Our alumni spotlight this month reminds us of the importance of having an open mind, and how being open and flexible can lead you to the dream career that you didn’t even know you wanted!

Shaena Taylor is a Forensic Scientist in the Drug Chemistry Division of the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory. Although Shaena majored in Forensic Science at YSU, her focus at the time was on DNA/serology. Thus, when a full-time position opened up in Toxicology, she took it a bit hesitantly with the hopes of using it as a stepping stone into a crime lab. However, in her position, she was asked to help start up the Drug Chemistry Department and, even though chemistry was not her strong suit in college, she loved it! Now, Shaena has been in the Drug Chemistry Department for 12 years and wouldn’t change a thing about the path that got her there.

In her position. Shaena serves as the senior chemist in the lab. She is in charge of training all new chemists and interns, analyzing evidence to determine the presence or absence of a controlled substance, performs any needed maintenance on lab equipment, and provides testimony for county and federal court. She also has her ANAB certification which allows her to assess other labs for compliance to international standards.

While in undergrad, Shaena did her internship at her place of current employment (which was then called the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office). She was able to apply hands-on the things she had learned in class, as well as observe autopsies and learn about the various divisions of the office. The Coroner’s Office was able to keep her on as summer help after she graduated and then she applied for and received a full-time position.

Shaena advises all students with an interest in Forensic Science to stay open-minded and flexible. Be willing to take a position that might not be exactly what you wanted- it may lead you to something you love! Understand that you may find a job close to home but you may also need to relocate. And try to get an internship that will expose you to many different areas of forensic science so that you can have a wide array of background knowledge since that job you get might end up being different than what you thought you wanted