As a Forensic Science major set to graduate in May 2026, Layla鈥檚 internship at the Westchester County Crime Lab was a defining moment in her academic journey.
From the start, she was immersed in the day-to-day work of professional forensic scientists and analysts, rotating between the areas of forensic biology, chemistry, and trace evidence. Layla notes: 鈥淚 can鈥檛 pick just one experience…the entire internship was a favorite for me! I obtained so much knowledge from this internship and it showed me what real life forensics work is all about.鈥�
Each day began with an analyst or technician greeting her and guiding her through the examination of submitted evidence. Layla observed the full process: from retrieval and testing, to processing and results. She was able to ask questions about every 鈥渨hy鈥� and 鈥渉ow鈥� behind the processes she witnessed. Analysts regularly challenged her with real-world scenarios, asking her questions like 鈥� 鈥淲hy am I doing this?鈥� and 鈥淲hat should I do next?鈥濃�� encouraging her to think like a forensic analyst.
The internship helped Layla connect classroom theory to real-world application. 鈥淚 love science and learning about how things work,鈥� she says. 鈥淎t the lab, I learned about techniques and tools I hadn鈥檛 even heard of before 鈥� and I finally understood some of the things I was taught in class by seeing them used in practice.鈥� Surrounded by people passionate about forensic science, Layla’s curiosity deepened, and she noted how this internship provided a great experience that she will never forget.
To students beginning their college journey, her advice is both practical and empowering: 鈥淐ollege is going to test you, but it is also going to provide you with knowledge and life skills. Not only are you going to learn more about the world around you, but you鈥檙e also going to get an insight into how to handle frustration and struggle. Once you figure out what works for you in tackling an obstacle, you鈥檒l have mastered a skill that will not only advance you throughout your college journey, but also in your everyday life outside of school. Any challenge that comes your way, you鈥檒l be able to assess it thoroughly and find the best solution.鈥�
As for internships? 鈥淚 would recommend looking the summer prior by searching for opportunities that are around you. That way you鈥檒l have an idea of what locations to research and can find companies to later apply to if it aligns with your studies and career goals.鈥�
For Layla, her time at the Westchester Crime Lab wasn鈥檛 just an internship opportunity 鈥� it provided a front-row seat, allowing her to learn skill sets alongside industry professionals.