Alumni Spotlight: 熊猫在线视频 Justice Information Center Research Professional
by Jessica Degnan |
Briana Moffat, an alumna of UAA鈥檚 School of Justice and Human Services and a new employee at the 熊猫在线视频 Justice Information Center, shares her passion for both justice and emergency medicine.
Name: Briana Moffat
Educational background: please provide a list of the degree(s) you earned, year(s), and universities who awarded the degree(s).:
BA in Justice with a minor in Psychology, class 2024 at UAA
Hometown: Chugiak
Place of employment: UAA 熊猫在线视频 Justice Information Center
Job title: Research Professional 1
Please describe your duties and responsibilities in your current role.:
As a Research Professional I perform research for AJiC as well as data analysis and curating presentations for current projects.
Why is your work important? What impact does your work have on individuals and communities? What do you love about your job?:
This line of work allows a visualization and understanding of justice related topics, trends, and populations. We perform statistical analysis of different topics, groups, and interests.
I love this job for many reasons, but most of all because I love learning. In this role, I am constantly learning. Not only new skills and methods, but gaining a deeper understanding of the justice system and who/what comprises it.
What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did your experience at UAA College of Health help shape your goals?:
I pursued this career because I have always found it very interesting, challenging, and because I wanted to help people. The UAA college of health had exactly what I was looking for, from the degree in general to special interests.
Why did you choose to attend UAA?:
I am born and raised in 熊猫在线视频, and I wanted to stay to continue my education. UAA had the options I was looking for to pursue this career, so it was a no-brainer.
How has your education at UAA College of Health helped you contribute to your community and make a positive impact in the lives of others?:
Throughout my time at UAA as a student I knew I always wanted to get my degree in Justice, but pursued other things along the way. Through UAA I became an EMT and worked in that field while I finished my major. I made connections and kept learning, and with that came excitement for the future.
What was your personal and/or professional journey that led you to your current career?:
From a young age I knew I wanted to be involved in the world of Justice. Growing up I thought that meant I had to be a police officer, so that was my plan. However, when I began attending UAA and saw how many different pieces make up the criminal justice system, I was blown away. I became an EMT to work in a role that would teach, challenge, and excite me while finishing my degree. From there I was able to learn that I have a passion, above all else, for learning and helping others. This is what led me to my career today, because it is the embodiment of my two passions.
Who influenced you most during your time at UAA?:
Dr. Myrstol was an incredible teacher and asset during my time at UAA as a student. Now, I get to learn in an entirely new way, which is really exciting. In addition, I would not have been able to do it without support from my friends at home. Angel, Eli, Mikayla- you guys are the best.
Share your best college memory.:
My best college memory would have to be taking the EMT class and becoming a state and nationally certified EMT through UAA. Without taking that path, I might not have found out how much I love the world of EMS, and how much EMS and Justice are intertwined.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned while studying at UAA and how have they helped you in your career?:
I learned a lot while studying at UAA. Something that has definitely stuck with me is to slow down. It sounds counterproductive, but it is the most helpful skill I learned. Slow down, take a look at the bigger picture. Handle each thing one step at a time- progress is progress.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at UAA and are looking to build a successful career in healthcare?:
Don't get too scared along the way. My biggest insecurity was that I felt I didn't know enough, that I needed to be perfect to succeed. You're not supposed to know everything! That is the best part about being a student, you're there to learn. Take any opportunity you can to learn, and it is not a negative thing to not know.
Describe UAA in three words.:
Opportunity, Resourceful, Collaborative
How did your education at UAA prepare you for what you are doing today?:
It taught me everything I know about what I am doing today. To go to a university and get a job, in the career I was aiming for, from the exact same place that taught me is incredible.
How has being a graduate of UAA College of Health impacted your life, and what advice would you give to others considering pursuing a degree from this institution?:
It has impacted my life significantly. I found a profession that I have a passion for along the way to getting my degree and starting my career. This way I am able to build diversity, and never feel like I am not exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Feel the fear and do it anyway! Seek discomfort, do what scares you. Growth and adventure happens outside of your comfort zone.
What is something people may not know about you?:
I actually got my EMT license during peak COVID-19, and about halfway through the semester I had to have my appendix removed. I never missed a class though!
What are your future goals and aspirations, and how do you plan to use your education and experience to achieve them?:
I would really love to get my Paramedic license in the future. With the EMS experience I got from UAA and the workforce, as well as the analytical work I am currently doing, I think it is a great foundation to continue my education on.
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