MacKenzie Niness

Background

About MacKenzie Niness

Passionate and dedicated professional with a strong background in research, education, and program management. Skilled in data analysis, curriculum development, and fostering meaningful relationships. Committed to making a positive impact in the fields of criminal justice, education access, and community engagement. Research Expertise -Conducted data cleaning and quantitative survey analysis for climate surveys within the Prison Research and Innovation Network (PRIN) project-Proficient in Excel and SPSS for data manipulation and analysis-Excelled in survey question organization and data visualization for effective reporting-Utilized participatory action research methods to engage with staff and incarcerated individuals. Teaching Excellence -Served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Criminal Justice and the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program-Facilitated dynamic and skills-focused curriculum, accelerating students' learning-Collaborated with educators to enhance cultural capacity and advocate for marginalized students-Contributed to a diverse range of courses, including Race, Crime, and Justice. Global Perspective -Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in the Netherlands, creating impactful curriculum and enhancing cultural awareness-Supported internationalization initiatives, including organizing events showcasing diverse cultures-Conducted needs analysis and practical overview to enhance vocational program participant experience. Program Management -Managed relationships between the Posse Career Program and external partners, expanding career partnerships with leading organizations-Organized successful virtual Alumni Conferences with high attendance rates-Facilitated professional development workshops and implemented systems for better data collection and analysis-Administered annual leadership award process, ensuring accurate and efficient distribution of funds. Achievements -Recognized for academic excellence, research ability and potential, and teaching-Led teams in creating efficient systems and evaluating program effectiveness. Passionate about creating positive change through research, education, and program development. Eager to collaborate and contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives.