenous advocacy and serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of MMIR Utah, working at the intersection of technology, community, and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
Abstract: In this keynote, Tammy Dee Platero, Co-Founder and Executive Director of MMIR Utah (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), will ground the audience in the historical context of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives of Utah and how that history connects to present-day systems, media narratives, and community realities. Tammy Dee will then highlight key findings and recommendations from Utah’s MMIR Task Force, and explain how those recommendations have directly informed MMIR Utah’s strategy and public-facing campaigns. The presentation will close with practical ways institutions and community members can support prevention, awareness, and accountability.

Awards: 1:30pm-2:00pm
Room: PSET 278

Recognizing the Outstanding Criminal Justice Awards
Chairs: Professors Stephanie Hoffman and David Robles, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Outstanding Academic Achievement:

This biannual award is for a graduating criminal justice student at Salt Lake Community College that has the highest GPA overall. This award is an objective award that does not have a nomination process and is determined by comparing all GPAs of criminal justice student majors that are graduating that academic semester.

Outstanding Inclusivity and Equity Achievement:

This biannual award is for a criminal justice student at Salt Lake Community College that has an active commitment and engagement in direct advocacy toward justice, equity, and inclusion of a marginalized segment of society such as, but not limited to, People of Color, immigrants, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, those incarcerated, women, youth, survivors, unsheltered, economically disadvantaged people, nonhuman animals, and the environment. We recognize that oppression exists, and that action needs to be taken to address inequity and injustices in society.

Outstanding Service Achievement:

This biannual award is for a criminal justice student at Salt Lake Community College that has an active commitment and engagement in serving voluntarily, and not as a paid job or internship, within the community at a government agency or social service nonprofit organization that is not religiously, or political party affiliated. Serving others and the community is a central part of justice and a healthy community.

Outstanding Health and Wellbeing Achievement:

This biannual award is for a criminal justice student at Salt Lake Community College that has an active commitment and engagement in personal fitness, health, and mental wellbeing. We want to support students and not shame students for taking care of themselves over academics. As schools have led to a high rate of student anxiety, depression, unhealthy dietary and physical habits, and suicide. Further, the field of criminal justice has fostered similar habits too. This person must regularly demonstrate in their personal life selfcare, such as, but not limited, exercising, involvement in organized athletic competitions, eating healthy, and seeking out counseling and advising.

Outstanding Rise Up Achievement:

This biannual award is for a criminal justice student at Salt Lake Community that has succeed against many personal social adversities, such as death in the family, unsheltered, drug use, incarceration, domestic violence, or theft.

Outstanding Scholarship Achievement Award:

This biannual award is for a criminal justice student at Salt Lake Community that engages in research, scholarship, organizing academic publications and events, and participates in furthering their knowledge, education, and learning through reading, writing, attending forums, clubs, organization, and watching films.

Outstanding Faculty:

This annual award is dedicated to recognizing one adjunct or full-time faculty member in the Department of Criminal Justice at Salt Lake Community that demonstrates excellence in teaching, inclusion, equity of ideas and identity of individuals in our college community.

Session Four
2:00pm – 3:00pm

Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Antonette Gray, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [2:00pm-2:15pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [2:20pm-2:35pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [2:40pm-2:55pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Room 4: PSET 278
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Stephanie L. Hoffman, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [2:00pm-2:15pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [2:20pm-2:35pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [2:40pm-2:55pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Session Five
3:00pm – 4:00pm

Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Antonette Gray, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [3:00pm-3:15pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [3:20pm-3:35pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [3:40pm-3:55pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Room 215:
Chair: Anthony J. Nocella II

Presenter One:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Four:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Five:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

5 to 10 minutes for Q and A

Room 4: PSET 278
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Stephanie L. Hoffman, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [3:00pm-3:15pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [3:20pm-3:35pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [3:40pm-3:55pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Session Six
4:00pm – 5:00pm

Room 1 (Zoom Streaming): PSET 215
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Antonette Gray, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [4:00pm-4:15pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [4:20pm-4:35pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [4:40pm-4:55pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

Room 4: PSET 278
Innocence Projects: The Devastating Implications of Wrongful Convictions
Chair: Stephanie L. Hoffman, Associate Professor, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Presenter One [4:00pm-4:15pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Two [4:20pm-4:35pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

Presenter Three [4:40pm-4:55pm]
Title: Innocence Project Case:
Presenter:
Biography:
Abstract:

*5 min. Q&A period after each 15 min. student presentation

5:00pm – End of Conference