Cynthia Nichols
Cameron
Summary
Dynamic recent graduate with foundational knowledge in forensic science and biology and hands-on experience gained through academic projects, internships, and military service. Demonstrates strong teamwork, exceptional attention to detail, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career as a forensic investigator and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Investigations Intern
NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
08.2024 - Current
- Engaged in communication with a diverse range of agencies, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, emergency responders, and healthcare facilities.
- Compiled ancillary information to supplement autopsy findings for over 20 death events.
- Successfully completed the investigation reports, including detailed narratives, for multiple cases, ensuring adherence to professional standards.
- Documented new case calls and additional information in the daily case log and Medical Examiner Information System (Meis).
- Aided the disaster response team efforts during Hurricane Helene regarding storm-related fatalities.
- Performed comprehensive inventory management, thorough documentation, and systematic archiving for hundreds of evidentiary materials.
Investigations Intern
NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Communicated with various agencies, including but not limited to law enforcement, Emergency responders, and healthcare facilities.
- Shadowed Medicolegal Death Investigators in the field, observing 11 death scene investigations.
- Assisted in handling evidence inventory, release, and the associated documentation.
- Shadowed Medicolegal Death Investigators when determining case jurisdiction and circumstances surrounding the death.
- Documented new case calls and the circumstances surrounding the death in the Medical Examiner Information System.
- Performed administrative duties, annotating the correspondences in the appropriate documentation.
- Attended 10 post-mortem external examinations on a variety of decedents.
- Observed six complete autopsies involving decedents of varying ages and with diverse causes and manners of death.
- Coordinated body transportation logistics.
- Performed post-mortem fingerprinting to positively identify an unknown decedent.
Family Care Coordinator
Self-employed
07.2011 - Current
- Oversaw the logistics for six successful relocations, demonstrating improved adaptability and strategic planning skills.
- Manage daily operations for six individuals, including synching schedules, activities, appointments, and medical care.
- Provide compassionate care for individuals with special needs, developing individualized care plans.
- Built and maintained strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
Medical Laboratory Specialist
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
11.2009 - 07.2011
- Conducted clinical laboratory procedures in hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
- Skilled in the collection of blood specimens through both venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques.
- Provided training for medical laboratory specialist (MLT) students on laboratory procedures and policies to enhance their skill development.
Medical Laboratory Specialist
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
12.2007 - 12.2009
- Conducted clinical laboratory procedures in hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
- Served as a shift leader, overseeing a team of military staff within core laboratory sections, responsible for managing personnel, and ensuring the execution of their duties.
- Provided training for new team members on laboratory procedures and policies.
- Skilled in the collection of blood specimens through both venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques.
- Assembled, disassembled, and maintained laboratory equipment.
- Prepared for and reinforced policy compliance, resulting in successful reaccreditation through the College of American Pathologists.
Soldier
U.S. Army Active Duty
07.2006 - 07.2011
- Collaborated with various departments to streamline processes and improve inter-departmental cooperation.
- Demonstrated flexibility working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
- Maintained professionalism during conflicts and in stressful situations.
- Promoted a culture of accountability by enforcing strict adherence to military standards and protocols.
- Frequent reassignments enabled swift adaptation to diverse work environments, locations, team dynamics, and cultural contexts.
- Developed strong leadership skills through rigorous training and hands-on experience in high-pressure situations.
- Accumulated extensive training in medical terminology and technical skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Cellular And Molecular Biology
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC05-2025
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC05-2025
No Degree - Continuing Education
NC Office of The Chief Medical Examiner
Raleigh, NC01-2024
Associate of Science - Biology
St. Philip's College
San Antonio, TX05-2022
No Degree - Medical Laboratory Training Program
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence
Fort Sam Houston, TXSkills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Quick learner
- Evidence control
- Computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Research and analysis
- Evidence collection
- Crime scene analysis
- Biological evidence handling
- Professionalism and etiquette
- Report writing
Affiliations
- American Academy of Forensic Science
- International Association for Identification
Conferences
- October 2022 Vidocq Society Luncheon
- 2023 American Academy of Forensic Science Annual Conference
- 2023 Joint Forensics Conference hosted by the GA, NC, and TN Divisions of the International Association for Identification
- 2024 American Academy of Forensic Science Annual Conference
- March 2024 Vidocq Society Luncheon
Timeline
Investigations Intern
NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
08.2024 - Current
Investigations Intern
NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
01.2024 - 05.2024
Family Care Coordinator
Self-employed
07.2011 - Current
Medical Laboratory Specialist
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
11.2009 - 07.2011
Medical Laboratory Specialist
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
12.2007 - 12.2009
Soldier
U.S. Army Active Duty
07.2006 - 07.2011
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science
Methodist University
Bachelor of Science - Cellular And Molecular Biology
Methodist University
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Methodist University
No Degree - Continuing Education
NC Office of The Chief Medical Examiner
Associate of Science - Biology
St. Philip's College
No Degree - Medical Laboratory Training Program
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence
Similar Profiles
Briana GiambussoBriana Giambusso
Forensic Pathologist at The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)Forensic Pathologist at The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)
Crystal SetserCrystal Setser
Forensic Laboratory Supervisor (Autopsy) at Office of the Chief Medical ExaminerForensic Laboratory Supervisor (Autopsy) at Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Brooke WalkerBrooke Walker
ME Office at Office Of The Chief Medical ExaminerME Office at Office Of The Chief Medical Examiner