Graduate Student Spotlight: Marva Goodson

October 11, 2018

Marva Goodson is a fifth year PhD Student in the School of Criminal Justice who was recently named a Ford Foundation Scholar. Marva’s research interests include Social Network Analysis, Social Capital, and exploring the risks and needs of women in the Criminal Justice system.

Marva first came to Michigan State University to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Since then, she has received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from MSU, and is now close to completing the Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice. Marva’s plan for the next year is to complete her dissertation and publish additional manuscripts before graduating. Prior to returning to MSU to pursue her Masters Degree and PhD, Marva worked as a tutor at the residential placement facility for girls, a substitute teacher, research interviewer, an undergraduate research assistant, a YMCA math, science and reading instructor, and program director for a youth development program serving high-risk, court involved youth.

As a Graduate Student, Marva has been awarded over a dozen fellowships, scholarships and awards including the National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant, the Social Networks & Health Fellowship (from the Duke Network Analysis Center), the Ford Foundation Fellowship, and the King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship. When she is able to find some free time in her hectic schedule, Marva enjoys exercising and spending time with her family.