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Shahid J

- Research Program Mentor

JD at University of Illinois at Chicago

Expertise

International law, Criminal Law, Interpersonal Communications, Public Policy, Media Literacy, Access to Justice, etc.,

Bio

Hello everyone! My expertise lies generally in liberal arts. I’ve conducted extensive research focused on media literacy and media messaging (from political to film analysis), and the impact technology has on interpersonal relationships. Additionally, I am passionate about human rights and public service. My legal research projects centred on access to justice and international legal systems. In my personal life, I am a side-quest enthusiast. I love to try new things! If I can do something I haven’t done before, I will jump on the opportunity. I love to travel, read, and watch movies. I love going to the theater (live shows and movies alike) and I have become somewhat of a local coffee shop aficionado.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Are Defendants the New Influencers?: How Public Attention Impacts Due Process

In this project you will analyze media coverage of defendants in high profile cases and how the case subsequently unfolded. How is the media being utilized by counsel if at all? What does discourse about the case say about societal values? Does being in the public eye seem to impact case outcomes? This project will teach you how to critically engage with media bias and familiarize you with legal processes. You will gain skills in critical thinking and analysis and an understanding of criminal and/or civil procedure.

So Close Yet So Far: The Impact of Technology on Interpersonal Relationships and Perceived Connection

In this project you will conduct research on whether relationships rooted in technology could achieve the same level of interpersonal closeness as a physical relationship. Does distance matter when everyone is a call away? Is connection true if AI is writing your text messages? This project will teach you how to critically analyze existing literature on interpersonal relationships and how emerging technology has altered human connection. You will gain skills in academic research, writing, editing, and critical thinking.

Coding skills

HTML

Languages I know

Arabic- Conversational

Teaching experience

I've been mentoring and tutoring students for as long as I can remember. I tutored underclassmen on a volunteer, as-needed basis, from middle school to college. I also became a TA in high school, where I managed middle-school students. Once I entered university and law school, I served as an orientation mentor for incoming students and within various student organizations (with a particular focus on helping first-generation law students).

Credentials

Work experience

UIC International Human Rights Clinic (2025 - 2025)
Student attorney
UIC Law (2025 - 2025)
Research Assistant

Education

Governors State University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2022)
Communications and a Pre-law Minor
University of Illinois at Chicago
JD Juris Doctorate (2025)
International Human Rights Law Concentration

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