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Amber Losciale is a pioneering college student committed to nurturing secure and welcoming environments while engaging in ambitious research initiatives.
Losciale serves as a data scientist at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), where she contributes to ensuring the safety of Tallahassee. Previously, she has worked closely with the Wildwood Police Department (WPD) and held a position as a crime analyst at the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD).
As a participant in the Honors in the Major program (HITM), she is investigating the sociodemographic traits of online sex offenders compared to those offline. She showcased this research at the American Criminal Justice Association National Conference, where she earned third place in human trafficking academic assessment.
What motivated you to choose Florida State University?
Being a first-generation student, I was determined to leave my hometown and attend university. I am thankful to be the first in my family to pursue a higher education and to select the ideal institution for myself with FSU.
Claiming that I adore being here would be an understatement; this place feels like home. I feel exceptionally privileged to be a cyber criminology major in one of the leading criminology programs worldwide. The professors in my discipline are not just outstanding mentors but also compassionate individuals whom I’ve had the privilege to learn from and collaborate with.
FSU also resonates with my interests. Having been a band student in high school, I was drawn to the Marching Chiefs, which afforded me the opportunity to travel and create memories. I reside in Traditions Hall, where I am immersed in the music, school spirit, and enthusiasm radiating from Doak Campbell Stadium. I cherish every moment I made the choice to be here!
What has been your most significant academic encounter?
I regard my most notable academic research achievement as my Honors in the Major thesis, Unpacking the Profiles of Online Sex Offenders. This study will analyze the sociodemographic factors contributing to sexual exploitation online and offline, and subsequently develop typologies based on this information.
I attended the American Criminal Justice Association National Conference in Long Beach, California, where I represented FSU on a national level in front of various criminology educators and active law enforcement personnel. This was my initial experience presenting my HITM research. I engaged in discussions regarding the ramifications of my research on policy and secured 3rd place in Human Trafficking academic assessments, competing against more than 200 participants from all over the nation.
My academic advisor has indicated that my research holds promise for publication in a scholarly journal, and I aim to pursue that goal. I perceive considerable potential and am thrilled to have an additional year to cement my legacy at FSU.
How have you contributed to your community as a leader?
About midway through my college journey, I experienced a significant low due to victimization. It shattered my self-esteem, hindered my ability to function, and left me feeling more like a statistic than a person. Seeking and receiving professional support through FSU’s health services facilitated my recovery and reshaped my view of strength and leadership.
This experience shaped my approach to leading and serving in my communities. As I healed, others sought my advice in managing their mental health struggles. I assisted those around me in locating the resources they required. This journey has inspired my commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces within my organizations. By advocating for open dialogues about mental health and emphasizing the significance of vulnerability, I aim to be a leader who empowers others and fosters an environment for healing and growth.
What has been your most notable impact on the community?
As a cyber criminology student, I gained invaluable experience in my field through FSUshadow at the Wildwood Police Department, where I observed detectives trap predators through DNS lookups and decoy communications. Following that, I took on a role as a crime analyst at the Tallahassee Police Department, resolving inactive cases and connecting other offenders to their accomplices and networks.
These experiences led me to become a data scientist at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the most rewarding position I have held so far. My mentor and supervisor is Dixie Rocker, a former FSU professor in Criminology. She has been instrumental in helping me develop skills and drive meaningful change. The data and policy insights I’m analyzing directly affect the residents of Tallahassee. I’m part of a team that upholds the operational endeavors of LCSO. Knowing that my contributions lead to tangible change is immensely fulfilling.
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