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What's it like spending an extra year after graduating from UNH getting an accelerated master's degree? Welcome back to our student spotlight series, where we highlight undergraduate and graduate students of all class years and majors at UNH. Learn more about Kyra Woodward '26, who dual majored in psychology and justice studies with a minor in forensics during her time as an undergrad at UNH. Now, she's getting an Accelerated Master's in Justice Studies. Along the way, she's been supported personally and academically by faculty and learned from a female judge how to navigate being a woman in a male-dominated field.

Why did you decide to do an accelerated master’s? 

I wanted to do an Accelerated Master’s in Justice Studies because I knew I needed another year of education in order to get into the career that I wanted. Going into college, I knew regardless of the degree that I got, I would most likely need to get my master's. 

"The UNH justice studies faculty have been there for me both academically and personally. When I have had difficulties in my personal life, faculty were there for me, were flexible with coursework, and made sure that I was okay. "

How have you been supported by faculty?

The UNH justice studies faculty have been there for me both academically and personally. When I have had difficulties in my personal life, faculty were there for me, were flexible with coursework, and made sure that I was okay. It was nice knowing that they cared about me beyond academics. Through these relationships, I have been able to network with professors’ connections, helping me find potential jobs. I cannot thank them enough for their support over my five years at UNH. 

How did professors influence your choice to get your master’s?

Building those connections with the professors in the justice studies department really helped me solidify my choice to do my accelerated master's at UNH. I knew that I would be supported throughout the program and felt more confident in myself because of their belief in me. I really don’t think I would be in this program today if I hadn’t built those connections with my professors.  

What are some of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your program?

I’ve had some really cool experiences and opportunities through the justice studies program. In my classes, we had the opportunity to go the Sununu Youth Services Center and talk with staff and observe the everyday operations of the treatment facility. We also had the opportunity through Professor Trombley to go to the Strafford County Superior Court and meet with Judge Nadeau. She spoke to my classmates and I about what it is like being a woman in the courts and how she paved her own way in a male-dominated field. She took the time to also talk to us individually, hear our own stories, and allow for us to ask questions. 

Besides class experiences, I have been able to intern with the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit, where I worked on cold cases and active homicide cases. I am currently interning with HAVEN working as an advocate for domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors in their shelter. I am so thankful for the experiences that I have had and am excited for any more I may be presented with. 

"We also had the opportunity through Professor Trombley to go to the Strafford County Superior Court and meet with Judge Nadeau. She spoke to my classmates and I about what it is like being a woman in the courts and how she paved her own way in a male-dominated field."

What is your area of interest within your program?

My area of interest mainly focuses on internet crimes against children. I really started to focus on this after I took a class with a past doctoral student named Madison Sundberg-Alley. She talked about her experience working in this field, and I had many conversations with her about opportunities in the field. I still keep in contact with her and am thankful for the time she spent helping me find my niche in the diverse field of justice studies. 

"I think people would be surprised about how long it takes to process crime scenes, evidence, and even build those connections that eventually lead to arrests and convictions."

What do you think those interested in true crime podcasts and shows would find surprising about your work?

I think people would be surprised about how long it takes to process crime scenes, evidence, and even build those connections that eventually lead to arrests and convictions. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that true crime podcasts and shows don’t even begin to show. Having been part of the process, I don’t think there’s enough time to show what investigators have to go through. I can only thank law enforcement for their tireless work on each case as there are often many dead ends, the need to rework leads and evidence, and a lot of time spent out of the office working on cases even when you’re not on the clock. 

What are some of the most important skills you’ve gained?

The most important skills that I have developed through this program are the ability to work cohesively and with different groups of people. I work continually with all people in my cohort on various assignments, projects, and even outside of the classroom. It has been valuable for me to become more flexible, listen more intently to others' ideas, and find effective ways of implementing ideas that occurred during our discussions. 

Why would you recommend this program to a prospective student? 

I would recommend this program because not only am I getting my master's degree, but I have also made so many connections and friendships through this program that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Of course the education has been great, but I have been able to experience incredible opportunities with faculty and staff who supported me and a cohort who has turned into family. Not only do I spend time with my classmates most of the day during school, but we also hang out after class, learning about each other, and acting like one big family. I truly think that this has been one of the best experiences of my life. 

"I would recommend this program because not only am I getting my master's degree, but I have made so many connections and friendships through this program that I will carry with me. I truly think that this has been one of the best experiences of my life."

What are some of your favorite things to do near UNH?

I love to be outside with my friends. You can find me playing softball with my friends in the fields or kicking around a soccer ball. I also love going fishing and swimming around some of the local swimming holes. Because of the friends I’ve made at UNH, I have done things such as bridge jumping in the summer and truck sledding in the winter. 

"After I graduate, I am hoping to start a job as an intelligence analyst with either a state or federal law enforcement agency."

What are your plans for after graduation?

After I graduate, I am hoping to start a job as an intelligence analyst with either a state or federal law enforcement agency. I want to be able to help those who may not be able to help themselves. I will see where this path takes me, but I am looking forward to seeing the career that I start.