�鶹AV

For Marissa DelConte ’19 M.S., her career in forensic science is about putting pieces together to solve puzzles. She loves that her work enables her to look for evidence that cannot easily be seen while also helping to get justice for victims.

Since earning her master’s degree in forensic technology from the University of New Haven, DelConte has gone on to become an award-winning investigator. Shortly after graduating, she began working for the Gainesville Police Department in Gainesville, Florida.

DelConte is a two-time recipient of her department’s Marc Trahan Award of Excellence in Forensic Investigation, its investigator of the year award. It recognizes important traits in investigators, such as tenacity, skill, and precision, as well as the collection of evidence that leads to the identification of offenders.

“It was truly an honor to be recognized for the work that I had done,” she said. “This field takes a lot of time and patience. A case can take months or even years to finish. Being able to speak to the detectives and know that my work had an impact on the investigation and helped to create closure and justice is an incredible feeling.”

‘Every single day I apply what I have learned from the University’

DelConte became intrigued by forensic science as an undergraduate student studying chemistry at the University of New Hampshire. When she began pursuing a minor in forensics, she was immediately fascinated by her coursework, and she was eager to learn more about the field.

Ultimately, she decided to pursue a master’s degree, and her research into the best graduate programs for forensic science led her to the University of New Haven.

“Every single day I apply what I have learned from the University to my career,” she said. “Even once you are done at the scene, the work does not stop. A course covering expert testimony truly helped me with testifying, which I have done a handful of times on different types of cases at the state and federal level. All of the courses that the University requires for the program truly are helping me succeed in my career.”

‘I learned everything I needed to know to help me become successful’

While she enjoyed every course she took as a �鶹AV, DelConte says her blood-pattern analysis course was her favorite. She particularly enjoyed the labs, which challenged her and her classmates to re-create different types of bloodstains, as the students had to figure how they could have been left behind.

DelConte recently accepted a new position as a forensic science specialist at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in the Tampa Bay area. She collaborates with agencies throughout the county, processes crime scenes, and testifies in court. She is also now officially a Certified Crime-Scene Analyst.

“The University fostered my love for forensics so much that I moved across the country to begin my career and pursue my passion,” she said. “The forensic technology program was a phenomenal program. I learned everything I needed to know to help me become successful in my career.”