Sep. 8, 2026
This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2026–27 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.
Brittany Anne Chozinski
Associate teaching professor, Criminal and Justice Studies
What classes are you teaching this semester?
We’re getting this new degree program off to a great start! This semester I will be teaching Intro to Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Professions, and a cross-listed class with social work, Explorations in Social and Economic Justice.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I consider myself a “practitioner-scholar” working at the intersection of sociology, criminology, and public health. Before coming to Mizzou, I spent over a decade teaching in Texas while serving in direct-practice and consulting roles—including work as a certified crisis intervention specialist supporting survivors of trauma and designing training for law enforcement and victim advocates.
What drew you to your field — and what brought you to Mizzou?
I was drawn to this work after seeing firsthand how deeply legal and health systems overlap — and how often people in crisis fall through the cracks between them. Mizzou’s Criminal and Justice Studies program is uniquely housed in the School of Social Work and College of Health Sciences, which makes it the perfect home for looking at justice through a holistic, real-world public health lens. I can also really rock some animal print, so becoming a Tiger was an easy decision.
What are your research or professional interests?
My work looks at the justice system as a major factor affecting health and well-being. I specialize in trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, structural inequality and somatic literacy — which is all about helping future practitioners learn how their bodies respond to stress so they can stay grounded and avoid burnout in high-stakes careers. I also focus on practical tools like spatial data mapping (GIS) and the ethical use of emerging tech in justice work.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Mentoring students through the messy process of turning their lived experiences, curiosity and passions into a clear professional path. There is nothing better than watching a student realize that their unique background is actually their greatest strength in the field.
What are you looking forward to this semester?
Getting to know our first cohorts in the new CJS major and helping build a collaborative, engaging classroom culture from the ground up. And football.
What can students expect from your classes?
Real-world application, zero busywork and a supportive environment. We treat the classroom as a laboratory for the field: You will analyze actual data, practice critical de-escalation frameworks and engage with tough, complex questions while learning how to maintain professional resilience.
Share a memorable moment from your time teaching.
Guiding first-generation and historically underrepresented students as they discover their academic and professional power. I’ve worked with several students who entered college feeling like they didn’t belong or had to hide their personal backgrounds. Helping them reframe their lived experiences as their greatest analytical assets — and watching them go from questioning their place in the classroom to landing funded graduate spots and leading community change — has been the most rewarding part of my teaching career.
What’s one fun hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?
Carpentry and sewing. I love to make things.
What is your hidden talent?
I’m a certified instructor in Krav Maga and a traditionally trained Muay Thai fighter. I’m also a somatic practitioner certified in Mind/Body Medicine.
Favorite place in Columbia so far?
The Farmer’s Market. I’m there every Saturday.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
“You fight how you train,” or just a coach screaming “BREATHE!” at me. Coming from years in combat sports and crisis work, you need a mindset that bridges preparation, self-regulation and long-term resilience. In high-stakes justice and human service environments, setbacks and high-stress moments are inevitable. True resilience isn’t about never getting knocked off balance; it’s about having the ingrained fundamentals and physiological composure to take a deliberate breath, diagnose what happened without self-blame and make the next sound, ethical move.
