Jessica Bouchet

Status: Undergraduate Student (expected graduation December 2016)

Education: B.S. in Forensic Science, Biology Concentration (Penn State University, Eberly College of Science 2016) and minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Penn State University, Eberly College of Science 2016).

Hometown: Oakton, VA.

Favorite Science Video: This is one of my favorite Bill Nye the Science Guy videos because it explains one of the fundamental concepts that is needed in many areas of science, plus the rockin’ wig of science still makes me laugh every time.

About Me

I am from Oakton, VA, and just finished my senior year in the Forensic Science Program with a biology concentration while minoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During my time at Penn State, I am involved in the Forensic Science Club, THON committees, and am a CA for two forensic science courses. I am working on completing my research in the validation of a thermal cycler to implement its use in DNA analysis laboratories across the country. I have also completed another research project titled “Hair Analysis and its Relevance in Investigation of Violent Personal Crimes ” for which I was awarded the Undergraduate Research Exceptional Poster Award Fall 2015. I plan to attend graduate school to pursue my masters in genetics. Outside of Penn State, I spend a lot of time with my family, traveling, experimenting in the kitchen and doing many craft projects. I am very excited to be working with Science-U this summer and inspiring others to pursue science.

My Science-U Development Goals

Motivating/Leading Others: This is my number one developmental goal as I feel that this encompasses one my main reasons for being interested in becoming a part of Science-U. Self-motivation and leadership skills are very important for being successful in school and in everyday lives. I want to empower each camper to do the best they can because they want to.

Working in a Team: Learning to work in a team and put all minds together to achieve a common goal is what I believe to be another very important tool for success. Whether it is completing a school assignment or a project/case at work, understanding that each individual plays a role and executing proper communication skills will lead to many benefits.

Teaching Scientific Concepts and Skills: Lastly, teaching the science to campers so they are able to explain the concepts to another peer and putting the excitement in learning new facts and information is one of my favorite things to do. As a course assistant, I explain concepts and material to my students and love being able to see their wheels turning until they have their “Ah-ha!” moment.

My Favorite Science-U Moment

Coming Soon: My favorite moment from Science-U 2016 and what I learned from it

My Image Gallery

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The Forensic Science Club hosts several “out-reach” days throughout the year during which we have several hands-on stations teaching prospective students/parents/attending community members several crime scene skills such as presumptive tests for blood, crime scene search techniques and, as I am demonstrating in this picture, how to lift a fingerprint!

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I was able to attend the annual American Academy of Forensic Science conference this past year and learn about all the current research in the field as well as discover many up and coming techniques.