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Nikki Souris
Assistant Professor of Law and Society at The Florida Institute of Technology
Professional Background
Dr. Nikki Souris Smith is an accomplished educator and researcher, currently serving as the Assistant Professor of Law & Society in the prestigious School of Arts & Communications at the Florida Institute of Technology. Since joining Florida Tech in 2019, Dr. Souris has brought her extensive knowledge in moral, political, and legal theory to the classroom, positively influencing a new generation of students. Prior to her tenure at Florida Tech, Dr. Souris spent 15 dynamic years in Washington D.C., a period filled with growth and diverse professional experiences.
In Washington D.C., Dr. Souris had the privilege of working as a contractor for the United States Sentencing Commission, a vital component of the federal judicial system. This role allowed her to engage closely with the intricacies of legal frameworks and sentencing policies that shape justice in the United States. Additionally, Dr. Souris enriched her academic portfolio as a Visiting Scholar at the renowned George Washington University, further establishing her name in the scholastic community.
Dr. Souris has also demonstrated her commitment to higher education through her teaching roles at American University. For five years, she was a vital part of the Department of Justice, Law & Criminology, where her dedication to the subjects of law and justice inspired many students to pursue careers in these field. Throughout her career, Dr. Souris has cultivated a comprehensive teaching style that emphasizes ethical considerations and legal implications, fostering critical thinking and engagement among her students.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Souris boasts an impressive educational background, having earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law and Society from American University. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and Philosophy from Bucknell University, where she laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in law and society studies. She further expanded her expertise by obtaining a Master of Science in Justice, Law, and Society, also from American University.
Dr. Souris's research endeavors have demonstrated her commitment to addressing complex ethical and legal issues. Her recent studies delve into the critical examination of ethical and legal questions surrounding child soldiers, an area that has significant global importance. Her work has been recognized in esteemed publications such as the International Journal for Law in Context and the International Criminal Law Review, highlighting her contributions to advancing discussions on legal and moral challenges in society.
Notable Contributions
In addition to her impressive teaching and research credentials, Dr. Souris has played pivotal roles in various academic and research capacities. She has served as an Adjunct Professor and Professorial Lecturer at American University, where she imparted her knowledge in political theory and further developed her teaching philosophy. Her experience as a Research Assistant at various departments within American University, including the Department of Government and Justice, Law and Society, has provided her with a diverse perspective on research methodologies and topics in legal studies.
Moreover, Dr. Souris has been involved in various research activities that reflect her commitment to public service and academia. Her early on-ground experience includes a Summer Internship at the United States Sentencing Commission, which allowed her to witness the intersection of theory and practice in federal law enforcement.
In summary, Dr. Nikki Souris Smith stands out as a dedicated educator and researcher whose work has made a meaningful impact in the fields of law, society, and ethics. With a robust educational background and a wealth of professional experience, she continues to influence and shape the narratives surrounding legal theory and the challenges faced by modern society. Dr. Souris's passion for teaching, combined with her commitment to research and scholarship, makes her a valued member of the academic community and a respected voice in the discourse on justice and ethics in law.
