
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