MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (January 3, 2025) — For Kayleigh Cobb, the summer of 2024 was nothing short of transformative.
A junior at Monmouth College majoring in chemistry with a minor in forensic science, Cobb's journey to an internship with the Illinois State Police Forensic Laboratory in Springfield, Illinois, was marked by persistence, ambition, and a deep-seated passion for forensics.
She first heard about the internship from an unexpected source.
"The mother of one of my mom's old students, who works at the state police forensic lab, told me about it," said Cobb, who hails from tiny Pawnee, Illinois, about fifteen miles south of Springfield and home to fewer than 3,000 residents.
"However, that's not how I got the internship. She had no clue I got the internship until I showed up."
A very selective process
The application process was grueling, spanning three and a half months.
"I had to submit so many forms, multiple references, letters of recommendation, pictures of myself, and even go through multiple background checks," Cobb explained.
With more than 500 applicants competing for just forty to fifty spots statewide, Cobb described herself as "extremely lucky and honored to be chosen for this experience."
Cobb is also a pitcher on the Fighting Scots softball team
Cobb was placed in the biology and DNA section of the Springfield lab, where she assisted in compiling data for a groundbreaking new technique spearheaded by her on-site supervisor.
"Another intern and I worked on this data, and it was used to show that the new technique was working and should be implemented statewide," she said, her pride in the work clearly evident.
Seeing the light in the dark
Cobb's summer was packed with eye-opening experiences. She observed three autopsies, learned how evidence was processed upon arrival at the lab, and spent time exploring other sections, including latent prints, drug chemistry, toxicology, and firearms and tool marks.
Another highlight that she called "very cool" was watching an analyst testify in court.
While the work was often dark and challenging, Cobb gained a profound appreciation for its importance.
"I also learned firsthand how gruesome forensics can be," she admitted. "The scientists don't go to crime scenes, but they work with evidence from the scenes, and that doesn't mean they don't see some gruesome things. However, I also learned that while it can be a dark field, it brings closure to victims and their families, and that itself can be beautiful."
The right fit
Cobb's passion for forensic science traces back to her freshman year of high school when she first heard about the state police forensic labs.
"It became my dream to work there," she said. "This internship was like a dream come true and a big step toward accomplishing that goal."
Cobb's decision to attend Monmouth was driven by her love for small-town communities and state-of-the-art facilities.
"I'm from Pawnee, so I knew a big college wasn't for me," she said. "When I toured Monmouth, I loved how close-knit it felt. I also loved the chemistry labs and how up-to-date they are. Plus, the softball program drew me in, and I'm still a part of it," as well as the Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Buoyed by her successful internship, Cobb looks ahead to the future with determination.
"As of now, I plan to apply to the Illinois State Police Forensic Laboratories post-graduation," she said, citing the benefits of her hands-on experience and the deeper understanding she gained of the field.
