The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at Illinois State University is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! This series, CAST 50×50, will highlight 50 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and organizations within CAST that make the college special. These notable people will tell you that every day in CAST is a great day to be a Redbird!

Today, we are happy to feature Ashley Farmer from the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences:

What is your position within CAST?

Assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences.

What influenced you to become interested in criminal justice?

My broader interest in social justice issues led me to criminal justice, and I felt motivated to study more about the complexities and injustices within the system at every level, and what we can do to address those issues. That is what continues to drive my research today.

Dunkin or Starbucks coffee order?

Espresso at Starbucks.

You just got pulled over: What would your family say it’s for?

Probably a busted headlight that I did not even realize was broken. I have the worst luck when it comes to things like that!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is being able to interact with and help students who are always so engaged and bring so many excellent perspectives to the conversation. That in itself is rewarding, because I look forward to going to class every day.

Think you know someone that should be featured? Contact us!