A woman wearing glasses stands in front of a red and white background, smiling. She's wearing a navy blue blazer and a white shirt. — Vernice Estorcien joins the O’Neill School in summer 2023.

Vernise Estorcien is a long way from her hometown of Nassau, The Bahamas. After earning her Ph.D. in Florida, she’s now even farther north—1,138 miles from home, to be exact—and will join the O’Neill School faculty for the 2023–24 academic year.

Estorcien says she came to the O’Neill School in Indianapolis because she knew it would have the resources to allow her to stay engaged with the community and with students all while advancing her career and research.

“I knew it was a place where I could thrive as a researcher, a teacher, and a public servant,” she explains. “Joining a department that is both receptive to the type of research I do with marginalized groups and that embraces teaching as much as it does research was a key reason why I decided to come to O’Neill.”

Estorcien’s research examines how police mentoring can help improve children’s lives—academically, behaviorally, and socially—and ultimately reduce crime and keep communities safe. She says it was her own background that drew her to this area of research.

“I grew up in a low socioeconomic community and was exposed to gun violence at a young age,” she says. “Given the lack of mentorship in the lives of youth impacted by gun violence, police officers can serve as a conduit for helping young people overcome the day-to-day challenges they face in their neighborhoods.”

That’s why she wants to help those working in law enforcement and public policy find creative ways to build trust and relationships with children and families in the marginalized communities they serve.

But it isn’t just her research that can impact young people. Her teaching also provides a tangible way for her to personally reach individuals.

“My research shapes and motivates my teaching,” she says. “In all honesty, I would be doing a disservice to the public if I chose one over the other. As a first-generation professor, I have learned to be creative, persevere, commit, and navigate life with the tools available. Working with students provides me with the opportunity to share those skill sets.”

What do you enjoy about teaching and working with students?

“I enjoy the diverse perspectives students bring to the classroom. As a professor, I am committed to exposing my students to research work, as well as professional development opportunities. Therefore, it is important to involve students in my work because it is the exposure that will help them determine what they’re passionate about. I also enjoy stimulating students using differentiated instruction, including—but not limited to—multisensory learning, collaboration, integrated learning techniques, and the invitation of guest speakers.”

Why should potential students consider enrolling at O’Neill?

“O’Neill is a place that values diversity and inclusion, which are crucial to achieving and maintaining excellence. I strongly believe that potential students considering O’Neill should not second guess their choice because we are committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.”