Get To Know Dr. Wojciechowski

September 18, 2024

Dr. Wally Wojciechowski has been with the School of Criminal Justice at MSU since 2019 and was recently appointed to a Tenure-Stream Assistant Professorship. Dr. Wojciechowski’s commitment to research and teaching have made him an integral part of the School.

 

What originally interested you in Criminal Justice?

My interest in criminal justice began during my undergraduate years at Central Michigan University. My courses there exposed me to new perspectives on the criminal justice system and disparities and injustices that exist within the system.

 

What are your research interests and what sparked that interest?

My research interests are broadly focused in the areas of substance use, mental health, cognition, and human development. My work seeks to better understand how biological, psychological, and social factors work together to produce behavioral outcomes in these areas. My work was inspired by my time working with adults with severe mental illness in a residential setting after I graduated with my Bachelor's degree and several amazing professors that I had in graduate school at the University of Florida.

 

What is your favorite part of teaching?

My favorite part of teaching is mentoring students through their individual projects. This extends to graduate students in particular, as I really enjoy seeing their progression across the several years that they are with us as they become independent scientists. I’m always impressed by the novel work that they produce along this journey and enjoy helping to guide them.

 

What has been your favorite part of being with the School?

My favorite part of being with the school these past 5 years is the freedom and flexibility that the position has provided me to pursue research across a variety of domains. I love doing new and innovative work both within criminal justice and other disciplines.

 

What is a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

Outside of work, I spend my time running a hobby farm with my wife and listening to my vinyl record collection.