This week’s Student & Alumni Spotlight focuses on Hailey Anthis ‘22! Hailey earned her BS in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology; she currently works for the Idaho State Police Forensic Services in their Pocatello laboratory as a Forensic Scientist.
“I started almost a year ago and the training process was very long and in depth, but also very interesting,” she said. “I’m in the controlled substances discipline, so I analyze evidence for the presence of controlled substances. I also testify to my analysis findings in court. I have testified twice so far – proof an introvert[ed] scientist CAN do public speaking!”
Hailey also appreciates the variety of different tasks, responsibilities, and opportunities she gets to partake in at work. “While every day can be different, and certainly every case brings its own interesting pieces of evidence, a typical day could include lab work, testifying in court, studying/training in another discipline, attending a forensic conference, or a mixture of those things,” she said.
Hailey’s career is proof that even the dreams we start out with as kids can come true with enough time and dedication. “I have dreamed of being in the forensics field since I was little, but it was kind of always in the back of my mind until after I graduated,” she admitted. “I think the thing I love most is just the science and chemistry of the analyses, and then getting to combine that with the law and maybe play a small, small part in helping with the drug crisis that is going on.”
Hailey also appreciates her coworkers and the community she’s been part of at work. “The people I work with are seriously the best of the best and the environment is so supportive, I couldn’t ask for a better group of fellow forensic scientists to work with,” she told us.
If there was any advice Hailey would give to her fellow Eags, it would be to aim high and bet on yourself. “Apply to all the jobs, even the jobs you don’t feel like you qualify for, there’s literally nothing to lose and you might just surprise yourself!”
For those specifically interested in forensics, she recommends getting lab experience outside of the university environment. “It’s so important to understand how the real world science field works compared to academic science,” she said. “[And] do not be afraid to move for career opportunities!”
If you are a current EWU student or proud alumnus with a job, internship, or career path you’d like to share with the EWU community, you can send us your submission here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PT8QJZC.
