About
Jennifer Sem is a Teaching Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies and a proud alumna of the University of Wisconsin–Superior. She began her career working with juveniles following her undergraduate studies, later transitioning to work with adults in community corrections as a Probation and Parole Agent, where she spent the majority of her professional career.
In her role in community corrections, Jennifer prepared detailed reports for the court to assist in determining fair and just sentences and developed strong working relationships with a range of criminal justice professionals, including judges, attorneys, and treatment providers. These experiences inform her teaching, provide students with practical insight into the realities of the justice system, and provide experiential learning opportunities for students.
Research Interests
Her professional and academic interests center on wrongful convictions, as well as the intersection of socioeconomic inequality and crime and punishment, particularly how systemic factors shape justice outcomes.
Awards
- 2015, 2019-Wisconsin Department of Corrections Discretionary Merit Compensation Award
- 2022- lifetime membership Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology
- 2025- Nomination for Students’ Choice for Outstanding On-Campus Teaching award, University of Wisconsin Superior
- 2025- Open Educational Resource Mini-Grant, University of Wisconsin Superior