Amber Sims

Gwynedd Mercy University [helped me] grow into the person I am today. My time at GMercyU consisted of a lot of changes, but ultimately it shaped me into a more prepared graduate for what is to come. I also loved the connections, both professional and personal, that I was able to cherish and create throughout my time at GMercyU. 

Amber was first introduced to GMercyU through her aunt, who completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees here. As a high school sophomore, Amber attended an Open House at GMercyU, where she learned more about the campus and the Criminal Justice program from Dr. Patrick McGrain. Later that year, she attended a prospect day for the Field Hockey team.

“My love for the school only grew. In November of my senior year of high school, I toured the campus one more time with the field hockey staff and gave my verbal commitment,” Amber shared.

Life on Campus

Amber has been an active member of the GMercyU community since her first day on campus. She was a student-athlete on the Field Hockey team for three years, serving as the team’s representative in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and then later as Secretary. In SAAC, Amber took meeting minutes, organized the Thanksgiving Food Drive, and collaborated with the Student Government Association (SGA) to collect canned goods during GMercyU's annual Battle of 309 basketball game.

As a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Amber served as both Co-President of Events and the Chair of Events, helping to organize events like “Letters of Luck and Love,” assisting in a cornhole tournament at Red & Gold Day, and setting up and speaking at multiple induction ceremonies.

Alongside several classmates, Amber took the lead in reestablishing the Criminal Justice Association (CJA) and was later elected President. During her time as President, Amber arranged a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary, organized several fundraisers, hosted Firearm Safety Forums, hosted a non-violence table during Work for Justice Week, hosted a career fair and panel, and coordinated a trip to a shooting range in April 2025. Amber became CJA’s representative for SGA.

During the 2023-24 academic year, Amber was nominated to become Secretary of SGA, where she took meeting minutes and led the Positivity Committee, helping to create Student Appreciation Week, formerly known as Student Appreciation Day. As an SGA member, Amber coordinated raffles for several events. She was later voted in as Purchasing Treasurer. In fall 2024, Amber led multiple groups and departments in the coordination and execution of Griffin Madness, one of GMercyU's biggest student-run events.

Amber was the Secretary of Beyond the Books, where she took meeting minutes, volunteered at events like “Blind Date with a Book," and manned a table during the University's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. She was also a member of Sigma Phi Sigma, Student Activities Committee, and the Black Student Union, and served as a Griffin Ambassador in Admissions.

In addition to her many leadership positions, Amber completed numerous service opportunities with many of GMercyU’s clubs and organizations, such as the canned food drive for Thanksgiving and Red & Gold Day, assembling Easter baskets, and making blankets with Integrated Studies students. She also volunteered with Casino Night, Finals Study Night, and the Gwynedd Gala, to name a few.

Amber’s incredible involvement on campus led her to receive the 2025 Outstanding Student Leadership Award during GMercyU’s annual Honors Convocation ceremony.

Why Criminal Justice?

The field of Criminal Justice always appealed to Amber, inspiring her to attend a Vocational School for Law Enforcement during her four years of high school. 

“I’ve always known I wanted to help within criminal justice, and this program truly solidified what path I wanted to embark on. I also decided on minoring in Psychology to give me perspective on the human psyche and how this may be something I should better understand in my field,” said Amber.

Experience in the Criminal Justice Program

“The Criminal Justice and Psychology programs were so supportive and made the stresses of college feel a little bit lighter,” shared Amber. “I have nothing but good things to say about my educational journey at Gwynedd Mercy University.”

Amber was impressed by the extensive curriculum that focused on understanding all components of the criminal justice system and how it impacts society. She enjoyed classes such as Cults and Conspiracies, Wrongfully Convicted Individuals, Organized Crime, and more.

“I’ve truly enjoyed the Criminal Justice program led by Dr. McGrain and Dr. Phillips. Both professors ensure a rich education while still being an outlet whenever a student may be in need of assistance,” said Amber.

She also enjoyed her courses with Professor Nathan Schadler and Professor Marc Azeff. Within her Psychology minor, she enjoyed learning about complex topics, such as suicide, from Dr. John Gunn.

Internship Experience

Amber completed an internship at the Montgomery County Detective’s Bureau in the Special Services Unit. She worked with Intelligence Analysts to assist in investigations of active cases, including facial recognition and watch surveillance. She created “Wanted Person” bio sheets and a Social Media Scanning for Threat Assessment. Amber also observed a courtroom setting, sitting in on active trials open to the public, and toured the Department of Homeland Security’s Digital Forensics Unit.

Undergraduate Research

Under the direction of Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Dr. Patrick McGrain, Amber completed research on topics such as drug administration and legality for a new edition of a textbook, set to publish in the near future.

She also completed research during her senior year on the effectiveness of privately funded halfway houses on recidivism rates. The project consisted of nine interviews of employees from the Cumberland County Private Halfway House and the Schuylkill County Private Halfway House to gain perspective on the residents and operations. She also interviewed Pennsylvania Parole Officers to gain insight on the correctional system and how privately funded halfway houses have an effect on rehabilitation and reentry. Amber presented her findings at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference in April.

Life After GMercyU

Amber graduated in May 2025 and hopes to continue her understanding of criminal intelligence to establish a career in intelligence analytics to aid in investigations at the county or state level.