Meet Jenna Martin, the Class of 2025 Valedictorian
Salve Regina University’s Class of 2025 valedictorian, Jenna Martin, has spent the past four years mastering the art of balance between disciplines, responsibilities and personal growth. A psychology major with minors in criminal justice and criminology and psychology of crime, Martin earned the top honor through her dedication to academic excellence and a passion for learning.
Originally from Andover, Massachusetts, Martin arrived at Salve as a psychology major, confident in her career path. That changed after taking the course CJC103 Policing in a Democratic Society. The class sparked a deep interest in criminal justice, ultimately leading her to add a second major and explore the intersections between psychology and law enforcement.
“I think they fit really well together, both logistically and thematically,” said Martin. “When you're talking about things like how criminal behavior works, aiding in investigations or competency assessments or insanity pleas, you can't ignore the psychological implications.”
Her coursework deepened that interest. A standout special topics course, CJC399 The Murdered and the Missing, allowed Martin to explore criminal psychology through case studies that challenged and fascinated her.
"It was so intriguing and really reinforced my passion for criminal psychology,” said Martin.
As part of Salve’s Pell Honors Program, Martin embraced rigorous academics and the immediate sense of community she felt from being part of the cohort. She also served on the program's advisory board, helping guide program initiatives and student engagement.
"Being a part of the advisory board was so beneficial from a logistical and administrative standpoint to learn how an honors program is run, and the thought that goes behind it and what needs to be done to keep it going, keep it rigorous and keep it engaging for students,” shared Martin. “It was really special being able to contribute to other students’ Salve experience in that way.”
Independent research
Martin’s academic journey at Salve culminated in an ambitious independent research project that showcased her passion for criminal psychology and her growing capabilities as a scholar and critical thinker. For her senior capstone, she pursued an independent study on criminal profiling typologies for sexual homicide – a niche yet significant area within forensic psychology and criminal justice.
Unlike traditional coursework, where timelines and topics are largely set by professors, independent research placed Martin in full control. She was responsible for developing her research question, designing her methodology, gathering sources, organizing the paper’s structure and adhering to major deadlines – all while managing a full course load.
"The great thing about doing an independent study at Salve is that it's almost entirely self-paced. It taught me a new level of organization and self-discipline that I think has really prepared me for life after graduation,” shared Martin.
Her research focused specifically on the psychological investigative tool of criminal profiling, examining how law enforcement professionals use behavioral and demographic factors to narrow suspect pools in cases of sexual homicide. Through her study, Martin analyzed different typology models and critically assessed their application and limitations within criminal investigations. She also explored the empirical challenges facing criminal profiling as a field, noting that while it holds significant promise, more research and refinement are necessary to solidify its place within the legal system.
A lasting influence
Martin credits faculty mentors like Margaret Steele and Dr. Paul Joyce from the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, and Dr. Emma Grauerholz-Fisher from the Department of Psychology, for inspiring and supporting her academic and professional goals. Steele, in particular, encouraged Martin’s unexpected pivot to law school – a path she had never considered before Salve.
"She was the best resource in terms of looking at what schools would fit best for me, helping with recommendation letters and just guiding my path in that way, keeping me level-headed throughout what can be a very stressful process,” said Martin.
In the fall, Martin will begin law school at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a focus on criminal law and prosecution. Despite the rigor of LSAT prep and applications during her senior year, Martin embraced the process with determination.
"I am just really passionate about the law,” said Martin. “I'm excited to spend the next three years of my life still being a student, and focusing everything I’ve learned at Salve into my future career and graduate studies to make a meaningful difference.”
Living the mercy mission
Throughout her Salve experience, Martin says the University’s emphasis on compassion, justice and community deeply influenced her worldview.
"Our mission is salient in everything at Salve, which is very impressive for the University to take this broad mission statement and make it very visible and present in all the studies here,” said Martin.
She also reflected on the lessons that have shaped her personally: the value of knowing people by name, building relationships and remaining grounded in compassion as she prepares for the next chapter.
"I think on a very ambiguous level, what I'm leaving here with is the ability to stay grounded in compassion and in the calling of mercy, which I know will prepare me to set sail after Salve.”
As she prepares to cross the Commencement stage as valedictorian, Martin says her biggest accomplishment isn’t a single project or paper – it's the transformation she experienced at Salve.
"The academic work I have done here is just a bigger reflection of the growth that I've experienced while I've been at Salve,” shared Martin. “I am so much more confident and knowledgeable and capable than when I first stepped foot on campus four years ago. It's incredible, really, to know that I am not the same person that I was when I first got here, but there’s beauty in that. I think that is the goal.”