Group: Maria Sparacino

Where and how did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin in a family that was very passionate about Wisconsin sports including the Badgers, Bucks, Brewers, and of course the Packers. Outside of watching sports, I spent a lot of time on the lake (when it wasn’t frozen over) and playing softball.

How did you get in this line of work? What keeps you in it?

Trial consulting is the perfect intersection of psychology and the law—two areas I’ve dedicated much of my life to studying. I love that this role allows me to combine my passions and apply my expertise in a way that delivers meaningful, actionable insights to clients.

What are you known for?

I’m known best for being a team player. I grew up in a big family (with five brothers) and playing team sports, so collaboration has always come naturally to me.

Tell us about your education background.

I earned my PhD and MS in Legal Psychology from Florida International University. Prior to that, I received my BS in Psychology with a minor in Intelligence and Security Studies from Coastal Carolina University.

Tell us about your experience.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked as an Honors Intern for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and served as a research assistant in multiple labs, including a social psychology lab and a health psychology lab. These experiences solidified my passion for both psychology and the law. After graduating, I entered the Legal Psychology PhD Program… more Tell us about your experience.