An enthusiasm for the “magic of science” led Stephanie Pierce to pursue a B.S. in Forensic Science with a minor in chemistry at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville. The junior, who lives in Bellmore, N.Y. says being able to use science in real life is what drew her to the field of forensics.

“It’s so interesting to use the science lab and apply it to something like a crime scene or the law,” she said.

But fans of crime shows beware; a career in forensic science is not what modern-day fiction writers dream up. “This isn’t C.S.I.,” says Pierce whose class schedule includes biochemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics and criminal procedures. “You have to be a strong science student and your interest in the field has to be more than what you see on T.V. You have to be prepared to go home and study for hours on end.”

Pierce says the program at C.W. Post was exactly what she was looking for. “It’s very scientific, but it doesn’t eliminate the criminal justice part of the field either. It’s a great balance.”

For her internship, Pierce is working in the Forensic Genetics DNA lab in the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s office with Dr. Pat Buffolino who is a professor in the C.W. Post program. They are working on qPCR methods and accrediting them for the lab. The internship is a perfect fit for Pierce who says she would love to work in a lab after she completes her schooling, which she says will include a master’s degree and Ph.D.

Pierce is also involved with the campus community. She’s enrolled in the C.W. Post Honors Program and is one of the founding members and vice president of the Forensic Science Club where students come together to talk about classes, assignments and experiences in the lab. “Even outside of classes, we do a lot together,” she says. “It’s really a great experience.”

The C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University offers the Bachelor of Science degree program in Forensic Science, which educates students in the theory and methodology of the gathering and interpreting of information that may be used in a court of law. The program integrates lecture courses with laboratory work, field internships and cooperative education experiences in crime laboratories and other related agencies. Classes are taught by practicing forensic scientists, medical professionals, and C.W. Post professors who have an active interest in the field. In addition, the program taps the professional resources of Nassau County, Suffolk County and New York City crime labs, health departments and medical examiners’ offices and the professionals who practice there. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level jobs in forensics and graduate study as well as be prepared to take national certification exams in forensic science.

Super Sleuth Brendan Perrotta

Junior, Forensic Science Major and Member of the C.W. Post Honors Program

"When I was in high school, I was always striving to do well academically, taking Honors and AP courses whenever I could. C.W. Post has allowed me to continue this pursuit through its challenging and stimulating classes. In my classes, I have been introduced to other students who share my passion for learning, making new friends every semester. "As a forensic science major, I feel that it is important to learn anything and everything about the world and the people living in it. This belief is one of the reasons why I decided to study abroad in Japan, to learn firsthand about a culture that is very different from the Western part of the world. After studying abroad, I have a strong desire not only to return to that part of the world but also to visit other countries and learn about the different people in this world and their cultures. "Meeting new people, making new friends, and learning more about the world have been one of the best things about being a C.W. Post student."

For more information visit the C.W. Post Web site at www.liu.edu/forensic.