Experience

John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Volunteer Research Assistant | Jan 2024 – May 2024

  • Aided undergraduate research on external drug contamination in hair samples using LCMS and hair samples using nitrogen dehydration under Dr Pego

Hofstra University, Forensic Science Undergraduate Researcher | Jan 2025 – present

  • Researched collection of latent DNA from used contact lenses with respect to time and extraction solution used under Dr Deborah Silva, then presented research at Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists Conference
  • Researching epigenetic markers in blood samples for more accurate age estimation in crime scenes under Dr Deborah Silva

Education

Bachelor of Forensic Science, Hofstra University, Dec 2025

  • 2.97 overall GPA, classes in standard forensic science procedures, crime scene investigations, quality assurance in forensic science, chemistry classes up to inorganic chemistry, microscopy and trace analysis classes, forensic biotechnology and biology, instrumental analysis, and analytical chemistry

Awards and Acknowledgements

Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS) Conference| Fall 2025

  • Poster presentation of research “Optimized Methods for Obtaining DNA from Used Contact Lenses” under Dr Deborah Silva and Dr Katherine O’Connor

Lister Fellowship Recipient | Summer 2025

  • Fellowship grant received for academic extracurricular research over the summer with aims to publish a research paper with help from my academic advisor Dr Deborah Silva

Dean’s List | Fall 2021

  • Maintained a 3.5 GPA during my freshman first semester and was recognized by the university’s dean

Contact

65 Broadfield Road, Hempstead, NY, 11550 | (408) 859-3302 | skylar@chacon.us