Internships are an integral part of the forensic science curriculum. Internships in
the many different areas of forensic science give students the real-life experiences
and practical laboratory skills needed for careers in this field.
Emily White, a senior forensic science and chemistry major at Trine University, will be an intern
at the Drug Lab for the Indiana State Crime Lab in Indianapolis this summer, the first
intern the lab has had in six years. Read the news article.
James Evans (class of 2013) completed an internship sponsored by the Department of Energy at the
Ames Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. He participated in research on strengthening forensic
fracture matching by use of instrumentation and the effects of corrosive environments
on fractured surfaces.
Shandra Clawson (class of 2013) completed an internship at Forensic Fluids Laboratory, an oral fluid
testing lab. Their clients include both public and private agencies and they test
from 500-700 samples daily. Shandra not only gained a better understanding of laboratory
instrumentation, she also learned that teamwork is essential to a successful career.
Karina Stiop (class of 2013), a forensic major interested in pathology, interned at the morgue
at Blodgett Hospital. She job shadowed the forensic pathologist at the hospital, Dr.
Stephen Cohle. She immersed herself in the experience and completed many tasks assigned
to morgue assistants. This experience has reinforced her desire to pursue a career
in pathology.
Mona Atar (class of 2011) double majored in forensic science and criminal justice and completed
an internship with the Allen County Coroner's Office. While interning, Mona overshadowed
death investigators in several homicide cases and an infant death case. She put to
use not only her knowledge of forensic biology but her education in crime scene investigation,
as well.
In addition, other students have had opportunities to work with LaGrange County Sheriff's
Department on studying the differences between the gunshot patterns of a sawed-off
shotgun and regular firearms, with the Allen County Coroner's Office assisting the
crime scene unit investigate suspicious deaths, and with Kodiak Enterprises performing
arson investigations.
Another student developed a cheiloscopy study to define the uniqueness of lip patterns
in all humans. This project was done with the assistance of an expert from the Indiana
State Police Crime Lab.
For additional information on cooperative education or internships, contact the Career
Services office by calling 260.665.4124, careerservices@trine.edu, or visit the Trine Career Services web site.