It has been a long year for junior chemistry major Elizabeth Tolentino, who took it upon herself to become the president of a recently established club with an almost nonexistent foundation.

The Forensic Psychology Club at Kean University was created in the spring semester of 2015, making it one of the freshest student organizations on campus.  Originally, many students registered to become members, including Tolentino, who after some time of being unsatisfied with the lack of structure and leadership, claimed responsibility for the future of forensics at Kean University.

“I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes but I had to take over,” recalled Tolentino about her decision to step up to the plate. Tolentino was initially nervous about her new role as president but she knew she could not let the club she had waited so long for die.

Forensic science wasn’t always in the stars for her, but in high school she was presented with the opportunity to take the subject as an elective and fell in love but didn’t think there was a future in it. After a few years struggling in the role of a physical therapy major, Tolentino knew what she had to do – pursue a career in forensic science.

“I really want to be in forensics, it’s something I am passionate about,” said Tolentino to her parents after this epiphany. “I’m sorry that I’m not going to be a doctor.” 

Forensics is a broad term that refers to an entire industry of different specialized fields. Forensic psychology specifically deals with a combination of applying the law and criminal justice to psychological clues, such as a history of mental health or trends in social issues. A psychologist working in this field analyzes victims and criminals alike; using their reactions and backgrounds to aide in the deciphering of clues to a case. 

The Forensic Psychology Club meets bi-weekly on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Center for Academic Success (CAS) room 354. The club is open for those of all majors and the current executive board is “up-in the air”.

Topics in meetings vary from session to session. For example: in the most recent meeting, students discussed forensic toxicology and investigation of evidence such as finger prints are on the agenda for the future. 

As for Tolentino, her path in forensics lies with toxicology. Forensic toxicology uses chemistry and pharmacology to aid in medical examinations or legal investigations of death, poisoning or drug use. Collecting DNA samples, performing autopsies and other experimental lab work is included in this job description.

Finding a master’s program in any branch of forensics is challenging but she is determined to follow her dreams.

“It might seem hard or challenging but it will definitely be worth it if it’s something you love,” said Tolentino.

For more information about the Forensic Psychology Club, email Tolentino at fpsychology@kean.edu.