
BACKGROUND
My childhood is what led me into the field of criminal justice. Both my parents were incarcerated most of my life. I grew up visiting my father in prisons across Nevada. This experience had a profound impact on my life and influenced me to pursue a career in higher education.
​
I now use my position in higher education to help and empower others who have been impacted by incarceration. Through my research, teaching, and service, I aim to amplify the experiences of system-involved individuals and their families.
​
While I work directly with agencies on technical assistance and evaluation, I hope to move beyond typical focuses on evidence-based practices. My work is aimed towards de-carceration to eradicate the systemic-harm induced by the carceral state.

Taken at Northern Nevada Correctional Center
MEDIA
“Criminal Justice Professor Fights for Prisoners' Families,” Wichita State University News.
“Episode 31: Parental Incarceration,” Untenured Tracks Podcast.
​
“Having Both Parents Incarcerated Led To a Career in Understanding and Helping Others.” Podcast. Prison: The Hidden Sentence.
Formoso, J.A. “The Rebuilder: Breanna Boppre.” University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) News Center.
Bruzda, N. “Visits to See Dad in Jail Led to UNLV Criminal Justice Ph.D.” Las Vegas Review Journal.
​
“May 2018 Outstanding UNLV Graduates.” UNLV News Center.
​
Drummond, C. “UNLV Grad Says Father's Past Influenced Her Future.” KLAS-TV Channel 8 Las Vegas.
Lapan, T. “Breaking the Cycle: An Imprisoned Parent Inspired this Woman’s Work for Reform.” A Beautiful Perspective.
Glaze, R. “Driven to Discover.” UNLV News Center.
​
​
​
Check out this Reno News and Review Article about my father's band Downtime. They recorded their first album together while incarcerated at Nevada State Prison!
​
https://www.newsreview.com/reno/jailhouse-rock/content?oid=20162162