FRNSC Features: Ashely Smith

The Forensic Science Program is fortunate to have exceptional students conducting award-winning, publishable-quality research across all areas of forensic science. Our students learn by doing. They engage in hands-on training that teaches the practices used in modern forensics and make them leaders within the field. 

Meet Ashley Smith, an Odessa, Texas, native who is currently working towards her master’s degree in Forensic Science.  Ashley was born with an inherent wonder of “why”.  Always wanting to know how things worked, and why things worked, it’s no wonder science became her favorite subject in school.  But in Ashley’s mind science had only one real competition.  For most of her childhood, Ashley’s mother worked as a paralegal for attorneys who prosecuted criminal defense and child protective services cases.  “I loved the days I got to spend with her in the courtroom learning how the law worked to serve justice,” said Ashley.  She grew up feeling torn between her love of science and the law.

In high school, Ashley’s love for science began to narrow after she fell in love with chemistry.  “I took my first high school chemistry class and fell in love,” she said.  “I loved the idea that these building blocks, these atoms, that we can't even see make up literally everything we see around us and that just simply adding or subtracting a single atom can make all the difference in what we see.”  It was then that she knew that she wanted to continue her education in chemistry, and have it become a part of her future career.

While an undergraduate at Texas Tech University, Ashley’s struggle between her love of science and the law finally resolved itself.  She discovered a way to pursue a graduate degree that would allow her to combine her love for both chemistry and the law.  That way was forensic science.  “I knew that was my dream from high school, but didn’t realize it was a possibility,” said Ashley.  “I knew it was the perfect choice for me.”

In deciding where she would continue her education in Forensic Science, Ashley’s eyes were immediately drawn to Penn State.  Not only was it the well-rounded curriculum Penn State’s Forensic Science Program offered, but also the small campus feel, the expert faculty, and the research opportunities present that confirmed her decision.  “I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit campus and see the facilities, speak with faculty and current students, and I just fell in love with it all,” she said.  “I loved the small program feel in combination with the resources of a big university.”

Currently Ashley conducts her research in the Kusluski Laboratory under the mentorship of Assistant Teaching Professor of Forensic Science, Michael Kusluski.  There, her research is focused on the use of photonic techniques, such as blue-green fluorescence and infrared reflectance imaging, to visualize Gunshot Residue (GSR) patterns for the purpose of reconstructing events that may have occurred at the scene of an event. 

Gunshot residue is simply particulate matter, smoke, soot, and gasses that exit the end of the barrel of a firearm when fired. Patterns of gunshot residue particles can be made at a distance of around three to four feet, while particles themselves can travel up to 10 feet. 

The pattern size and density of GSR particles throughout a pattern is largely indicative of the distance between the firearm’s target and where the shot was fired.  This is also known as the muzzle-to-target distance estimation.

Ashley’s research specifically works with removing blood from targets which contain GSR patterns.  Blood can impede the ability to accurately visualize the pattern.  Her research seeks to find an optimal blood removal process for use with GSR patterns.  The process she is working to discover would aid firearms examiners, in the field, with accurately determining the muzzle-to-target distance.  Ultimately her research would lead to greater understanding of what occurred at a crime scene.

When Ashley’s not in the laboratory you can find her outdoors trying to maintain her healthy lifestyle.  “Growing up in Texas, I was always outdoors as a kid,” she said.  “My family has always been interested in water sports, being at the lake, shooting/hunting, and drag racing.” These days she enjoys spending her time going for a run, working out, and even rock climbing.  “I discovered my interest in rock climbing once I got here to Penn State where one of my roommates had been rock climbing for years,” says Ashley.

In addition to the outdoors, Ashley also loves to read, watch movies, listen to music, and spend time with her friends.  A fan of comedy, her favorite movie is Dazed and Confused.  She loves the time period, the story, and how it’s “kids just learning to live in the moment and be appreciative of the people around them and living their life the way they want to.”

Ashley serves as a wonderful example of someone who was born to pursue a career in Forensic Science.  Her desire to make a difference in the world, and dedication to furthering current methods in order to help pursue justice sets her apart from the crowd.  Both the Forensic Science Program, and the Department, are very fortunate to have Ashley as a part of our Team and look forward to following her career in the future.  Congratulations Ashley for serving as an example of why We Are Penn State!