Nicole Dallara ’24, ’26M discovered her love for Forensic Science research through a variety of laboratory experiences, both at Arcadia and beyond. As a soon-to-be graduate of Arcadia’s 3+2 Accelerated Forensic Science Program, Dallara earned a BS in Chemistry before working toward an MS in Forensic Science.

“I have been a part of three research projects at Arcadia, and they showed me that research is my main passion,” the Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., native said. “The project that I am currently working on is my master’s thesis. This research has been an important experience for me and is something that I want to carry with me in my future studies.”

Titled, “The FTIR Analysis of Ruhemann’s Purple in Latent Fingerprints: An Investigation of Age-Related Trends,” Dallara’s research aims to uncover the biochemical information that can be extracted from a latent fingerprint, such as amino acid content, while determining any trends in that amino acid content with demographic information, such as sex and age. 

Before starting her thesis research, Dallara gained hands-on experience through the Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for Student Workforce to Experience Research Program (HS-POWER).

“This was a summer internship that I participated in at the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Security Analysis Center,” she said. “This was an extremely valuable experience because it completely aligns with my future goal of being a government researcher. The internship helped me to be a better researcher and improve my critical thinking skills.”

Dallara’s background in the lab assisted her in stepping into her internship with a strong skill set.

“The [MSFS] courses prepared me for the internship by allowing me to get in-depth training with crucial laboratory instrumentation,” she said. “Learning the different techniques and instrumentation allowed me to go into the internship with a wealth of knowledge about the most widely used technologies.”  

Through her time at Arcadia, Dallara learned to balance undergraduate and graduate courses at the same time, alongside being a four-year member of the women’s volleyball team. Outside of her classes, she works as a barista at a café in Philadelphia and enjoys crocheting, sewing, and working out in her free time.

After graduation, Dallara plans to take a break and travel with family, after which she hopes to find a job in the forensic science research field, while also working on applications to Chemistry PhD programs. 

“The research projects I worked on, both at Arcadia and during my internship, solidified my passion for research,” she said. “Getting experience in a government research lab showed me how critical these projects are in protecting the country. Working on projects that have such a big impact really showed me that this is what I am meant to do.”