Colleen McKenzie Combines Forensic Science, Spanish through Research Abroad

Growing up in Texas, Penn State student Colleen McKenzie was first introduced to forensic science by watching crime shows with her mom. Her interest deepened when she took a class in high school and began learning more about the role science can play in criminal investigations.

“Forensics showed me that I could use those science skills to do something that could really help people,” she said.

At the same time, Spanish had long been part of McKenzie’s life. Growing up in Texas exposed her to the language, and she used it frequently while working as a cook in high school.