Growing up in Vermont, Professor Jessica Miles’s family struggled financially. “From a young age, I was always very concerned with issues related to poverty and income inequality. It spurred my interest in government and politics. By the time I was a teenager, I was actively working on political campaigns.”

Although she had no lawyers in her family, Professor Miles had an image in her head of a public defender who helps people and that sparked her interest in pursuing a career as a lawyer. “During law school, I participated in a variety of internships. I found my passion was in working with domestic violence survivors and that is the work I sought out after law school. It is such an interesting area of law to me, it touches so many other fields in the law including family law, criminal law, and first amendment issues just to name a few.”

As a young lawyer, Professor Miles supplemented her income from her full-time job as a public interest lawyer by teaching for a standardized test preparation company at night. “I loved teaching. From that point on, it was in the back of my mind that ultimately, one day, maybe I could see myself in academia.” For twelve years, she worked with various nonprofit organizations, representing and empowering survivors of domestic violence, but as anyone who works in that field will tell you – it can be very difficult. “Eventually, I hit a bit of a wall emotionally. The work was very rewarding, helping survivors and their children to escape abuse, but it was also very emotionally draining. I wanted to continue to work on behalf of domestic violence survivors, but I also wanted to serve others with my law degree in a different way, so I started looking into the possibility of clinical teaching. As a clinical professor, I knew that I would still be able to do casework but would also be teaching the next generation of advocates.” Professor Miles subsequently accepted a position at Seton Hall Law School, where she worked with their family law clinic.

Then, in 2023, Professor Miles joined the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University as an Associate Professor of Law. “I was drawn to Haub Law, in part, because of the stellar reputation of the Pace Women’s Justice Center.” In addition to teaching a class on domestic violence law, Professor Miles is currently teaching torts, family law, and evidence. While domestic violence law is her passion, Professor Miles truly enjoys all of the classes she teaches and is happy to have added evidence to that list in the last few years. “No matter what you do in the law you will use the rules of evidence. Understanding the rules of evidence can be a game changer. If you know those rules better than your adversary, it can provide a significant advantage for your clients. I love empowering students to be the best advocates they can in this way.”

Professor Miles’s research work is focused on domestic violence. “For me, since one of the leading causes of poverty for women and children is domestic violence, I am hopeful that I am contributing to social justice in multiple ways when I am working to help survivors of domestic violence – previously through my practice and now through my research and teaching. To advocate for people, however I am doing it, it is very innate to me, and I find it to be very fulfilling work.” Recently, Professor Miles submitted a research article for publication focused on domestic violence and the emotion of disgust as it relates to judges. “The article addresses the role that the emotion of disgust plays in how judges react to domestic violence, and the impact that can have on civil protection order case outcomes.”

In teaching, Professor Miles has learned so much from her students. “Whether it’s Section 2 for torts or my Family Law or Domestic Violence Law students, we continually learn together. However, in order to do that, we all have to be willing to own our points of confusion and mistakes. People refer to “the practice of law” because it is just that – practice – and teaching and learning the law are practices as well. My students have great ideas and questions that I never thought of. We are all stronger and better able to learn once we feel comfortable being fallible and growing together.”

As far as advice for students, Professor Miles suggests that students participate in as many internships, externships, and clinical experiences as possible. “Any non-classroom preparation for legal practice that you are able to get during law school is something additional you can bring to the table in job interviews and it will be value added in your work as a lawyer.” She also noted the importance of taking care of your mental health and her appreciation of Haub Law’s emphasis on wellness initiatives. “As law students and as lawyers, you are often under significant stress, a priority needs to be put on taking care of yourself. Treat yourself as if you were your own most important client. This will allow you to help yourself and help others to the best of your ability.”

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and Yale University’s School of the Environment have enhanced their already existing partnership to offer students several new joint degree options. Since 2001, Haub Law students have had the option to pursue a joint degree with Yale University, with a JD degree from Haub Law and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale’s School of the Environment. Recently, three new joint degree options were added to the Haub Law/Yale partnership, including a JD/Master of Environmental Science (MESc), JD/Master of Forestry (MF), and a JD/Master of Forest Science (MFS).

“As the number one ranked environmental law program, Haub Law is proud to foster expansive opportunities for its students to collaborate with other academic institutions, scholars, and students,” said Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law and Associate Dean of Environmental Law Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Jason Czarnezki. “Providing a top-notch environmental legal education involves collaboration. We are proud to expand our long existing partnership with Yale with the addition of these new degree options, which our participating students will benefit tremendously from.”

Indy Burke, Dean of the Yale School of the Environment, added, “To meet the unprecedented challenge of the climate crisis, we need leaders in every sector of our economy who have an understanding of environmental science and policy. The joint-degree program with the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University prepares students to navigate complex legal and environmental issues and be strong advocates for a sustainable future.”

"The joint-degree program with the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University prepares students to navigate complex legal and environmental issues and be strong advocates for a sustainable future.” - Indy Burke, Dean of the Yale School of the Environment

“The aim of the joint degree program is to broaden the skill set and the imagination that a law degree brings,” said the program’s director, Haub Law Professor Josh Galperin. “The joint degree program allows students to expand their vision as they go into the field of environmental law. Students learn to work in teams, to collaborate, and to think about problems beyond their legal dimensions, in a way that reflects the real-world practice of environmental law.” Professor Galperin has been involved with the program for almost two decades, first as a student in the program, then as a lecturer at Yale Law School and Yale’s School of the Environment, and now as the program director at Haub Law.

In recent years, Haub Law’s joint degree offering with Yale has seen record numbers of applicants and participants with nearly 20 Haub Law students being admitted to the program over the last three years alone. Haub Law 2L, Lauren Lynam, who is pursuing a JD/MEM, said it will help her bridge the current gap between business and environmental law. “I have a multidisciplinary background in environmental science, economics, technology, and law,” said Lynam. “I possess the capability to influence business decision-making with respect to the environment, but I have yet to apply my various areas of expertise in harmony. Earning a Master’s in Environmental Management, from the Yale School of the Environment, will shift my multidisciplinary skills, to an interdisciplinary method in approaching intersected business and environmental issues.”

Haub Law alumni who participated in the joint degree program also note the immense benefits of the unique opportunity. Haub Law alumnus Sean Dixon JD ’09, MEM ’09, LLM ’10, is currently Soundkeeper and Executive Director of the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance in Seattle. He said that the joint degree program was instrumental for him in developing the skills he needs in his work protecting the waters in Washington state. “My joint degree afforded me the opportunity to engage with and learn from my fellow students and two sets of world-class faculties; our classes and conversations, taken together through this unique program, built a balanced baseline for my career and helped lock in my commitment to public interest, advocacy, law, and sustainability.”

The Elisabeth Haub School of law has a historical and deep-rooted commitment to fostering collaboration with other academic institutions. In addition to the joint degree opportunities with Yale, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law also offers joint degree opportunities with other university partners, such as Bard College, John Jay College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, the University of Peace, and more. There is also numerous dual degree opportunities offered by Pace University, allowing students to complete two degrees at Pace often in less time than needed to complete them separately. These dual degree opportunities include JD/LLM (Haub Law), JD/MBA (Haub Law/Pace University Lubin School of Business), JD/MPA (Haub Law/Pace University Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Public Administration), JD/BA or JD/BS (Haub Law/Pace University Dyson College of Arts and Sciences), and BBA/JD (Haub Law/Pace University Lubin School of Business). Haub Law also has entered into over a dozen of academic partnerships with leading international universities, providing opportunities for global research, education, cultural immersion, and more. Learn more about Haub Law’s dual and joint degree and international opportunities.

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The Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) is proud to announce its 2024 "Raising the Bar" Benefit Concert, a pivotal event dedicated to raising awareness and support for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. The concert will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, featuring a special performance by Grammy award-winning artist, songwriter, actor, author, and advocate, Ashanti.

“Having Ashanti headline this year’s ‘Raising the Bar’ Benefit Concert is incredibly significant,” says Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of PWJC. “Her powerful voice makes her the perfect advocate for our mission. We are honored to have Ashanti and her sister, Shia, bring awareness to and help raise funds for finding justice and safety for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”

In addition, PWJC will honor The ICON Foundation, Inc. with the Making a Difference Award. As the charitable arm of Keller Williams Realty Group, The ICON Foundation has made an outstanding impact on local communities in Westchester, Bronx, Putnam, and surrounding counties. Their unwavering support and generous sponsorship have been instrumental in furthering PWJC’s mission to provide free legal services to victims of abuse.

The “Raising the Bar” Benefit Concert is PWJC’s largest fundraising event of the year. The funds raised will directly support the center’s critical legal services, helping more than 3,500 victims and survivors annually. This year’s event builds on the success of last year’s concert featuring the Indigo Girls, which earned PWJC the prestigious Best of Westchester award for Best Non-Profit Event.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Best of Westchester award for last year’s event,” says Kanusher. “This recognition reflects the strength of our community’s support and the vital work we do.”

Tickets for the 2024 “Raising the Bar” Benefit Concert can be purchased via Ticketmaster. Information on sponsorship opportunities for this event is also available.

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Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), announced that Rachel Robins, a PhD in Nursing student at Pace University, has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2024–2026 cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of PhD and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.

Robins joins a select group of 63 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, Robins will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.

“The PhD in Nursing Program is thrilled that Rachel Robins was selected as a Jonas Scholar," says Sharon Wexler, PhD, RN, FNGNA, department chairperson. "We are appreciative of this incredible opportunity for our student. Professor Lin Drury, PhD, who has expertise in research with vulnerable populations, will be Rachel’s mentor. We are confident that Rachel will make excellent contributions to the field.”

Robins joins an incredibly diverse group of doctoral nursing students, with over 50% of its 2024–2026 cohort representative of Black, Latino, and other communities of color, ensuring that burgeoning nursing leaders reflect the patient population of their diverse communities. This group of 63 Scholars contain a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including underserved populations in nursing, mental health, and veterans’ health.

Robin's research focuses on the assessment and interventions for postpartum depression among Black women in New York City. This passion stems from her deep concern over the disparities in maternal care these women often face.

“Pace University’s PhD in Nursing program and my advisor, Catherine S. Finlayson, PhD, RN, OCN, have been instrumental in helping me navigate this complex issue. The University has provided me access to many research resources and guided me in refining my ideas, which has helped me develop my approach and ensured that my research is both impactful and relevant to the communities I aim to serve.

I am thrilled to be selected as a Jonas Scholar and look forward to my expanded network to assist in my exploration and pursuit of overcoming disparities in maternal care for New York City Black women.”

Visit the Jonas Scholars program for more information.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Professor Laura Portuondo of the University of Houston Law Center has been selected as the winner of the 2024–2025 Haub Law Emerging Scholar Award in Women, Gender & Law for her paper Gendered Liberty, 113 Geo. L. Rev. __ (forthcoming 2025). Professor Portuondo is an Assistant Professor; she teaches Constitutional Law and Reproductive Rights and Justice.

Professor Portuondo’s research focuses on tensions between First and Fourteenth Amendment law and theories for reconciling them. She is a constitutional law scholar with expertise in reproductive rights and justice, gender equality, and the First Amendment. Her recent scholarship has also appeared in the Duke Law Journal, the UCLA Law Review, and the Journal of Law & Religion.

Professor Portuondo received her JD from Yale Law School, where she was an Editor of the Yale Law Journal. She also holds a BA in English summa cum laude with distinction from Yale College. Prior to joining the academy, Professor Portuondo worked as a fellow at the Center for Reproductive Rights and a law clerk to Judge Katzmann (2nd Circuit) and Judge Rakoff (S.D.N.Y).

Professor Emily Gold Waldman, a member of the award selection committee and the Associate Dean for Faculty Development at Haub Law, said: “Professor Portuondo’s article is an insightful examination of the evolving landscape of constitutional rights, particularly the contrast between the Fourteenth Amendment's shrinking safeguards against gender discrimination and expanding protections for religious freedom under the First Amendment. Gendered Liberty not only illuminates these critical legal shifts, but also challenges us to rethink the broader implications for equality and liberty in our society. This work is an exciting contribution to the field, reflecting deep research and a nuanced understanding of constitutional law.”

About the Award

The Haub Law Emerging Scholar Award in Women, Gender & Law is presented annually in recognition of excellent legal scholarship related to women, gender and the law published by a full-time law professor with five or fewer years of full-time teaching experience. After an open call for submissions, papers are reviewed on a blind basis by members of the Haub Law faculty with expertise in this area. The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University invites the award recipient to present their winning scholarship to the Haub Law community.

Nominations are due by July 1 of each year and can be directed to Professor Bridget Crawford.

Pace’s fifth annual Social Justice Week is taking place the week of October 26. This week of learning and reflection is designed to offer an ongoing memorial for Pace student Danroy “DJ” Henry, and to further commit Pace University to social justice and anti-racism.

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A community-driven effort, the week aims to offer original programming that adheres to values of equity and justice and engages the campus community in learning activities and dialogue centered on the issues of social justice. Social Justice Week seeks to create brave spaces that challenge white supremacy among other forms of oppression and to create a starting point from which meaningful dialogue and action can be created for the entire Pace Community.

Get Involved!

This week consists of events hosted by the Pace Community, including students, staff, faculty, departments, and student organizations across the three Pace campuses. If you are interested in hosting an event, you can learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is September 27. If you would like to be considered for funding for your event, please apply by September 23.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email socialjusticeweek@pace.edu.

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems is excited to announce that Dr. Li-Chiou Chen has assumed the role of our school’s interim dean, starting on August 16. Dr. Chen, a long-standing member of the Seidenberg community, brings an impressive track record of academic leadership and a deep commitment to student success. Her keen pedagogical insights and market-focused approach will guide the Seidenberg School through the upcoming academic year.

As a professor, the current director of Seidenberg’s MS in Cybersecurity program, and leader of prestigious programs like the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, Dr. Chen has been instrumental in shaping the Seidenberg School's innovative programs and fostering a student-centric environment. Her leadership will undoubtedly continue to drive the school’s mission of preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow's technology landscape. When talking about how she envisions the upcoming year for students, Dr. Chen said that “this is a place for students to call home, a place where they can grow and expand their interests. They come here not just to study, but to also participate in something they are interested in outside of the classroom. Our mission is to make sure the students feel like they can always find someone in the school that they can talk to, who can guide them and answer their questions. Even after they’ve graduated, we want them to feel supported by Seidenberg.” She added that “the school has a very good foundation right now, and has been going in an upward trajectory for the past eight to ten years. We want to keep the stability that this trajectory has given us, but we also aim to expand in new directions with the development of new majors and adding more research opportunities for our faculty and students.”

This appointment follows the transition of Seidenberg’s current and longstanding dean, Dr. Jonathan Hill, who will be stepping into the role of Interim Provost for Pace University. Dr. Hill has been a transformative leader at Seidenberg, and his new role will allow him to bring his characteristic positive influence to the University on a broader scale. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hill for his outstanding contributions to Seidenberg and wish him continued success in his new role.

As we embark on this new chapter, the Seidenberg community remains committed to fostering a collaborative, welcoming, and supportive culture. With the Fall semester approaching, we are confident that under Dr. Chen’s leadership, Seidenberg will continue to thrive and take on new challenges with the resilience and innovation that define our school. Congratulations to Dr. Chen, and best of luck to Dr. Hill in his new position!

During the 2024 Summer semester, Pace University organized its yearly student exchange initiative in collaboration with URL LaSalle from Barcelona. This initiative brought 33 rising second-year undergraduate students from Barcelona to New York City for a week-long immersive experience focused on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and exploring the vibrant culture of NYC. The students were taught and mentored by expert faculty from the Lubin School of Business and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. The program was coordinated by Lubin’s Center for Global Business Programs.

Under the guidance of Seidenberg professors, Drs. Yegin Genc and Jonathan Lee, the students delved into AI through engaging and informative sessions. Dr. Genc highlighted the practical aspect of the program, stating that "we had a couple of sessions that sampled the application of AI tools and technologies for augmenting decision-making and business processes. Students had a chance to build prototypical apps that utilized computer vision and large language models." This hands-on approach provided the students with valuable insights into the role of AI in shaping the future of business and technology.

The program went beyond the classroom, as it also successfully combined academic learning with cultural immersion to offer the students an enriching experience. The Lubin faculty and staff organized visits to several prominent companies, offering students a glimpse into the professional applications of their studies. To balance their academic endeavors, the students also explored NYC's rich cultural heritage, including visits to the American Museum of Natural History and a walking tour of the historic Wall Street area.