Maria Cuellar

Current Courses

• CRIM1200 - Statistics For The Social Sciences I

  Statistical techniques and quantitative reasoning are essential tools for properly examing questions in the social sciences. This course introduces students to the concepts of probability, estimation, confidence intervals, and how to use the statistical concepts and methods to answer social science questions. The course will require the use of R, a free, open source statistical analysis program. This course has been approved for the quantitative data analysis requirement (QDA).

  CRIM1200001

• CRIM2040 - Forensic Analysis

  This course discusses the need for stronger scientific foundations in the analysis of forensic evidence from a scientific and a policy perspective. Forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, firearms, and hair, has been analyzed for hundreds of years to inform crime investigations and prosecutions. However, recent advances, especially the use of DNA technology, have revealed that a faulty forensic analyses may have contributed to wrongful convictions. These advances have demonstrated the potential danger of information and testimony derived from imperfect analysis, which can result not just in wrongful convictions but also in errors of impunity. In this course, students learn about the history of forensics, as well as about the recent advances that aim to improve current practices. It is an interdisciplinary course, but it focuses mostly on the statistical and scientific aspects of testing in forensics. Students discuss recent solutions that quantify the uncertainty, limitations, and errors associated with human factors, pattern evidence, and digital evidence. No prior statistical or forensic knowledge is expected. The course will be useful for students who wish to become forensic practitioners, law enforcement officers, lawyers, judges, researchers, or simply informed citizens.

  CRIM2040301

• CRIM9999 - Independent Study: Forensic Examiner Evaluation

  Primarily for graduate students who work with individual faculty upon permission. Intended to go beyond existing graduate courses in the study of specific problems or theories or to provide work opportunities in areas not covered by existing courses.

  CRIM9999004

Past Courses

• CRIM1100 - Criminal Justice

  This course examines how the criminal justice system responds to crime in society. The course reviews the historical development of criminal justice agencies in the United States and Europe and the available scientific evidence on the effect these agencies have on controlling crime. The course places an emphasis on the functional creation of criminal justice agencies and the discretionary role decision makers in these agencies have in deciding how to enforce criminal laws and whom to punish. Evidence on how society measures crime and the role that each major criminal justice agency plays in controlling crime is examined from the perspective of crime victims, police, prosecutors, jurors, judges, prison officials, probation officers and parole board members. Using the model of social policy evaluation, the course asks students to consider how the results of criminal justice could be more effectively delivered to reduce the social and economic costs of crime.

• CRIM1200 - Stat for the Social Sci.

  Statistical techniques and quantitative reasoning are essential tools for properly examing questions in the social sciences. This course introduces students to the concepts of probability, estimation, confidence intervals, and how to use the statistical concepts and methods to answer social science questions. The course will require the use of R, a free, open source statistical analysis program. This course has been approved for the quantitative data analysis requirement (QDA).

• CRIM2040 - Forensic Analysis

  This course discusses the need for stronger scientific foundations in the analysis of forensic evidence from a scientific and a policy perspective. Forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, firearms, and hair, has been analyzed for hundreds of years to inform crime investigations and prosecutions. However, recent advances, especially the use of DNA technology, have revealed that a faulty forensic analyses may have contributed to wrongful convictions. These advances have demonstrated the potential danger of information and testimony derived from imperfect analysis, which can result not just in wrongful convictions but also in errors of impunity. In this course, students learn about the history of forensics, as well as about the recent advances that aim to improve current practices. It is an interdisciplinary course, but it focuses mostly on the statistical and scientific aspects of testing in forensics. Students discuss recent solutions that quantify the uncertainty, limitations, and errors associated with human factors, pattern evidence, and digital evidence. No prior statistical or forensic knowledge is expected. The course will be useful for students who wish to become forensic practitioners, law enforcement officers, lawyers, judges, researchers, or simply informed citizens.

• CRIM2050 - Technology in Criminal Justice

  This course explores the integration of technology in the criminal justice system, focusing on its impact on law enforcement, judicial processes, and corrections. Students will examine cutting-edge technological tools such as forensic analysis, AI algorithms, predictive policing, ShotSpotter, and facial recognition. The course will emphasize the ethical and fairness implications of these technologies, questioning their efficacy and the potential for bias. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects, students will critically analyze the benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of technology in criminal justice.

• CRIM4001 - Senior Research Thesis

  Senior Research Thesis is for senior Criminology majors only. Students are assigned advisors with assistance from the Undergraduate Chair.

• CRIM9999 - Independent Study

  Primarily for graduate students who work with individual faculty upon permission. Intended to go beyond existing graduate courses in the study of specific problems or theories or to provide work opportunities in areas not covered by existing courses.

• SOCI2921 - Criminal Justice

  This course examines how the criminal justice system responds to crime in society. The course reviews the historical development of criminal justice agencies in the United States and Europe and the available scientific evidence on the effect these agencies have on controlling crime. The course places an emphasis on the functional creation of criminal justice agencies and the discretionary role decision makers in these agencies have in deciding how to enforce criminal laws and whom to punish. Evidence on how society measures crime and the role that each major criminal justice agency plays in controlling crime is examined from the perspective of crime victims, police, prosecutors, jurors, judges, prison officials, probation officers and parole board members. Using the model of social policy evaluation, the course asks students to consider how the results of criminal justice could be more effectively delivered to reduce the social and economic costs of crime.

Knowledge @ Wharton

• Understanding AI’s Impact on Productivity, GDP, and Federal Debt, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/19/2025
• Yahoo’s Global Head of B2B Marketing, Sponsorships, and Events, Shannon Shae Montoya, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/18/2025
• Breaking Down Records, Rankings, and Coaching With NFL Analytics, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/17/2025
• Google Antitrust Ruling, Market Competition, and the Future of Search, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/17/2025
• What’s Behind the Endless Breakup-Merger Cycle?, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/16/2025
• Is Housework Holding Back Wage Equality?, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/16/2025
• How Subjectivity Affects Stock Prices and Firm Valuations, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/16/2025
• The Luxury of Counterfeits | John Zhang, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/16/2025
• A Transformational Gift for Quantitative Finance at Wharton, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/15/2025
• Expanding Retirement Portfolios With Alternative Investment Options, Knowledge @ Wharton - 09/12/2025