Interdisciplinary Mind

Marina Saad, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Metropolitan Campus

By Mary Ann Bautista

(Photo: Karsten Moran)

Fearless and determined are the two best words to describe Marina Saad, assistant professor of criminal justice at the Metropolitan Campus. A first-generation American born to Egyptian parents, she bravely broke the mold, pursing an unexpected career. “Most of my family members are in health care, so no one could understand why I was contemplating a career in criminal justice,” she says. “Deciding to follow my heart was nerve-wracking, and it was a difficult road, but I wasn’t willing to stop until I accomplished that goal.”

Saad’s interest in criminal justice developed in college. “I worked on a research project with a criminal justice professor and decided to continue working as her research assistant after graduation,” she says. “A degree in criminal justice allowed me to marry my two interests of psychology and criminal justice. It’s such an interdisciplinary field; I have been able to work on research with people from various backgrounds from sociology to law to anthropology.” During her doctoral studies she discovered her love for teaching.

At FDU, Saad draws from psychology, sociology and science to make class discussions more interesting and relatable. “I cover major topics and use criminal justice-related examples as well as ones from medicine, health or even social media,” she explains. She also gives her students opportunities to engage with the course material in a variety of ways. “I am all about hands-on learning because students learn best by doing. One of my students added one of his class projects to his portfolio, and it helped him land his first post-college job,” she says. “It was gratifying to watch a student see how the knowledge they gained from the classroom can be translated and used in the real world.”

Saad teaches Criminal Justice Research Methods, Criminal Justice Senior Capstone Seminar and Advanced Criminological Theory. Some of the courses cover the basics while others offer students a deeper understanding of human behavior. “We focus not only on offenders and victims,” she says. “It’s also important to examine how people who are tangentially involved — families and friends of victims and offenders — are impacted by the criminal justice system.”

Saad enjoys leading her students on a quest to learn. “I love making research interesting and showing my students how their education can help them not only in the classroom but also as informed citizens of the world,” she says.

Nurturing an environment of learning and research has become second nature to Saad. “FDU offers limitless possibilities,” she says, “whether it’s taking a certain class, participating in experiential-learning activities or working on a research project.” Every experience matters. “I didn’t start college thinking this is where I would be,” she adds. “I took advantage of an opportunity and realized I loved it.” She wants to inspire her students to make the most of every opportunity. “All experiences are valuable. Just have an open mind and you will find a positive takeaway.”