Summer Intern Spotlight - Rachael Beehler '26
As a CFSRE intern with a discipline in toxicology, Rachael Beehler '26, conducted hands-on testing, gaining experience with advanced lab instruments and forensic procedures. (Some images were taken as part of a photo shoot and do not reflect proper Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, as real chemicals and biologicals were not included in the shoot).By: Elizabeth Vander Neut ‘26, student correspondent
This summer, Rachael Beehler ‘26, shown, said she has learned more than she thought possible in just six weeks during an internship at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) in Horsham. From running lab experiments to testifying in a mock courtroom, she gained hands-on experience and sharpened skills that are key to a future in forensic science.
Beehler, of Parsippany, New Jersey, is a forensic chemistry major at The University of Scranton. She explains how the Royal Experience Summer Internship Program has strengthened her confidence in conducting toxicology lab work as well as her understanding of forensic casework.
Describe a typical day at work.
"A typical day as a forensic toxicology intern involves conducting experiments that help me understand the processes and techniques used in the field. I usually start by checking in with my supervisor to review the plan for the day, which includes preparing, testing and analyzing samples. While I’m not working on actual casework, everything I do is designed to build a strong foundation in forensic toxicology to prepare me for a future career in the field."
What are some skills you have learned so far?
"Most of my time at this internship is spent in the lab, where I work on experiments that simulate real forensic testing. I’ve learned different extraction techniques such as liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction to isolate drugs found in samples of blood. I learned to use complex instruments such as ELISA, QTOF, LC-MS, and GC-MS to study how these substances are identified and quantified. On top of that, I have also learned how to properly document procedures following the chain of custody, and write detailed reports on all of my findings to reflect the accuracy and integrity expected in forensic casework."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“What I enjoyed the most about this internship was being able to work on my own individual case sample. I completed a 53-page report where I had to qualify and quantify substances in my sample of blood, which I then testified as a forensic analyst in a moot courtroom setting. It was really exciting to be able to conduct my own extractions, testing and research to gain more knowledge of the field.”
What were your expectations going into the internship and how do they compare to the reality?
“Going into the internship, I expected to mostly shadow professionals and observe how toxicology labs operate. I thought I might help with small tasks here and there, but I didn’t expect to be as hands-on as I’ve been. From running experiments to using complex instruments and even presenting my findings in a moot court, I’ve been involved in almost every step of the process. This internship has exceeded my expectations as it has been a much more engaging and educational experience than I imagined, and I’ve learned more than I thought possible in just six weeks.”
How do you feel this internship has prepared you for the real world?
"This internship gave me a solid understanding of what working in forensic toxicology is really like. It showed me how important integrity and attention to detail are in this field since every step can affect real people’s lives. I feel much more confident and prepared to take on future lab work and eventually make my way up to working on real forensic cases."
