Master of Science in Forensic Science

Kristin Allard

Kristin is a first year Master of Science in Forensic Science student. She earned a B.S. in chemistry with a concentration in forensic science and a minor in mathematics from Cedar Crest College.

December 27, 2009

Hi everyone,

With my first blog entry here, I guess I should start with a bit of an introduction.  I am currently a graduate student in Cedar Crest’s Master of Science in Forensic Science program.  In May 2009, I received my bachelor’s in chemistry with a concentration in forensic science and a minor in mathematics from Cedar Crest College.  Two days later I officially began my first semester as a graduate student.  In my last semester as an undergrad, I completed the graduate course Thesis Prospectus in which I decided on my thesis project and began my literature search.  With the preparation of this course, I was able to start my thesis research in May, just days after graduation.

I just completed my first semester carrying a full course load of graduate credits (5 classes for 11 credits) plus an additional credit for my research project.  Classes this semester were very challenging, but I did better this semester than I ever did while I was an undergrad, even though I was also working a part-time job and teaching one course as an adjunct here at Cedar Crest.  I think as a graduate student I found a new meaning in my classes and a different desire to learn.  Two of my classes had take-home exams, which finally introduced me to the meaning of critical thinking.  I had to incorporate different components of my class to solve the different problems that my professor presented.  Since this semester went so well, I’m hoping that by the end of next semester I will be able to tell you that I am just as happy!

Since its winter break, I am finding some time to work on my thesis project.  Unfortunately, I have not completed all of the research for my project, so I will definitely be spending a large amount of time of my break sitting in the lab doing some work.  The title of my project is:  Evaluating the Validity of Angle of Impact/ Incidence Determinations Made from Very Small Bloodstains.  At this point I am still measuring a lot of bloodstains and just need to do a lot of calculations to determine statistical validity.  In addition to actually conducting research, I am also working on writing my actual thesis.  The first draft is due February 1, so at this point I am just counting down the days until I need to submit it.  Right now it’s a lot of hard work, but I know it will be rewarding when I get to hold my printed and signed thesis in my hands.

At this point I think I will get back to writing that thesis!  I’ve procrastinated enough for now.  If you ever want to ask me any questions about the graduate program, you are always welcome to e-mail me!

Until next time,

Kristin