Blog 7 - Second Interview Preparation

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?  If their workplace does not reflect their expertise, what makes them an expert? 

I do not have a mentor. I am however supposed to receive a call from an analyst in the Pomona Crime Lab. If this does not work out I will look into the offer of Sheri Orellana which was a mentorship. I have recently contacted Sheri Orellana and have yet to hear back, I will keep the senior team updated. Sheri Orellana is a 17 year veteran of the CSI department in Pomona police department. I have interviewed Sheri Orellana for the 1st interview as well.

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

What classes did you have to take to become a CSI?

How long does it take to be certified?

Would you say there is high demand for someone in the forensics feild?

What majors would you recommend for someone to go into?

Is there any college you would recommend for someone interested in forensics? 

Blog 6 - Advisory

1. What has worked well for you concerning senior project this year?  What has made it a positive experience for you?

  It has been relatively easy to find research on my topic for research checks. Another positive aspect of my topic is that there is seemingly no shortage of scientists who would like to be interviewed. The thing I enjoy most about senior project is that it am able to explore who I am as an individual. Even though this project has barely begun I have learned what interests me and what doesn't. I can 100% say that I am satisfied with my topic; forensic science.

2. What are you finding difficult concerning senior project?  How can you adapt to make that portion work better for you?  How might the senior team help?

It has been hard finding a mentor. I have a possible mentorship at the Pomona Crime Lab, that I should hear back from soon. If that doesn't work out I was told a CSI investigator would be willing to mentor me even if I can't get into blood spatter as I wanted. I joined an explores program for a police department to learn about basic criminal justice as I looked for a mentor but I will most likely have to discontinue attending due to scheduling issues and other inconveniences. I am also currently looking to enroll in a forensics class.

Blog 5 - Interview 1 Reflections

1. What is the most important thing I learned from the interview?  Is there anything I would do differently for other interviews?

The most important thing I leaned from this interview is the importance of photography in forensics. I feel for my first interview, things went exceedingly well. However, if I was to do something different I would probably  want to plan interview dates at least 2 weeks in advance; it becomes very difficult when your interviewee has to cancel.

2. Did I get additional resources and contacts?  What is the most useful?  Why?

I may have gotten a  potential mentor as the CSI Sheri said, she was impressed by  enthusiasm and  will see if she can get me a mentorship in the crimelab. I was also given the contact info of a CSI named Adam Mcdonald. The most useful  resource  though is the possibility of being in a crime lab. 

3. What makes my interviewee qualified to help me?

The interviewee (Sheri Orellana) has been a CSI for the past 17 years. Sheri also volunteersee as a forensics teacher.

Audio Recording of Interview: click here 

Blog 4- House Advisory Prep 1

I hope to gain knowledge of myself  and what I'm capable of by the end of this project. By the end of this project I also would like to be proficient in the general basics of crime scene investigation and forensic science.  For my senior project topic I will be focusing on; What is the best source of evidence that will identify a suspect? I will be exploring  numerous ways to gather information on how to answer such a vital question, through this journey that is my senior project.

Blog 3- First Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why?
I plan to interview Head Detective of West Covina Crime lab; Mr. Ted Stephen. Another person I might interview is Head Analyst of Orange County Crime Lab; Mr. Kenny Wong. Both of these men are experienced professionals in forensic science and in crime scene analysis. 




 2. Five questions will be assigned to all seniors to ask.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?  Ask open-ended questions.  What are open-ended questions? Click here!

A) Why did you choose to get into this career? 
B) What would you tell someone  in pursuing the same career as you?
C) If and how has this job changed your life?