Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, present the coveted Torchbearer medallion to Sarah Hamel during the 2026 College Research Symposium in honor of her being named the 2026 University Scholar among undergraduate students.

 

Sarah Hamel Named 2026 FAU University Scholar

Early Inspiration

When Hamel arrived on campus, she was planning to pursue a legal career, but during her first year, a course in crime analysis gave her a new perspective. Taught by Instructor Shawn Backer, a retired deputy chief of police for the Coral Springs Police Department with more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement, the class introduced Hamel to a side of criminal justice she hadn’t fully considered: the analytical and operational work behind policing.

“He was so passionate about it,” she said. “And I think when a teacher is passionate, it makes you passionate.”

Backer brought real-world insight into the classroom, helping Hamel see beyond the courtroom and into the systems and decision-making processes that shape public safety.

“That class just changed everything for me,” she said. “I realized I wasn’t meant to go into law. I wanted to go into law enforcement.”

Backer became Hamel’s mentor throughout her time at Florida Atlantic. In fact, he was the faculty member who nominated her for the University Scholar Award.

“When I met Sarah in Fall of 2022, she was a freshman who displayed a remarkable commitment to her academics,” Backer said.  “Sarah has continued to grow and expand her experiences through her role in the Criminal Justice Club, where she serves as the event coordinator and plays an important role in the club’s success. It was an honor to nominate Sarah for this high university honor.

 

Learning by Doing

She continued building that experience as a community service officer with the Florida Atlantic Police Department and as a participant in the department’s Civil Service Academy. These roles gave her a firsthand look at the responsibilities, structure, and teamwork involved in policing.

At the same time, she pursued opportunities that strengthened her communication skills and broadened her perspective. As a consultant in Florida Atlantic’s Speaking Center, Hamel worked with students from diverse backgrounds, helping them prepare presentations and interviews. The role required her to listen, adapt, and support others without imposing her own viewpoints.

“People have different backgrounds, different thoughts, different opinions,” she said. “In law enforcement, I'm going to run into someone new every single day, and it’s my job to be as professional and respectful as possible.”

Understanding the Human Side of Justice

“When you're doing law enforcement work, you hear and talk to the victims of a crime, but you don't know how much it impacts them,” she said. “You don’t always see what happens after. [Working with Victim Services] introduced me to the social work side of things.” 

While the experience confirmed that her long-term goal lies in field work, it also reshaped how she thinks about the role of law enforcement.

“It made me more aware, more empathetic,” she said. “Everyone’s situation is different, and you have to approach people with that in mind.”

“Sarah is a remarkable student, and her experience reflects the distinctive nature of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice,” said Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean and professor. “Our two disciplines are deeply interconnected in practice, and our students gain a transformative understanding of how social work and criminal justice professionals collaborate to address complex societal challenges. Students like Sarah graduate prepared and inspired to make an immediate impact in our communities, and I look forward to watching her thrive as a leader in law enforcement.”

 

Leadership, Discipline, and a Clear Path Forward

In addition to her academic and professional experiences, Hamel has taken on leadership roles across campus. She serves as event coordinator on the Executive Board of the Criminal Justice Club and works as a community service officer with the Florida Atlantic Police Department. She’s earned a place on the President's List every semester since December 2023 and holds memberships in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

That dedication is now guiding the next chapter in Hamel’s professional development. She’s currently in the hiring process with the Florida Atlantic Police Department and plans to begin her career as a patrol officer, with the long-term goal of becoming a homicide detective. She’s also considering pursuing a master’s degree in criminal investigation as she advances in the field.

 

Recognizing Excellence

For Hamel, the University Scholar Award is a validation of the work she has put in and the path she has chosen.

Her parents will travel from New York to attend the April 15 award ceremony, marking the culmination of years of independence, persistence, and purpose.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished so much, not just in school, but as a person. And being recognized for that is so rewarding,” she said. “This award has had a huge impact on my life, and I just want to give back now and do it for others.”