by Kristen Simpson

C lass of 2020 alumna Nicole Hooks is living her dream as a forensic toxicologist for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. While earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Hooks built her lab experience portfolio by completing original research with her faculty mentor, Dr. Catrena Lisse, and volunteering for the Georgia College Science Education Center.

Hooks is certified in blood-alcohol analysis so she can run samples and analyze evidence for the GBI’s Division of Forensic Sciences Crime Lab in Augusta, Georgia. 

“I love being in the lab,” Hooks said. “Because we work with all kinds of biological samples, we see a bit of everything. I don’t sit very long, and I’m a very hands-on person. So, being in the lab for more than half of my job is great.”

Each workday for Hooks begins with untested blood samples. Often these are from DUI cases and were collected as evidence. Hooks is responsible for testing these samples for alcohol content, verifying her findings and potentially testifying to a jury about the entire process.

“I love the whole research part of it,” Hooks said.

Hooks’ passion for forensics started in middle school in Eatonton, Georgia, and it grew into a love for research under the mentorship of Dr. Lisse, professor of chemistry at Georgia College & State University. 

“Dr. Lisse helped push my love for forensics, and she encouraged me to go after it,” Hooks said. “That’s what made it so fun, because there wasn’t a single time where she said ‘no.’ We just always figured it out.”

Hooks took part in original undergraduate research mentored by Lisse, where Hooks started a project creating a sensor to detect compounds found in explosives—simply put, a bomb detector. The sensor used sol gel technology developed by Dr. Lisse. 

“We didn’t have the resources to buy explosives, so we made our own,” Hooks said. “It was very loud and hot, but didn’t blow anything up. We were able to successfully use the sensor to detect that compound.”

Hooks also volunteered in the Science Education Center directed by Lisse. Hooks coordinated and participated in the center’s ‘STEM-ming into the Community’ program, where the center takes chemistry into local schools.

“To this day, it was my favorite part of college,” Hooks said. “Dr. Lisse is amazing in how she fosters these young people.” 

“With those outreach events, I was able to practice communicating scientific concepts to an audience of non-science people,” Hooks said. “Being able to explain what I do is a big part of my job, and I had a lot of experience doing that at the Science Education Center.”

GCSU'S NEW FORENSIC CHEMISTRY PATHWAY

Georgia College students earning their chemistry degree can now choose forensic chemistry as a specific concentration. In addition, the Georgia College Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy offers a forensic chemistry certificate in two tracks: trace evidence or materials. 

“I love the forensic chemistry concentration because it blends chemistry, biology and criminal justice to solve real-world problems,” Dr. Lisse said. “I love seeing students gain confidence, conduct research and prepare for careers in forensic labs, law enforcement or graduate studies.”

“They learn how to apply science to criminal investigations and contribute to the justice process,” Lisse said.