Crystal Cline hails from Freshwater, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. She started her career as a journalist in 2005 with Transcontinental Media, and after completing her BA in journalism from St. Thomas University in 2011, she decided to change career paths. She has worked as the general manager for YellowBelly Brewery & Public House, and as a communications professional with Husky Energy. She is now taking on her most challenging role yet- completing her master's degree in sociology at Memorial University.

How and why did you decide to attend Memorial for your graduate degree? 

I decided to attend graduate school after being out of university for a few years, I realized that I missed learning and needed a new challenge. University was a way to open my mind again and seek new experiences.

What drew you to explore sociology?

I decided to study sociology due to my background in criminology (it was my minor during my undergraduate degree). Laws and policies fascinate me, so I wanted to stick with that area of criminology. Also, in my past career as an information officer for an oil company, I was required to research how that community could change with the result of that company being in the area. This was one of my first exposures to field work and qualitative research. I loved it.

Can you tell us a bit about your current research?

For my thesis, I am researching what are correctional officers’ perceptions of prisoners experiencing wrongful convictions or injustices. Perceptions of criminality is very important to society and still needs to be explored further.

A supervisor can be key to the success of any grad student. What does your supervisor Rose Ricciardelli bring to her role as your advisor and mentor?

I really admire Rose's work. She is brilliant. I appreciate the fact that she cares about your progress and well being-- you are not just a student number but a person. Rose also takes pride in getting to know her students. I really appreciate that. She has helped me grow as a student. I do not have a background in sociology, I was a journalism major. Therefore, I have really gained confidence under Rose and am really lucky to have a mentor like her.

Have you attended any conferences/delivered any papers this year? Can you give details?

I am working on a paper with Dr. Rose Ricciardelli and Dr. Kim Clow (UIT) on Perceptions of Justice: Factors impacting miscarriages of justice and wrongful convictions though the eyes of Canadian parolees. I will present this paper at the Qualitatives in May of 2016 at Brock University. This is my first time attending a conference so I'm pretty excited.

Are you involved in any organizations on-campus or off? If so, can you explain and detail such involvement?

I am a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). This organization helped me grow as a business communicator in my past life as a communications representative and a journalist.

Right now, I am working as a research assistant for Rose and James Baker, and completing my degree. Therefore, I'm kept pretty busy, so unfortunately I have not been able to commit to any other organizations.

What do you like most about being a graduate student at Memorial?

This is my first time taking a full course load at Memorial University. I completed my undergraduate degree at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, and have only completed an online course with MUN, therefore, the Memorial experience is new to me. I like how close-knit the sociology department is here. Although, I did enjoy my undergraduate degree, I really enjoy the freedom of your graduate degree. You are given a lot of responsibility, everything operates at a faster pace all the while still expecting a higher caliber of work.

What do you hope to do after completing your graduate degree?

I hope to one day complete my PhD. My dream job would be to work in SocioEconomics. It's really neat to see how a community can change over the years. To be able to research that, would be an amazing and exciting experience.