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PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Fueled by a passion for science and a drive to turn classroom knowledge into real-world experience, Hannah Leonard ’24 made the most of every opportunity at �鶹ɫ��Ƭ to prepare for a career in forensic science.

Through experiential learning opportunities and the support of campus resources like �鶹ɫ��Ƭ’s , Leonard discovered countless ways to deepen her interest in the field and build toward her role as an Evidence Technician for Yavapai County in Arizona. Leonard, who graduated with a bachelor’s in Forensic Science, interned with the  and the , while also working at the Justice System Training and Research Institute (JSTRI) through a work-study position.

Along with developing her skills through professional experiences, Leonard attended the  (NEDIAI), co-founded the , and completed an Honors Capstone project. Her project focused on privately made firearms (PMFs), or “ghost guns,” which are intentionally designed to be untraceable. She wanted to develop ways to make so-called “ghost guns” traceable, an evolving topic within the forensic field. With her personal experiences, these opportunities also allowed her to develop her love for the sciences, ultimately leading her to forensic science.

Through these involvements Leonard took advantage of every opportunity available to her. In turn, she paved the way for not just her professional development, but for others, effectively creating a community for future Forensic Science majors and minors.

Field Experiences: “My Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory experience gave me an understanding of the specializations in forensics and helped me decide on my future specialization, while the Rhode Island State Police Forensic Services Unit offered a glimpse into crime scene response, evidence processing, and cold case review. These internships allowed me to apply course knowledge to real-world experiences, particularly in analysis, evidence collection, and crime scene documentation. My work-study position provided access into law enforcement priorities, and working with Dean Lambert on National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) research at JSTRI aided my current role through planning and conversations.”

Applied Research and Experiential Learning: “My Honors Capstone project (on privately made firearms, or “ghost guns”) allowed me to collaborate with several agencies, analyzing policy issues and tracing capabilities while identifying areas for improvement. This experience helped me establish valuable professional contacts and develop a policy for continued work on PMF tracing. I also enjoyed attending NEDIAI, where seminars delved into new topics, and it was incredible to see how professionals collaborate and share solutions to improve law enforcement and forensic science.”

Creating Community: “I worked with other Forensic Science majors to help establish and grow the Justice Studies Forensic Science Club, creating an inclusive space for anyone with an interest in the field. Our goal was to foster an environment where students could not only deepen their appreciation for forensic science but also build the skills and connections needed to enter the competitive forensic job market. This greatly impacted my undergraduate career, as it allowed me to network with numerous criminal justice and forensic professionals and organizations, ultimately sharing those insights and opportunities with club members.”

Unwavering Support at �鶹ɫ��Ƭ: “I was fortunate to learn from a variety of individuals at �鶹ɫ��Ƭ who offered unique insights: an adjunct professor who provided a valuable perspective on what to expect in the field and emphasized the effort required to break into it, and a forensics professor who instilled the importance of advancing the field through scholarly work. I also had a mentor who guided me more broadly in life, reminding me that my career is just one aspect of my life and reinforcing that I can accomplish much more beyond it.”