Category: Sociology and Criminal Justice
Zoe Quenzel: Undergraduate Student Spotlight
April 27, 2026 Written by Chiu-Yin Mak | Photos courtesy of Zoe Quenzel
In her third year at the University of Delaware, Zoe Quenzel is exploring the criminal justice system through engaging coursework, global learning and continuing to build her experience through hands-on opportunities.
Quenzel said, “I was inspired to choose UD's criminal justice program because it has a great reputation as a credible department.”
She is passionate about prison reform, victim advocacy and creating a more progressive criminal justice system that promotes equality, justice and community. This passion led her to pursue her studies at UD.
Faculty members Ben Fleury-Steiner and Chrysanthi Leon have played significant roles in her journey. Through their mentorship and teaching, Quenzel has found both inspiration and opportunity. She credits Fleury-Steiner for connecting her with impactful experiences and consistently supporting her growth. She said Leon’s engaging teaching style and discussion-based classes have strengthened her belief in the power of dialogue and collective understanding.
One of the most transformative aspects of Quenzel’s undergraduate experience has been her involvement in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. She participated as a student in spring 2025 and later served as a teaching assistant in fall 2025 at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. Through weekly classes that brought together UD students and incarcerated students, she gained new perspectives on justice, accountability and humanity. The experience allowed her to connect with people both inside and outside the prison, challenge her assumptions, and grow academically, professionally and personally.
Quenzel studied abroad in South Africa during Winter Session 2026 where she explored the intersections of crime, inequality and public health while engaging directly with local communities. Volunteering at children’s centers and connecting with community leaders became one of the most meaningful aspects of her experience.
“Being immersed in the culture was a privilege. It opened my eyes to global challenges and deepened my understanding of the work that still needs to be done,” she said.
In addition to her academic and global experiences, Quenzel has pursued internships that provide hands-on exposure to the legal field. Through connections made in the Inside-Out program, she secured a spring internship with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. She noted that Fleury-Steiner and a previous student helped her secure this opportunity, which she describes as nothing but educational and amazing. In this role, she shadows court proceedings, including hearings in the Court of Common Pleas and Superior Court, gaining firsthand insight into the work of prosecutors. Being in the courtroom has helped her better understand the realities of the legal system and envision her future within it.
As she prepares to apply to law school, Quenzel remains focused on developing her skills, broadening her perspective and staying connected to the communities she hopes to serve. This summer, she will be interning with the Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) College Intern Program to further her field experience. She learned about this opportunity through the University of Delaware’s Legal Professional Preparatory Program (LP3).
She credits the support of faculty mentors, departmental opportunities and experiential learning at UD for helping her grow into a confident and driven student. At UD, students are supported through meaningful coursework, faculty mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. This approach empowers students not only to build knowledge, but also to understand the world, engage with communities and work toward improving it.
