AY 2024-2025 Highlights
Record-breaking Graduate Class
Class of 2025 is our largest graduating class yet, with 43 graduates! They’ve already obtained employment in the field, acceptance to advanced degree programs, and more.
Forensic Science Program Hosts Training & Recruiters
In October 2024, Randy Arnold, Senior Accurate Mass and Advanced Workflow specialist from SCIEX, presented on QTOF instrument design (SCIEX X500) and an untargeted screening workflow, including data featuring water samples from a wide geography.
In April 2025, we hosted a series of job search training sessions with scientific recruiters from Actalent. This sessions were attended by multiple sections of FRSC and Chemistry/Biochemistry majors.
Forensic Science Program Completed Academic Program Review
In February 2025, the program participated in the Loyola's Academic Program Review process. This included generating a top to bottom self-study of the program followed by an external review by experts from outside of the university. The program passed this rigorous review and is considered one of the strongest academic units in the university.
The Next Generation of Forensic Scientists
In November of 2024, we hosted 70 middle school students from Sacred Heart Academy in four separate sessions of hands-on forensic chemistry demonstrations. In January 2025, we hosted 200 students from Taft High School for primers on forensic science. Some of them reported they’re joining the program in the fall! In March 2025, Ms. Gruhl presented to 70 forensic science students at DePaul College Prep and Dr. DeFrancesco presented to 16 students at Joliet Central Catholic in Bloomington, IL.
Undergraduate Research Presented at Regional and University Events
Jade Sawrey, Savannah Stratton, and Paige Buffington presented their research from Dr. DeFrancesco’s lab at the Midwest Association for Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring 2025 meeting in Milwaukee Wisconsin. More forensic science majors presented at Loyola’s 2025 Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium, and the Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Research Symposium including work with Chemistry, Forensic Science, Anthropology, and Biology faculty and internship partners.
Alumni Panel
In October 2024, the program hosted its first ever Alumni Panel. Five alumni, now at various agencies throughout the country, came back to talk to our students about careers, continuing education, and how the program helped them.
Amy Blencowe - Class of 2020
Strategic Communications Fellow | Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Nathaly Izquierdo - Class of 2020
Forensic Biology Technician | Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory
Lorena Ramos - Class of 2021
Anatomic Pathology Technician | University of Chicago Medicine
Genevieve Dominick - Class of 2022
Chemist/Initial Laboratory Certifying Official (ILCO) | US Navy Drug Screening Laboratory
Alexandra (Alex) Kurm - Class of 2023
Operational Support Technician | FBI