Erika Asselin Doctor ‘08

Pursuing a Ph.D.

The forensic science program at Cedar Crest College is by far the best choice for an education in forensic science. The thorough multi-discipline curriculum offers benefits over the other programs available. Students in the Cedar Crest program study each discipline of forensic science, allowing them to have a vast knowledge of the field. This allows students to be more versatile in the job market and more attractive to potential employers. Furthermore, this generalist approach allows student to excel in their strengths and discover what part of forensic science truly interests them, whether that be DNA, trace evidence analysis, toxicology, etc. The program at Cedar Crest illuminates all of these topics and how each part works together in a real-world crime laboratory.

The forensic science program has many distinguishing qualities but the faculty are its greatest asset. Not only do the professors have years of expertise and knowledge in the discipline, but they are always available for one-on-one, hands-on instructive experiences. The program is able to fund each individual student’s research along with giving students the opportunity to present their findings at professional conferences. There is also the potential for future publication in highly regarded scientific journals. The facilities at Cedar Crest include high quality instrumentation for graduate students to use to complete their research studies. Course work further exposes students to instrumentation that may not be a part of their research project but is integral to forensic science laboratories. This exposure to a variety of different instrumentation and coursework gives students a base knowledge exceeding their peers in other similar forensic science programs. Cedar Crest College has highly qualified professors who have created a challenging program that develops students into excellent forensic scientists. I loved the program at Cedar Crest due to all of these aspects.

Cedar Crest prepared me for successfully entering into the Ph.D. program at Florida International University. Due to the diligence put into finishing a master’s degree at Cedar Crest, I was prepared for the rigors of balancing both research and class work at a higher level. The program also allowed me to proceed faster with transferable coursework and greater knowledge than was expected of me. The solid forensic and scientific background gave me a full understanding of instrumentation and concepts that I would be using throughout my studies. Due to the professional relationships that the faculty members at Cedar Crest College have with other scientists throughout the field, I was able to obtain more information about a potential advisor at my current university, helping with my dissertation selection process. Without the experience and education obtained at Cedar Crest College, I would not be pursuing my Ph.D. today.