At just 20 years old, Marymount University graduate Cara Craig ‘25 has two college degrees and is the recipient of the Sister Majella Berg Service Award, one of the institution’s highest honors. Now, she is setting her sights on graduate school and reforming the U.S. criminal justice system.
The Bowie, Md. native began her college journey earlier than most. When COVID-19 shut down her high school’s in-person classes, Craig saw an opportunity to get a head start on her academic goals and enrolled in dual enrollment classes at Prince George’s Community College. She earned her associate’s degree during her senior year, becoming the first student in her high school’s history to do so.
As she began searching for a college to complete her bachelor’s degree, Craig didn’t initially expect Marymount to be where she would land.
“Marymount wasn’t my top choice at first, mainly because my dad (Jason Craig) was serving as the Associate Provost for Graduate and Online Education, and I didn’t want to be living in his shadow or for people to think I only got in because of him,” Craig explained. “But I was drawn in by the Swimming program and the opportunity to collaborate on research in the Honors Program.”
Over the next two years, she made it her mission to “prove I was my own person with my own unique voice and impact.” She accomplished this as a student-athlete, competing on Marymount’s Swimming and Women’s Flag Football teams, and as an Honors scholar, conducting research in the behavioral neuroscience field. Craig says her interest in criminal justice began when she was young.
“When I was six years old, my uncle—who is a former Secret Service agent—introduced me to ciphers and codebreaking. I have always been fascinated by puzzles and patterns. From there, it grew into an interest in languages, criminology and the psychology of crime. All of that came together in my Marymount senior thesis on behavioral neurocriminology.”
Craig hopes her research can have a positive impact on the field of criminal psychology and the criminal justice system as a whole.
“The field of behavioral neuroscience is relatively new and there is so much work to be done to better understand how genetics and biology contribute to ordered and disordered behaviors,” she explained. “I want to make a real difference in how our justice system works, especially for underrepresented and under-resourced communities. It’s a big goal, but one I feel called to pursue.”
Her college experience was also marked by service initiatives, particularly in her role as a resident assistant. She says her goal was to serve as a “big sister figure” to her residents as they transitioned into college life, and help them feel “supported and seen.”
“Growing up in a very tight Christian community, service was just something that was expected and encouraged. I never try to do it for a résumé boost or to look good. I just see a need and want to help. Due to my dad’s job, I have numerous connections to the student support staff and other resources. I see it as my responsibility to be a bridge between staff and students, to make sure students know where to go for help.”
This work led to Craig’s nomination for the Sister Majella Berg Service Award, which is given to a student who has displayed exceptional dedication to serving others and created a positive impact in the University community.
“I have seen Cara not only take on far more than has been asked of her, but support residents in high-intensity emotional crises with such care and grace that it has had a drastic impact on her residents and the larger campus community,” said her anonymous nominator for the service award.
“Winning this service award was deeply meaningful,” Craig reflected. “I’m someone who prefers working behind the scenes, so to be recognized by my peers, professors and the University community was incredibly special. It showed me that my efforts to support others were noticed and appreciated.”
Her parents, Jason and Julie Craig, say they are proud of their daughter and the impact she has had on those around her.
“We are incredibly proud of Cara, from all of her academic and athletic accomplishments to the way that she cares for others. Although we are proud of her achievements, we are far more proud of the person she has grown into. We are excited that everyone else now gets to see the side of her that we’ve watched develop throughout her life.”
Craig is excited to continue making an impact on the University community as she plans to return to Marymount for her Master’s in Forensic and Legal Psychology and to serve as the head resident assistant on campus.
“I’m coming back to Marymount because of the community I found here—my friends, my coaches and the academic support system. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a strong support system among my peers. I want to continue competing as a student-athlete and deepen my research, including submitting my thesis for publication and developing a new criminological theory. The connections and opportunities I have found here are too valuable to leave behind.”
Craig’s advice to other students is to not underestimate themselves or the impact they can make.
“Take a step back and reflect on where you are, what you’re doing and be intentional with what you’re putting your energy into,” Craig said. “Step up when you can, even if no one’s watching. Help your peers, fill in where needed and don’t do it for recognition—do it because you care.”
