Hawks Hired highlights the accomplishments of soon-to-be and recent RWU graduates as they take the next steps in their career journeys. Hawks Hired! Noa Di Napoli ’27 who completed an internship with Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory’s Case Management Unit. Read on to learn more about her experience.
What is your program of study at RWU: Major: Biological Forensic Science; Minor: Criminal Justice
Graduation year: 2027
Where was this role? This past summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory’s Case Management Unit in Maynard, Massachusetts. Being selected for such a competitive internship program was an incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful to have been able to learn from and work alongside esteemed professionals in the field. During my internship, I helped organize and catalog historical firearms identification records dating back to the 1920s for integration into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). I was also exposed to how evidence is managed, preserved, and tracked to maintain its integrity throughout the criminal justice process. This experience gave me a behind the scenes look at the work that goes into supporting forensic investigations and made me even more appreciative of all the people and processes that aid in the success of a crime laboratory.
What were you most looking forward to in this role? I looking forward to seeing what working in a forensic laboratory was actually like beyond what I had learned in the classroom. Learning the science behind forensic investigations is important, but I think there is something invaluable about being fully immersed in that environment and seeing firsthand how everything comes together in the real world. I wanted to learn how the different units operate, how
evidence is handled throughout the investigative process, and how everyone’s work contributes to a larger goal, weather that is creating justice, or bringing solace to families. I was so eager to network myself and create long lasting connections. I emersed myself with meeting professionals with different educational backgrounds, career paths, and experiences within the Massachusetts State Police. Hearing their perspectives helped me better understand the unique opportunities available within the discipline of forensic science and understand what I want my own career to look like. Overall, I saw this internship as an opportunity not only to gain experience, but also to learn more about myself, grow professionally, explore my interests, and determine where I could see myself making a difference in the world of Forensic Science.
Who and what helped you during your internship search process: The constant support from my professors and the Center for Career and Professional Development, specifically Maisie Jelley, played a large role in helping me attain to this unique opportunity. Through guidance, connections, and our university career resources, I was able to have assistance in making sure I was well prepared for the interview process and application.
What advice do you have to students who are in the process of finding an
internship? My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of the resources and connections available to you at RWU. Talk with your professors, meet with your career counselor, attend career fairs, and reach out to professionals working in fields that interest you. You never know which conversation might lead to an opportunity. My biggest piece of advice is to never get discouraged, your determination and passion will lead you to a career of success. Be proactive, taking initiative, following up with contacts, and remain open to different experiences, are all steps to success.
How did you land your internship? I landed my internship through a combination of preparation, persistence, and the support I received from RWU’s Center for Career and Professional Development. With guidance from Maisie Jelly, I felt more confident and prepared than ever going into the interview process. Through regular check-ins and her help reviewing my application, cover letter, and resume, Maisie supported me every step of the way. She was not only a valuable resource throughout the process but also someone who consistently encouraged me and helped me believe in myself. When it came time for the interview, I knew I wanted to
be myself and show the people interviewing me the person behind my resume, including my passion for forensic science, my dedication, and why I would the best candidate. Ultimately, in my interview I was able to communicate my interest in the field and the experiences I had worked hard to gain helped me stand out. Receiving the confirmation that I had been selected for the internship was incredibly rewarding, and it reminded me how valuable preparation, and having the right support system can be when pursuing your career goals.
What was the most valuable part of your internship experience? One of the most valuable parts of my internship was the lasting connections I made with the professionals I met. I loved getting to know everyone I encountered, not just as professionals in the field, but as individuals with their own experiences, career paths, and advice to share. Those conversations became just as meaningful as the work itself, and many of the connections I made are people I still keep in
touch with today. They have been incredibly supportive and willing to offer guidance as I continue
working toward my career goals! Another valuable part of my experience was how much I learned about the field beyond what I could gain in a classroom. I made it a point to ask questions, learn from the people around me, and take advantage of every opportunity to discover something new, even if that meant staying past my internship hours.
Career goals after graduation: After graduating from Roger Williams University in May 2027, I hope to pursue a career in forensic science, particularly in forensic evidence processing within the Evidence Control Unit at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory or in fingerprint examination as an Identification Technician with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. My internship experiences have strengthened my passion for forensic science, provided me with valuable hands-on experience, and helped me build professional connections that have given me greater confidence to succeed in these fields. Ultimately, my goal is to use the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained at RWU to make a meaningful difference in the criminal justice system. I want to be part of something bigger than myself by helping ensure that evidence is handled with integrity and that individuals receive the justice they deserve. For me, a career in forensic science is about more than analyzing evidence, it is about giving a voice to those who may not have one and about making a lasting impact on people’s lives even if they never know my name. I hope to build a career where I can support victims and their families, and help ensure that justice is served.
