Looking back on my internship at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), I found both rewarding moments and challenges that shaped my experience. The most rewarding part of my internship was defending my 53-page case report in moot court. I compiled all of the results from the procedures I had done and took time analyzing and interpreting the data. Additionally, I researched relevant scientific articles about my mock case sample to gain a deeper understanding of my findings. In the courtroom setting, I had to communicate the technical lab results in a way so that people without a science background could understand clearly, such as a jury. Furthermore, I defended my work and answered challenging questions under pressure, just as a real expert witness would in a trial. Throughout this experience, I was able to stand in the shoes of a real forensic scientist, from the moment I obtained the evidence all the way to the end when I testified my results.
The most challenging part was meeting the high expectations required in both the scientific and legal aspects of toxicology. Every step in the process had to be performed with precision and accuracy, from instrument calibration to result documentation and everything in between. I quickly came to understand that producing results which are both scientifically valid and admissible in court requires meticulous attention to detail. Successful forensic work depends on maintaining integrity, applying critical thinking, and demonstrating strong organizational skills throughout the scientific process.
Reflecting on my time at CFSRE, I realize how much this internship has pushed me to learn and grow. I built valuable technical skills, grew more confidence, and experienced what it means to work as a forensic scientist. This experience truly gave me a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance I’ll carry into my career, and I feel well prepared to take on the next chapter.