One of the best lessons Dana Punte says she learned from forensic science class has little to do with science.
In addition to crunching DNA and analyzing drug samples, Punte says she conquered her fear of public speaking.
“We have to be trained to be expert witnesses in court,” Punte said. “A defense attorney is going to try to make us look un-credible. They made sure we can stand strong under attack.”
In December, Punte became a member of the third graduating class from Stevenson University’s graduate program in forensic sciences, a small but steadily growing curriculum coordinated by the former forensic sciences director at the Maryland State Police.
That man, Jay Tobin, said the program began five years ago with just four students. The next year brought five, and last year, 14.
Several local colleges including Towson University and the University of Baltimore offer forensics programs, but Tobin’s boasting point is a unique partnership with state police. The five-year program — which means students can begin working on their master’s degree as undergraduates, a real “bargain,” Tobin said — requires a three-credit internship in its ultramodern crime lab.
“One of our long-term goals here at Stevenson is to establish a teaching lab, a facility above and beyond what we have now,” Tobin said. “Our students could help out defense attorneys, maybe the public defender, or assist the county and state labs’ work on their backlogs.”
Stevenson’s program requires students to choose among three tracks. Forensic chemistry students learn to analyze drugs, trace evidence and conduct toxicology tests. Forensic biologists study DNA evidence. Crime scene investigators master the meticulous collection and preservation of evidence on-site and the analysis of blood spatter.
Tobin, 63, said demand for forensic scientists across the country will increase as his generation, which makes up 40 percent of the current work force, heads toward retirement.
And, he said, police and juries are relying more heavily than ever on modern technology and DNA evidence. So far, eight of the program’s 23 students have procured jobs in forensic laboratories, including the FBI.
Graduates also can pursue opportunities in the private sector, said Richard Hackney, president and chief executive officer of the Baltimore-based BRT Laboratories, which is largely utilized by defense counsels.
“We’re always on the lookout for good people,” Hackney said.
Punte says she has found plenty of job openings, but is holding out for an opportunity to focus on drug chemistry.
As one of the program’s original students, she said her Stevenson experience was a time of growth for herself and the program. Already, she said she’s found herself recommending the program to others.
“It was amazing.”
