Alum Spotlight
Why did you choose to study forensic chemistry?
I knew going into my undergraduate studies that I wanted to complete a pre-medical major. At the time, my heart was set on becoming a forensic pathologist. During my orientation at Ole Miss, I learned about forensic chemistry as a major and when I heard that it counted toward pre-med and pre-law requisites, I was hooked. I feel the major encompasses the best of many majors– the heavy sciences and math coupled with challenging but sincerely fun and interesting criminal justice and forensic classes.
I knew going into my undergraduate studies that I wanted to complete a pre-medical major. At the time, my heart was set on becoming a forensic pathologist. During my orientation at Ole Miss, I learned about forensic chemistry as a major and when I heard that it counted toward pre-med and pre-law requisites, I was hooked. I feel the major encompasses the best of many majors– the heavy sciences and math coupled with challenging but sincerely fun and interesting criminal justice and forensic classes.
Please share some significant accomplishments or favorite memories from your time at UM.
I have two experiences that I look back on fondly from my time at Ole Miss. The first is my time as a chemistry laboratory TA, spending time as a junior and senior getting hands-on teaching with freshman chemistry students. The second is the required crime lab internship. I had the opportunity to rotate through an accredited medical examiner’s office in place of the traditional crime lab experience, and it truly helped set my course for the rest of my career. The medical examiner became a mentor and wrote me a letter of recommendation for medical school. I remember my time there fondly.
I have two experiences that I look back on fondly from my time at Ole Miss. The first is my time as a chemistry laboratory TA, spending time as a junior and senior getting hands-on teaching with freshman chemistry students. The second is the required crime lab internship. I had the opportunity to rotate through an accredited medical examiner’s office in place of the traditional crime lab experience, and it truly helped set my course for the rest of my career. The medical examiner became a mentor and wrote me a letter of recommendation for medical school. I remember my time there fondly.
Describe your educational/career path since graduation from UM.
Since graduating with my BS in Forensic Chemistry, I received a Master of Biomedical Science degree from William Carey University and went on to complete my medical school training at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. During my training, I have been exposed to more than just forensics and found my passion in hematopathology, studying and diagnosing leukemias and lymphomas.
I completed a pathology residency program at the University of Texas Medical Branch with a fellowship in hematopathology at UTSW for 2024-2025.
Since graduating with my BS in Forensic Chemistry, I received a Master of Biomedical Science degree from William Carey University and went on to complete my medical school training at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. During my training, I have been exposed to more than just forensics and found my passion in hematopathology, studying and diagnosing leukemias and lymphomas.
I completed a pathology residency program at the University of Texas Medical Branch with a fellowship in hematopathology at UTSW for 2024-2025.
What is the value of studying forensic chemistry in today's world?
Forensic chemistry opens the door to so many possibilities. Being able to go to law school, medical school, attain a Ph.D., or work in a crime lab with the degree is amazing and more open-ended than many other majors. I also enjoyed the small group feel of the major and really got to know my fellow forensic majors during my time at Ole Miss.
Forensic chemistry opens the door to so many possibilities. Being able to go to law school, medical school, attain a Ph.D., or work in a crime lab with the degree is amazing and more open-ended than many other majors. I also enjoyed the small group feel of the major and really got to know my fellow forensic majors during my time at Ole Miss.