Leanna Brooks, Autopsy/Investigations Intern for Allegheny County Medical Examiner Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Meet Leanna Brooks
Internship: Autopsy/Investigations Intern for Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office
Major: Forensic Science and Biological Sciences
Expected graduation: Spring 2017
Hometown: Center Township, Pa.
High school: Central Valley High School
Why did you decide to apply for an internship with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office?
I applied for an internship at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office because I felt it would be beneficial to have some work experience in the field of forensic science before graduating from Point Park.
What did you learn at your internship?
I have learned that the autopsy/investigation section of the Medical Examiner's Office here in Allegheny County is essentially responsible for determining the cause and manner of death. During my internship, I learned how to perform an autopsy and how to properly handle evidence by going to death scenes.
How have your forensic science classes at Point Park helped you in this role?
They have helped to give me a good scope of the field of forensics including different kinds of death scenes, evidence handling and testing and the ethics that must be used when handling every aspect of a case.
What are you career goals?
I hope to eventually work as a forensic serologist or biologist. However, I feel my experience at the Medical Examiner's Office has also prepared for the position of an autopsy technician.
Final thoughts?
Both my experience at my internship and my education at Point Park University have prepared me for a career in forensic science.
Photo by Olivia Ruk, a senior mass communication major