Our distinguished alumni:
Stephanie Mondy
2023 Graduate
"Ever since I was young, my Saturday morning cartoons were Forensic Files and CSI shows. Sparking my interest in the sciences, I knew I wanted a career in the forensic sciences. Choosing to attend the University of Windsor proved to be a pivotal decision, shaping both my personal growth and professional trajectory. There, I had the privilege of learning from esteemed professors who not only excelled in their respective fields, but also brought their invaluable real-world experiences as both professionals and active police officers into the classroom. The intimate class sizes fostered a close-knit learning environment, enabling me to establish meaningful connections with these professors, some of whom graciously provided personal recommendation letters. Less than a year after graduating, I was hired by the Windsor PoliceService. Thanks to the comprehensive education and practical experiences gained at the University of Windsor, I am equipped with the skills, expertise, and confidence to one day excel on the Forensic Identification Unit."
Nicole Sussens
2023 Graduate
"Throughout my life, I’ve had an interest in the sciences. Both of my parents are nurses, and I grew up looking at their old medical textbooks and being very curious about the way the human body works. I briefly considered pursuing neuroscience, but upon attending open houses at the University of Windsor and meeting professors in Forensic Science I was drawn in by the smaller size of the program and the opportunity to work closely with experienced professors and active police officers. Forensic science is also an incredibly diverse field, which gave me the ability to explore different fields and applications of science. Eventually, I discovered my interest in anthropology and archaeology, and am currently working on a Master’s degree in the subject. The skills I gained with the help of hands-on instruction and incredibly knowledgeable teachers gave me the experience I needed to pursue graduate degrees. I hope to continue my research in the field, and maybe even become a professor one day."
Alicia Mishchenko
2021 Graduate
"I graduated the Combined BA in forensics and criminology in Winter 2021, then proceeded straight into the Dual JD law program in Fall 2021. While in undergrad, I had the pleasure of being a Teaching Assistant (TA) and also took a practicum placement in collaboration with Chatham OPP, where I studied the effects of how luminol could dilute bloodstain evidence. While in law school, I continued to TA in my second and third years, working with the first-year dual JD criminal law class. In the summer after first year, I had the pleasure of interning in the homicide unit at Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Detroit, then came back to Canada for the summer after second year where I worked at the Windsor Crown Attorney’s Office. Now that I have completed my degrees and begun the articling process, I will be returning to the Windsor Crown Attorney’s Office on a ten-month term as one of their articling students."
Rita Issa
2020 Graduate
"Throughout my time as an undergraduate student in the forensic science program at UWindsor, I had the privilege of participating in numerous activities and opportunities which have helped to shape me into the professional I am today. After graduating from my bachelors degree, I completed my masters degree in Pathology/Pathologists’ Assistant studies at Wayne State University. I am currently working as a Pathologists’ Assistant and simultaneously teaching for the Wayne State University PathA program. The opportunity to complete a research thesis with the forensic science program related to my current field helped me to understand the anatomy, physiology, and post-mortem challenges from a new perspective while gaining the ability to conduct independent research. In addition to this, working as a teaching assistant throughout my third and fourth years of undergraduate study helped me to develop a passion for teaching, which I continue nurturing to this day. The numerous courses related to various fields in forensic science that the university offers, such as crime scene investigation courses, forensic anthropology, and DNA analysis, have lead to my comprehensive understanding of forensic sciences as a whole, in turn allowing me to effectively work with individuals across the spectrum. Last but not least, the many professors involved in the forensic science program who served as mentors have helped to guide me to where I am today."
Nadia Stephaniuk
2019 Graduate
"I have always found it incredibly fascinating that you can use science to help solve crimes. In high school, I, like many others, would wait patiently for new episodes of our favourite TV shows like Criminal Minds to air each week. The more I learned about forensic sciences and saw how it was being portrayed in pop culture, I knew I wanted to explore potential studies/career pathways in that realm. I ultimately chose the University of Windsor for the BFS Forensic Science program. I appreciated that you didn't need to declare coming into your first-year what your specialization could be. I'm very grateful for this, as I ended up combining my Forensics degree with Chemistry, and this decision has since shaped where I've now ended up. Following completion of my MSc, I was tapped to develop and teach two new upper-year forensic chemistry courses at UWindsor, which then led me on a journey to the United Kingdom, where I have just completed two years as a Teaching Fellow at King's College London. I have no doubt that it is entirely because of the experiences I had over the years at UWindsor and the incredibly supportive network I've been able to establish along the way that led me on this teaching and academic journey and to the UK."