Forensic Sciences student feels like part of the team at OSU-CHS

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

In honor of National Forensic Science Week, the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences is spotlighting Adriana Graybeal, who is earning a Ph.D. in forensic sciences from the School of Forensic Sciences.

Where are you from? 

Tehachapi, California 

What area of forensic sciences are you studying? 

I am currently studying to get my master's in forensic investigative sciences, and my Ph.D. in forensic sciences with a concentration in forensic psychology from OSU Center for Health Sciences’ School of Forensic Sciences. 

I have two graduate certifications from OSU-CHS in forensic psychology and forensic investigative sciences and my master’s in forensic psychology from Arizona State University. 

I also have a Bachelor of Science in psychology concentrating in mind, brain and behavior, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology concentrating in criminology and criminal justice from Colorado State University. 

How did you become interested in forensic sciences?

I have always enjoyed crime documentaries and shows such as “Criminal Minds.” However, I became super interested in this field after taking a forensic psychology course during my undergraduate years at Colorado State. This course showed me the world of forensic psychology and ever since then I have been hooked. 

Why did you decide to come to OSU-CHS School of Forensic Sciences?

I chose to come to OSU-CHS because I was looking for a graduate program that would help me understand the field of forensics better and provide me with a variety of opportunities to work alongside individuals that are active in the field of forensics outside of research and being professors. This school also provided me with the opportunity to work remotely if need be and it allowed me to explore a different area of the United States that I never expected to live in. 

What has your experience been like so far at OSU-CHS?

So far, my experience at OSU-CHS has not been like anything I expected graduate school to be. My undergraduate career prepared me for a very traditional graduate school experience where you went to in-person classes, interacted with your committee chairs regularly, worked as a teaching assistant or even a research assistant for professors all while working on your personal research for your dissertation. While I have been provided with some of these more traditional aspects, I have also gotten the opportunity to work within other departments at the university, taken online courses and worked with professors both on the Stillwater and in Tulsa campuses. Within this program I have had the opportunity to feel more like a colleague who is working alongside my professors instead of a student working for them.

Are you involved with any clubs or organizations?

I am currently the president of the OSU-CHS Forensic Science Organization and a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Outside of OSU, I am the president of the Rotary Club of Jenks. 

What would you tell someone who may be interested in forensic sciences?

This field is nothing like you would expect it to be. The TV and media portrayal of this profession is widely exaggerated. However, the work you will do is very rewarding because at the end of the day you know that you are working to help others and are providing a service that many people are unable to provide.