Education: B.S. in Forensic Science, Biology Option (Penn State University, 2016)
Favorite Science Video: Mitosis Video
About Me
I graduated from Penn State’s Eberly College of Science in May 2016, with a major in Forensic Science (biology emphasis). As an active member of the forensic science community on campus, I worked as a learning assistant for introductory forensic science courses. I also participate in mitochondrial DNA research in collaboration with a local software company called SoftGenetics. Last summer, I interned at Restek, testing gas-chromatography products. This internship was extended through the academic year, and will continue through the summer of 2016. In my free time, I enjoy reading and sleeping. I am aiming to acquire a job after I graduate, helping to develop products that will continue to improve the field of forensic science.
Teaching Scientific Concepts and Skills: Throughout my life, I have always struggled a bit with public speaking. The field of forensic science, however, will require me to speak to juries about scientific processes. As a laboratory coordinator, I am hoping to gain skills explaining forensic, scientific procedures, to the campers. The more experience I get explaining these topics now, the better it will be for my future career!
Working in a Team: Working as a member of a team means more than being friends with your peers. It requires being able to understand others’ points of view, even if you don’t agree with them. I appreciate every opportunity I have to grow in my ability to understand others, and to effectively communicate my own ideas.
Demonstrating Innovative Problem-Solving Abilities: Problem solving skills is one of the greatest assets a scientist has. Being able to think “outside of the box” drives invention and success in science. In forensic science, especially, problem solving can be crucial to solving a criminal case. With science advancing further and further every day, it is important to develop these skills with every available opportunity.
My Favorite Science-U Moment
My favorite moment was when I was explaining DNA forensics to a group of students. The group as a whole seemed interested in forensic anthropology, especially, and they asked so many great questions. It was great to see the students still asking questions, even after they found out DNA analysis is mostly statistics. I remember being pretty discouraged by that reality, but these students wanted to keep learning.
