Susana Avalos is a Doctoral student in the College of Arts & Letters, majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Their research focuses on the experiences of transgender people in navigating safety and resisting transphobic victimization. Motivated by both a personal connection as a non-binary queer person and a recognition of the gaps in existing literature, Susana aims to understand and address the unique challenges transgender individuals face. Their work highlights the critical role of community support in overcoming trauma and emphasizes the importance of safe spaces.