Crime shows led December graduate to a degree in forensics
Gracie Thompson is graduating ASU with a bachelor's degree in forensics. Courtesy photo
A fascination with science, the details behind solving cases and crime-focused television shows guided Gracie Thompson to pursue forensic science studies at Arizona State University.
“I grew up watching crime shows, listening to crime podcasts and reading murder mystery books,” said Thompson, who is graduating summa cum laude in December with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and honors from Barrett, The Honors College.
Thompson’s academic journey was supported by the New American University President’s Award Scholarship.
She conducted extensive research in forensic entomology under the guidance of Assistant Professor Jonathan Parrott. Her projects, ranging from analyzing blowfly larvae stomach contents to examining miRNA regions, earned her several accolades and provided valuable data for forensic science.
She completed an honors thesis titled “A Developmental and Genomic Study of Blowfly Populations to Strengthen Forensic Entomology Baseline Data” and received a first-place student choice award and a second-place judges award in the 2024 New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Research Symposium.
In 2024 she presented her research at the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science meeting, the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experience, and the Entomological Society of America Meeting. She will present research at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting next year.
We asked Thompson to reflect on her undergraduate experiences. Here’s what she had to say.
Question: What are you most proud of in your ASU career?
Answer: Through my research experience, I presented at multiple conferences, received awards and am now in the process of getting some of my work published. One of my most impactful experiences was an internship at the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Crime Lab, working in DNA and serology units. It was a way for me to apply what I had been learning in the classroom to the actual field, and I loved being able to perform hands-on work in a lab.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus to de-stress, study or just think about life?
A: My favorite spot was at the benches in front of Fletcher Library on the ASU West Valley campus. I often found myself going on walks at night and sitting there, watching the stars or sunset. It helped me relax and reset after a stressful day.
Q: What do you value most about your ASU experience?
A: Looking back, I value the hands-on learning that extends beyond the classroom. Before ASU, I thought the classroom was where I’d learn the most. But it was outside the lecture room, when I applied the knowledge learned in the classroom, that I learned the most.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan to work in a local crime lab, focusing on DNA and serology, and to continue volunteering at the DPS Crime Lab.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would use it to improve mental health support, especially for high school and college students. Mental health is essential to me. I struggled quite a bit during college, and I understand the challenges of balancing school with life stresses.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Seek support. Don’t be scared to go to tutoring and office hours. They (faculty) are there to help, and the effort you put in shows professors you care about the material.
Story by Saad Zia, graduate assistant, Barrett Honors College marketing department
More Sun Devil community
Army veteran dedicates PhD to exploring the social order of ant colonies
While Colin Lynch was enlisted as a medic in the National Guard, he had a pastime that was quite different from that of his peers: He also volunteered as a researcher in a social insect lab at the…
College of Health Solutions grad, soccer star hopes to make the big leagues
A staple lineup defender on the Sun Devil women’s soccer team, Lauren Kirberg is looking to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after graduating from the College of Health Solutions…
ASU grad finds her calling in advocating for people through clinical research
Rhiannon Elliott-McGaugh-Mask grew up hundreds of miles away from an ocean, but that wasn’t an issue when deciding her future career.“I wanted to go into marine biology, which is pretty common with a…