Joan Reid, PhD, professor in the Department of Criminology and director of the Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Research Lab, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th Annual Polaris Star Award Gala, hosted by United Abolitionists and the University of Central ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery , on Jan. 23.
Reid was honored for her ongoing research and contributions to the anti-trafficking community. The gala was held during the 18th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Conference.
This is the second year in a row the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences and the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Department of Criminology have been represented at the awards. In 2025, Reid's colleague Shelly Wagers, PhD, an associate professor, was recognized for her work as director of the BRIGHT Project, a digital platform connecting human trafficking service providers to support victims and survivors with individualized resources.
