Taylor
Hopkins

Taylor Hopkins is originally from Woodbridge, VA and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and eating breakfast foods. She is a rising fourth-year student in Duquesne’s five-year Forensic Science and Law Master’s program. Along with her studies, Taylor is heavily involved in her campus community as a resident assistant, Pre-Orientation director, and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

This summer, Taylor is working with Dr. Kelly Martin to create a resource for educators across disciplines, showcasing innovative teaching practices and assignments that use visual strategies to help convey or help students understand content. She is specifically reaching out to instructors involved in forensic science education to gather insight into the educational practices of her field. Additionally, she has gained practical experience revising and editing research papers around communication within STEM fields.

Taylor was interested in participating in this program to explore STEM education research, a concept that was not previously familiar to her, given the overexposure of other types of science research. She most enjoys getting to know her fellow REU members and finding new food spots in the Rochester area.

After completing her degree program, Taylor plans to join the workforce in the government or non-profit sector to be to make systemic changes to create a more equitable environment in forensic science and across STEM fields.