ASU grad to use science to get an edge on crime
Giavanna Caruth works in a Biodesign Institute lab on the Tempe campus. Photo by Quinton Kendall/ASU.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
As a child growing up in Pinetop, Arizona, Giavanna Caruth's family experienced a tragic loss in the early 1980s, when at least 10,000 of the nation's 20,000 hemophiliac patients contracted the AIDS virus from blood-clotting medicine.
One of her family members with hemophilia contracted HIV from these screenings, leading to the death of both her aunt and uncle.
At the time, her love for science was inspired by her favorite TV show, "Forensic Files," which portrayed the use of science to solve crimes, accidents and health outbreaks. She was also inspired by her mother's work as a police communication supervisor, helping both officers and people in need.
Ultimately she found a career path that would allow her to combine her interests in science and criminal justice in forensic science.
“My passion lies in holding people accountable for harmful decisions and providing a voice for innocent victims who can no longer speak for themselves,” Caruth said.
Caruth’s path to a Master in Professional Science through the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences was largely shaped by her time at the ASU Biodesign Institute and her connection to university life. She found a sense of belonging at Biodesign by connecting with people who shared similar interests and the drive to do the work necessary to find difficult answers.
“There’s a very welcoming community at Biodesign that makes you feel like coming to work and actively participating because you can feel the passion in the people around you,” she said. “I learned a lot about the mechanisms of research and publication during my time there.”
When searching for lab technician opportunities, she thought Biodesign would be a perfect fit, as her goal of solving real-world problems aligned with the “groundbreaking research and discoveries happening there.”
Her work at the Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics with Vel Murugan was focused on research advancing knowledge on COVID-19 and flu vaccines, something that allowed her to engage deeply in clinical research and expand her skills in a valuable and impactful way.
“One of my mentors at Biodesign, Vel Murugan, frequently encouraged us to find opportunities to explore new techniques and learn something new,” Caruth said. “This emphasis on continual learning has stayed with me and continues to inspire my growth both inside and outside the lab.”
Caruth hopes to work in law enforcement, processing crime scenes and conducting lab analyses. After graduation, her goal is to continue contributing to research while pursuing a position at a police department, where she can apply her skills and knowledge to “make a meaningful impact in the criminal justice field.”
Read more about Giavanna Caruth's experience at ASU below.
Note: Answers are edited for length and clarity.
Question: What’s something you learned at Biodesign that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned at the Biodesign Institute is how interconnected the scientific community truly is. In my major, I study various sciences and apply them to law enforcement, striving to bring justice to those who no longer have a voice. This interdisciplinary approach has always been fascinating, but working at Biodesign broadened my perspective even further. I saw firsthand how different scientific fields can be seamlessly integrated to solve problems that extend far beyond criminal justice and medicine. This experience has been both exciting and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex challenges.
Q: What was your favorite spot at ASU?
A: During my undergraduate years at the West Valley campus, I truly came to understand ASU's sense of community, and Fletcher Lawn was at the heart of it all. The peaceful atmosphere there was complemented by the rich traditions that ASU brings to life, like the Paley Gates. One of my favorite memories was participating in the welcoming ceremony at the gates, where first-year students walked through and were warmly greeted by faculty and staff, symbolizing the start of our ASU journey. At the end of my undergraduate years, that journey came full circle when my peers and I rang the Bool Bell after our final exams and walked out of the gates during the goodbye ceremony. Fletcher Lawn holds a special place in my heart, filled with memories that embody ASU's values. It represents a community that warmly welcomes you in, supports your growth, and leaves the door open for continued learning and self-improvement long after you’ve left.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: The best advice I can offer is that you don’t have to do it alone. College is filled with challenges, but it’s also full of resources designed to help students thrive in their chosen fields. During my first year at ASU, I often struggled to ask for help with things I found difficult. However, once I reached out to my professors and began utilizing the campus resources available to me, everything changed. It not only gave me the support I needed but also boosted my confidence and allowed me the time to focus on learning and growing within my major. Don’t hesitate to seek help, embracing the support around you can make all the difference.
Q: If someone gave you $50 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: If I were given $50 million to address a global issue, I would dedicate it to affordable housing initiatives. During my time volunteering at the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact homelessness can have, including the tragic loss of life. These experiences opened my eyes to the severity of this crisis. I would use the funds to invest in affordable housing projects and provide supportive services for low-income families and individuals. Safe and stable housing is more than just a shelter — it’s the cornerstone of a better quality of life, offering people the opportunity to rebuild and thrive.
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