The Forensic Science Shadow Program at the Albany Crime Lab is a very unique experience we will never forget. Not only was the trip extremely interesting and fun but we met some of the nicest people who did everything humanly possible to make us feel welcome and comfortable. We met a lot of experts in the field including: state troopers, toxicologists, odontologists, hand writing analysts, computer experts, firearms and ballistics specialists, facial reconstruction experts, and pathologists etc. We learned about how these experts trained for their profession, what their work days are like, the good and bad aspects about working in their area of concentration and about the knowledge and skills each expert requires to be successful at his / her job. Each expert took time to explain exactly what his / her profession involved and what made him / her decide to choose it.

     Each seemed to take a great deal of interest in each of us and in what we had to say. Two of us were interested in forensic pathology. The autopsy room with its refrigerators used to preserve bodies, the autopsy table surrounded by all the lights and sinks and the huge scale used to weigh each body created a sense of coldness. Dr. Baden, a world- renowned forensic pathologist, candidly revealed to us all about the duties and responsibilities of his job and how he became a medical doctor before he became a medical examiner. Unfortunately, we did not get to see an actual autopsy but the videos we saw in Miss Villani’s class filled in this gap very nicely. For one of us not quite sure what area of forensic science she wanted to concentrate on, the DNA Laboratory turned out to be of great interest. In this section of the lab we saw what we had learned in class put into action. The DNA labs were spotless. Each expert was meticulous about the procedure that he or she followed. 

     Great care was given to prevent cross contamination, to get accurate results, and to record and analyze results accurately. The computer software and equipment was all state of the art. We were overjoyed to meet such kind and caring people who are top in their field. We look to them as our role models. This was an experience we will never forget. We will continue to reflect on it as we start college. It will continue to motivate us to follow our dreams. We learned a great deal in a very short amount of time. The people we meet made us aware of future opportunities and internship programs but best of all they have taken us under their wings and will be their to guide and support us in our efforts to enter careers in the field of forensic science. We consider ourselves fortunate to have been in Miss Villani’s forensic science class and to have been given the opportunity to take part in this very special program. The experience will stay with us forever.