University's Newest Forensic Science Students Learn from Recent Graduates

Dylan Miele ’24 has been interested in forensic science since he was a kid, and he is looking forward to further delving into his passion as a student at the University of New Haven.

Like many fellow Class of 2024forensic science majors, he is taking an "Intro to Forensic Science" class virtually over the summer, learning from experts in the field – including many recent alumni.

"I have enjoyed hearing the firsthand accounts that the guest speakers shared with us," said Miele, a South Windsor, Conn. native. "It is always very interesting to hear others’ personal experiences. I have learned that forensic science encompasses a lot more than I originally thought, which surprised me."

Miele is taking the class with R. Christopher O’Brien, Ph.D., an associate professor of forensic science. Offered to incoming students, including members of the Class of 2024 and transfer students, the course has enabled them to learn more about the many career opportunities within the forensic science field.

"I really think these students are going to benefit greatly from hearing other individuals talk about their experiences in different areas of this field."Megan Descalzi ’19 M.S.

Dr. O’Brien helped to create the seminar series, connecting students with industry professionals – including many recent graduates of the University. Students have heard from alumni working in forensic entomology, DNA analysis, and death investigation.

"We wanted to get students excited about the University of New Haven and to engage them," said Dr. O’Brien. "The students have been enjoying it, and it is opening their eyes, helping them to learn what the field is really like versus what we see on shows like CSI."

The guest speakers have connected with students from all over the world, including from Belgium and Australia. One graduate the students have heard from was Megan Descalzi ’19 M.S., a crime scene technician for the Baltimore Police Department.

Descalzi, who responds to crime scenes and collects, packages, preserves, and documents evidence, says she enjoyed connecting with the students and responding to their insightful questions.

"I got the impression they are excited to begin learning about forensic science," she said. "I could see and hear their excitement about this field. I really think these students are going to benefit greatly from hearing other individuals talk about their experiences in different areas of this field."

Dr. O’Brien has received emails from interested students with follow up questions to the discussions, and he says the speakers have changed the way they viewed forensic science. He says many students think that forensic science means working in a laboratory, but they have learned that that is one of many possibilities.

"As an educator, I hope this opens their eyes to the immense field of research and the many job opportunities," he said. "This has shown them that learning about forensic science at the University doesn’t mean sitting and listening to the same lecture. They are learning from a diverse group of young professionals, and I hope they learn that they, too, can work in this field."

Descalzi hopes she can inspire the students and help them understand the importance of taking advantage of the many opportunities at the University, as well as the importance of fieldwork.

"I believe it is important to share my journey in the field of forensics with new, aspiring forensic science students," she said. "It is important to share with them the knowledge that I have gained and the experiences I have had in order to help them in forging their own path in this field."