Alumna Jessica Sykes has a rewarding career in forensic science
As a Forensic DNA Technician for the Michigan State Police Forensic Crime Lab in Northville, HFC alumna Jessica Sykes is quick to explain that her job is nothing like what you would see on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and other TV shows.
"For one, we mostly wear scrubs. No one really dresses up unless you have to go to court or an off-site meeting or training," she said. “CSI usually focuses on one case at a time, but we work on multiple cases at the same time. Another big difference is time. CSI always shows results coming back in minutes or hours, but real-world testing can take weeks or even months, depending on backlog, types of analysis, and required reviews."
Finding justice for victims and exonerating the innocent
Even though it’s not like CSI, Sykes' job has its exciting elements. Her main duty is processing evidence and known samples for DNA analysis, preparing quality control (QC) reagents, and performing maintenance on instruments.
"When we are processing samples, we work in batches that could contain up to 72 samples. There will be multiple technicians needed to complete a batch; one is needed to cut swabs for extraction; another is needed to perform extraction; and the third is partnered with a scientist to perform quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis (CE)," she said. "So you can imagine there is a lot scheduling and communication needed to complete a batch because there are other batches being run and other activities in the lab at the same time. We share other unglamorous duties like taking daily temperatures and cleaning the lab."
Sykes continued: "The best part of my job is knowing that I am being of service to my community by obtaining justice for victims and exonerating the innocent. Sometimes it can be routine, but there are days when a QC fails or an instrument is not working properly, so I get to put on my thinking cap and come up with a solution that won’t slow down or stop casework processing. Those are the days I really feel productive and happy that I was able to make a positive contribution."
HFC is a great launching pad to success
A lifelong Detroiter, Sykes is the youngest of two. After graduating from Redford Union High School, she enrolled at HFC, where she earned her associate degree in biotechnology. During her time at HFC, she was a peer tutor for biology and mathematics in the Learning Lab.
"I was not set on a specific major and I thought it would be financially responsible to attend HFC. Plus, it was a short commute to campus," she said. "My plan was to earn credits in all pre-requisite courses, then transfer to a 4-year college or university. However, I decided to complete the biotechnology program at HFC because I realized the laboratory skills and internship experience I obtained would make me a great candidate for so many career opportunities."
Sykes recommends people attend HFC, regardless of where they are in their academic journeys.
"I felt safe. I really appreciated the small campus and classrooms," she said. "I would recommend HFC. It's a great steppingstone that will ultimately lead you to success."
Identifying the DNA of a samurai and remains in Ancestral Puebloan territory
After graduation from HFC, Sykes transferred to Madonna University and earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic science with a minor in chemistry. Her degree is accredited through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). She also earned a certificate of achievement for crime laboratory technician from Madonna.
"I decided to attend Madonna because I still wanted that small campus community and classroom size like HFC," she said. "I really benefitted from being able to closely collaborate with my peers and build a great rapport with my professors. Madonna also had the only accredited undergrad forensic program in Michigan. I just want to ensure that I would continue to get a great education that would lead to a great career opportunity."
At Madonna, Sykes was selected for the Madonna University Research Team and earned the Research Excellence Award at the 2019 Madonna Research Symposium. She was a member of the Sigma Zeta – Math and Science National Honor Society and volunteered for the annual Missing Persons Day hosted by Missing in Michigan. She also worked as a lab assistant for several forensic courses and participated in various research projects while at Madonna.
Sykes found that HFC prepared her very well for Madonna.
"When I started at Madonna, I was taking some of the higher-level biology and chemistry courses, but the curriculum learned at HFC made it easier to understand the material, so I never felt as if I lacked anything," explained Sykes. "Where HFC prepared me most was in the laboratory. After talking with the director of the forensic program at Madonna, I told them about my experiences at HFC and my confidence in my laboratory skills, so they offered me the opportunity to become a lab assistant and a member of the research team. That led me to participate in two ancient DNA projects. One was to identify the possible wearer of a 16th century samurai armor. The other was analyzing DNA from canid remains found in Ancestral Puebloan territory of New Mexico."
HFC provided fundamental lab skills that led to forensic science career
Sykes had always excelled at science and mathematics. Her interest in DNA was piqued while she was in high school when she had to build a 3-D DNA model for a science project.
"I had to use things from around the house," she said. "My model ended up being made out of a Pringles can, toothpicks, Twizzlers, and Life Savers. I also liked figuring out Punnett Squares because it was interesting to see the inheritance of genes. Oddly enough, I had never heard of biotechnology until I was talking to a HFC advisor. I was actually considered majoring in nursing but my interests more aligned with biotech, so there was no second-guessing that’s what I needed to pick."
Every instructor she had at HFC was encouraging and created a positive learning environment, but the one who had the greatest impact on Sykes was HFC biology instructor Dr. Jolie Stepaniak.
"Dr. Stepaniak was extremely influential when I attended HFC," she said. "I graduated from the biotechnology program, which at the time for a community college rivaled programs at 4-year colleges and universities. With Dr. Stepaniak developing the program, I obtained the foundational laboratory and critical thinking skillset that has awarded me with a fulfilling career in forensic science."
Celebrating, supporting, and encouraging women in STEM
Stepaniak – who was named HFC 2026 STEM Woman of the Year – invited Sykes to speak at the annual Women in STEM Day at HFC in mid-February. Sykes participated on a panel of four, which included:
- HFC pre-engineering instructor Dr. Ashfiqua Connie
- Retired HFC biology instructor Linda Brandt
- Senior Mechanical Designer Dionna Harvell of Navitas Systems, LLC in Ann Arbor
"I was happy to participate in a day that celebrates, supports, and encourages women who wish to pursue a career in the STEM fields," she said. "I’m glad I took the opportunity to participate in the panel. I liked that we were a diverse group and it was powerful to hear the panelists share their experiences, discuss their challenges, and celebrate their achievements. I really hope those who attended were inspired to explore STEM careers and see what is possible for their own future."
Stepaniak enjoyed hearing her former student speak about her career.
"It is fantastic to see all of Jessica’s accomplishments!" said Stepaniak. "I remember her as a strong, intelligent, thoughtful student who had exceptional organizational skills and managed complex laboratory tasks very well. She showed leadership both inside and outside the classroom and served the College as a dedicated peer tutor. I am not at all surprised at what she has achieved, and I know she will move on to even greater accomplishments. The faculty of the School of STEM are so proud of her!"