Continuing our focus on Forensic Science, two YSU Alums tell how their experince in the Forensic Science program change their lives for the better.

Melissa O'Connor has a bachelor’s in Biology and Forensic Science at YSU. She earned a masters in Post- Genomic Biology at YSU and is a certified Genealogist from Boston University. Melissa came to YSU because it was close to home, affordable and because of the great music and forensic science department. 

She was inducted into the VIDOCQ society last year, a cold case society filled with experts in the law enforcement and forensics fields. She offers forensic science serology and DNA expertise to various police departments throughout the country in trying to solve their cold cases. She also recently competed for Miss America to represent Pennsylvania to share her platform of working with underprivileged kids whom don't have the same educational opportunities as other kids. 

Melissa joined Forensic Science Club when they were looking for a new president at the time and was elected president. She wanted to get more involved in forensic science outside the classroom and network with individuals in forensics.She appreciated visiting law enforcement agencies and frensics labs, along with the opportunity to network with experts in the field. She met with many individuals whom worked in the field of forensics that allowed her to intern with their company, which later helped in narrowing down what specialty in forensics she wanted to pursue. 

Melissa is currently a Forensic Scientist at the Philadelphia Police Department. Outside of work, Melissa is into fitness and is currently working on starting her own fitness business. She's also a big cyclist and loves to do cycling in long distance events. Melissa's future goal is to use her current skills of serology, DNA and genealogy to solve cold cases. 

Octavious Jones has a bachelor’s in Applied Science with a focus in Forensic science and a minor in Chemistry at YSU. Octavious chose to attend YSU not only because it was close to home, but because YSU offers Forensic Science as a major, and not just as an elective.

Octavious heard about the Forensic Science Club a couple of times in his core classes and talked to Professor Clutter about it to get more information. He quickly learned that the Forensic Science Club is anything and everything forensics. From reviewing and looking at cold cases to touring amazing facilities like the FBI laboratory in Quantico. He also learned that the club connects with the community (high school & middle school kids) and provides real hands-on experiments from blood splatter to becoming a death investigator and solving a crime in the crime scene condo on campus.

The forensics program at YSU requires an internship and Octavious did his with the Mahoning County Coroner's Office, where he later got a job as am investigator.

Octavious is a very active type of person. When he's not working, he loves to go running, hiking, camping, kayaking, road trips, traveling, etc… He's always ready for the next adventure.

Learn more about the Forensic Science major by visiting their website