Intern
Andy Xiong is an undergraduate student at Penn State majoring in Forensic Science. He has always been interested in how science can be used to answer puzzling questions and make a real difference in people's lives. Through his coursework, he developed a strong interest in forensic chemistry and toxicology, particularly the analysis of drugs and other substances in biological samples.
Andy recently completed the chemistry summer internship at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE), where he especially enjoyed how hands-on the experience was. During the internship, he gained experience with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC/QTOF), and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) while learning about sample preparation, method validation, drug screening, and confirmatory testing. One of the most rewarding parts of the internship was working alongside knowledgeable and supportive mentors, who were always willing to answer questions, share their expertise, and provide guidance throughout the experience. Their mentorship, combined with exposure to real forensic casework, reinforced Andy's passion for forensic toxicology and strengthened both his technical skills and confidence in the laboratory. The internship confirmed his desire to pursue a career in forensic science and prepared him for future opportunities in the field.
