This summer, I am interning at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) with a discipline in Toxicology. For the first two weeks, I completed an educational online course which gave me an in-depth background of different toxicological practices. For the next four weeks, I will be working individually on my own mock casework in the lab, performing analytical tests and using instrumentation that is used in actual forensic laboratories. Lastly, I will be testifying my results in a moot court to gain insight as to how forensics applies in a court of law. I am looking forward to this opportunity because it allows me to dive deep into the realm of forensics and will allow me to gain a broader understanding of various disciplines in the field.
During my internship, I am excited to gain hands-on experience in the lab by experimenting with various equipment and instrumentation, such as GC-MS and LC-MS (Gas/Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry). Additionally, learning how to identify and quantify substances in biological samples using these instruments will give me an understanding of how it can be interpreted both medically and legally. I also will learn how forensic labs maintain accuracy through quality control, and how they maintain legal requirements through chain of custody. My goal is to develop these numerous skills and become more knowledgeable through this learning experience. Additionally, gaining a sense of how the field works day to day will help me figure out what area of forensics I would like to specialize in. Overall, I am excited to see where this internship takes me as I prepare for my professional career as a forensic scientist.
Rachael Beehler
Forensic Chemistry, 2026
I think everyone would agree that Toxicology is a super cool and interesting field of study. Being able to learn and interact with both the lab and court aspects of your field is a perfect experience for an intern. Like you said, you really will be taking a deep dive into the various disciplines of forensic chemistry, and will enlighten you on which parts you love, hate, or are neutral on. I wish you the best of luck in the lab and courtroom this summer!
Racheal, toxicology is such a fascinating field, and it’s really cool that you’re getting the opportunity to do mock work in that area. Gaining hands on experience with the tools that actual forensic scientists use will be beneficial in helping you immerse yourself in the role. I think this will definitely give you a better sense of which areas interest you the most. As you mentioned the forensics department plays a crucial role in building a case, and the way evidence is handled can have a major impact on the outcome. I hope you accomplish all your goals and wish you the best of luck!
This sounds like an amazing internship! Getting hands-on experience with real forensic instruments and learning how your work connects to the legal system is such a valuable opportunity. Wishing you all the best as you explore your path in forensic science!
That is so interesting and what an amazing opportunity to get hands on experience in a real forensic setting! It sounds like you’re really diving into the field and learning how everything works, from the lab to the courtroom. Gaining that kind of insight so early on will definitely help you figure out where you want to specialize. Best of luck!
This internship sounds very interesting. Forensic science is an important part of both the science and criminal justice fields and and is a cool and often overlooked way to help others. From what you’ve written it seems that the CFSRE really cares about educating its interns and preparing them for opportunities beyond the internship. Your internship definitely does not sound easy but it seems like you’re very dedicated and have definitely chosen the perfect field for you to go into. Good luck with the rest of your internship!
Toxicology and forensics in general is a super interesting field to go into. I’m glad you get to have so much hands on experience, and getting the opportunity to do mock work is amazing and crucial to developing deeper understandings. It’s also interesting to see how you touch on the legal side of the procedures! I can’t wait to see how this internship plays a role in your future career, wishing you the best!
Your internship sounds so awesome with all the hands on experience. Being able to experience both sides of forensics (legal and biological) makes it sound like this internship will do a lot for your future. I wish you the best in learning to use all the different instruments, such as Gas Chromatography!
This is truly incredible. Even though toxicology and forensic science are a little bit different from my own major, BCMB, it is really interesting how many techniques and principles overlap across our fields. I also think its super neat that you are working with tools like GC-MS and LC-MS. I hope this experience is enriching and enjoyable. Congrats!