I’m Tarah Helsel, and I graduated from Waynesburg University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. Not long after, I started working at RJ Lee Group in Pittsburgh, PA, where I focus on gunshot residue analysis using SEM-EDS. Since then, I’ve worked on hundreds of cases and have testified in court over 100 times, across 22 states as well as Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands.
In 2022, I became manager of the forensics department at RJ Lee Group. I also stay active in the forensic science community through several organizations. I serve as vendor coordinator for MAAFS, helping organize regional conferences, and I’m a member of ASTEE. I am also a member of the OSAC’s Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, and Gunshot Residue subcommittee.
The forensic science program at Waynesburg gave me a strong foundation for my career. The coursework was hands-on and challenging, and the professors were always there to guide and encourage us. For me, the most helpful and memorable experiences were the mock trials. They gave me a solid understanding of what courtroom testimony involves and helped me get comfortable with it early on, something that’s now a regular part of my job. That kind of preparation made a real difference when I stepped into the field and started working on real cases. I’m thankful for the preparation and support that helped me get started and continue growing in this field.
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Our Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning and extracurricular involvement, preparing students for successful careers and advanced study while building community and developing friendships that’ll last a lifetime.
