Forensics and criminal investigation, recurrent themes in several TV series, have inspired college students to consider it as a career path. Wittenberg University student Jennifer Brubaker, class of 2006 of Brookville, Ohio, recently combined her chemistry major with her interest in forensics in an internship for the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in London, Ohio.

Brubaker completed her community service hours for Wittenberg at the Springfield Crime Lab. Applying her networking skills, she was referred to BCI, where she has worked since November 2005. Brubaker files reports, receives evidence and is in charge of organizing convicted criminal offenders for the DNA database.

“Wittenberg has taught me how to act in a professional setting and the value of networking and making connections,” Brubaker said.

Brubaker has also seen how the evidence system and crime lab work, including how the police departments and the sheriffs’ offices submit their evidence.

“I get to hear the details in the cases; it’s pretty sweet,” said Brubaker. The experience will definitely “help me get my foot in the door.”