Jessica Simmons: Forensic Scientist for California Crime Lab

Jessica Simmons parlayed her double major in chemistry and psychology with a minor in computer science into a Masters of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in fire science, and a certificate in Advanced Investigations from the University of New Haven. Today, she works at the Long Beach Police Department Crime Lab in California as a Criminalist, where she tests narcotics and unknown materials to discover if they contain controlled substances.

As a Converse student, Simmons found her niche in more than just academics. From goalie and team captain of the soccer team to president of the African American Association of Students and an internship at the Greenville County lab, she enjoyed the full scope of Converse student life.

“The education at Converse helped ground me in my field, and my internship at the Greenville County lab enhanced it,” she said. “The Department of Chemistry helped prepare me for graduate school. I learned extraordinary time management skills, to practice efficient and successful study habits.”

Eventually, Simmons hopes to work in a toxicology lab, testing for alcohol or other controlled substance levels. “I also hope to get back into arson and fire debris analysis as well,” she said.