Yahayra Michel

Yahayra Michel is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the School of Criminology and Justice Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She mentors first-generation students through the River Hawk Scholars Academy, for which she received the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award. Her academic journey began as a first-generation college student, supported by mentors who shaped her academic and professional path.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice (UMass Lowell)
• Master’s in Criminal Justice (UMass Lowell)
• Master’s in Theology and Family Counseling (Miami International Seminary)
• Ph.D. in Sociology (University of New Hampshire)

Research Interests: Focuses on children and violence, parenting practices influencing conflict resolution, and the sociological impacts of domestic violence on families. Her work bridges criminology, sociology, and child psychology to address systemic issues in justice and community dynamics.

Mentoring & Community: Leads mentoring initiatives for first-generation students, emphasizing institutional belonging and peer leadership development. Models mentorship practices learned from her own academic advisors, including Dr. Eve Buzawa, Dr. Alison Cares, Dr. David Hirschel, and Dr. Linda Williams.

Military Background: Served 16 years in the Army (active duty and reserves), which funded her education and provided teaching experience through ROTC and deployment training roles.