Getting to know Melinda Roberts

Sedentary would not be a word used to describe Dr. Melinda Roberts, assistant professor of criminal justice. Outside of teaching classes, she's involved with multiple student groups and campus organizations, as well as being active with numerous community groups. She's the faculty advisor for the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies Club, a member of the USI Sexual Assault and Gender Violence Prevention Group and co-developed the new USI sexual assault and harassment definitions and policies.

Campus events that address domestic violence, such as, Silent Witness, Flowers on the Lake and the award winning Walk a Mile in Her Shoes; have all received substantial contributions from Roberts as an organizer. She also authored the book Gender Attitudes and Violence Against Women.

I was lucky enough to get her to slow down long enough to chat with me. Let's get to know the zealous Melinda Roberts.

What attracted you to criminal justice?

I've been interested in criminal justice as long as I can remember. Even as a small child playing with my toys, I would create elaborate court scenarios to act out. I also was very contrary and outspoken as a child and my mother was convinced I was going to be a lawyer. Originally, that was the path I was seeking; criminal defense, in particular. I became disillusioned with criminal defense while seeking my undergraduate degree. Then I became interested in gender and race issues in the criminal justice system and changed my path to academia.

How has your approach to teaching changed since the beginning?

When I first started teaching at Washington State University in 2005, I thought I needed to teach the students everything there was to know about a subject. This involved a lot of lectures on my part and required a lot of memorization from the students. Now, for the most part, I go into each class period with one concept I want them to grasp. I will explain all sides of the issue and give examples. I engage them in the learning process through a variety of methods. I find that the students better retain material this way.

What are your favorite parts of your job?

Working with the students both inside and outside of the classroom. The most rewarding part of my job is when one of my students has an aha moment; the moment where everything they have been learning is finally grasped and they understand the world better. I also enjoy educating the USI community about violence prevention and creating a safer environment.

What is your teaching philosophy?

The three most important things I try to achieve in the classroom are student engagement, the development and application of critical thinking skills and a desire for lifelong learning. Student engagement refers to students being cognitively and emotionally invested in learning. This type of connection to the material encourages deeper understanding and critical thinking. The ability to apply knowledge to varied circumstances is vital to a career in criminal justice, in which the lives and freedoms of citizens are at stake. I want to inspire my students to become lifelong learners and to critically analyze information. In class, I discuss my research and how it relates to the content of the course with the hope that students can connect with my passion for lifelong learning. I also involve students in my ongoing research through independent studies.

If you could try out any job for a week, what would it be and why?

I would like to be a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. I have a true passion for the law and I think it would be exhilarating to listen to a constitutional case and argue its merits with some of the most intelligent people in the country.

What TV game show do you think you could win?

Family Feud or the Wheel of Fortune. I used to watch those shows when I was growing up and would almost always guess the correct answers before the contestants.

What's your pet peeve?

When people crack their knuckles.  It's like fingernails on a chalkboard.

What is a hobby or activity you wish you had stuck with and not given up?

Jazz dancing. I was on the dance team in high school and dedicated a lot of time in my youth to becoming a great dancer, but I stopped dancing when I went to college.

What is your favorite way to express yourself?

Through action. I show my passion through the activities I choose to participate in. I'm very involved in many community groups and organizations. For instance, I care about the environment so I recycle everything I can every week, I drive a hybrid and I'm on the board of directors for Whole Sun Designs, a company that focuses on solar energy.

Also, I'm passionate about ending violence against women, so I participate in the Vagina Monologues each year, I plan a variety of prevention events on campus and I'm the vice president of the Board of Directors for Willow Tree of Posey County, a sexual assault and domestic violence victim advocacy organization.

I think that's the best way for anybody to express themselves, because you can say a lot of things, but unless you're actually doing something to show you're actually involved in changing things then I don't know that you've really expressed yourself.

Who was your favorite singer or band in high school?

The Cure. They are, in fact, still my favorite. I've traveled the country quite a bit to watch their shows.