Rita Ighekpe is a current Junior attending Towson University, where she is double majoring in sociology and political science. She is the fundraising chair of the Towson Naturalistas and a member of the Student Environmental Organization. 

Her interest in criminal justice began in highschool, where she was an International Baccalaureate student and a member of the Model United Nations as well as Speech and Debate. Her involvement in these organizations broadened her knowledge on law and policy and resulted in her aspirations to work with the law. She is new to journalism, though has a long involvement with research within the criminal justice sphere. Rita is particularly interested in juvenile law and wrote a research paper about the foster care system in relation to juvenile delinquency. Her interest in criminal justice is linked to her aspirations for involvement in a career where she is a positive force. Reporting and researching important issues of relevance will prepare her for a future career working with the law. Interning with The Des this summer will allow Rita to broaden her scope of understanding, and work within a field with her interests.