Texas Tech University Research
Daniel Salas
Forensic Science
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Ever since I was in the seventh grade I knew I wanted to go to Texas Tech University. Growing up in the West Texas town of El Paso, I knew Lubbock would be my home away from home. The \ opportunities concerning my education would be endless and invaluable. In May 2010, I graduated with a B.S. in Microbiology, where I was actively involved with the Residence Halls on campus, undergraduate research with Dr. Carr in the Biology Department, and several student organizations. I even took advantage of Tech's Study Abroad program in Seville, Spain. When my senior year came along, the excitement of graduation only led me in discovering the Forensic Science program through the Texas Tech University Graduate School. With the help of my advisor Dr. Kathy Sperry, I will graduate in December 2011 with my M.S. in Forensic Science. I am very excited to be apart of this premier program. The curriculum is extremely dynamic and offers a multitude of career routes for many disciplines. I knew I was in the right graduate program when I took my first class with Dr. Jeffrey Wherry in Child Abuse. The course was a perfect marriage between many facets of science and only fueled my passion to continue. Throughout the year many students in the program are involved with local law enforcement conferences and supplemental instructional courses, getting hands on experience in the field. The Texas Tech University Institute for Forensic Science will truly be an academic treasure to law enforcement agencies in the Southwest Region of the country. |
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My degree plan is focused around the DNA analysis in forensics. DNA is the new frontier and much research is still needed to fully understand the parameters that can be attributed in law. Through surveillance programs of West Nile in the Lubbock community, I practiced my DNA/RNA research skills in Dr. Steve Presley's lab at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health. Real-time laboratory experience is crucial for all prospective forensic scientists. My graduation project involves using the White Bobtail Quail as an animal model to statistically analyze relationships that can be applied to post-mortem examinations in humans. To coincide with research I am an elected officer/graduate liaison for The Society for the Advancements of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. This nationally recognized organization strengthens the opportunities for minorities in science and greatly mentors/encourages those who are First Generation College bound. The first student chapter in the country originated at Texas Tech. I have had the privilege to qualify for several travel scholarships to attend the National SACNAS Conference to hear some of the leading experts in many science disciplines across the country. To add, I am an active member with the Forensic Science Society, which is a student organization that helps find resources and learn about opportunities within the forensic community through service and conferences. Ultimately, I plan to apply to medical school. My dream would be to attend the Texas Tech Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas. My M.S. degree would greatly help me pursue a medical examiner route later in life. With intense dedication my ambitions will become reality. I am a firm believer that a village raises a child and in turn that child must help the village. I greatly want to add to the community that helped me get to where I am in life. It goes to show that Texas Tech has an excellent academic tract that goes well beyond a bachelor's degree! |
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