Alumna Julia Van Wey ‘24 uses knowledge of chemistry and criminal justice to work as a forensic chemistry lab technician

Julia Van Wey ‘24 came to Concordia Nebraska to play softball and further her academic career. She knew she wanted to end up in a role doing forensic science, but it wasn’t until after conversations with professors that she decided to earn a Bachelor of Arts majoring in chemistry with a minor in criminal justice to achieve this goal.  

Van Wey wanted to attend college outside of her home state of California and discovered Concordia Nebraska, a place where she could do just that, alongside learning more about the field of forensic science. Now, after graduating from Concordia, she’s back in California working as a forensic chemistry laboratory technician for the San Diego Police Department.   

“After graduation, I worked part-time at a surgery center that I helped out at when I came home between Christmas and summer breaks,” Van Wey said. In July 2024, she applied for her current position and described the process of being hired.  

“I went in for an interview in September and was given a conditional offer in November. Throughout December and January, I had to go through the background check process, pass a polygraph examination and get a medical evaluation before I was able to start working,” she said.  

The variety of courses taught at Concordia helped me develop the necessary skills needed to work in a crime laboratory environment. Having laboratory experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system was key in preparing me for the job.

The extensive process, however, eventually resulted in her becoming a chemistry lab technician. After a few weeks of shadowing other lab techs, she can now complete casework daily, which includes duties from testing substances to keeping track of lab materials.  

“Once trained, a chemistry lab tech can complete casework each day,” she said. “This involves preliminary testing of various drug-like substances collected from crime scenes to determine what type of drug it is...Other responsibilities include quarterly instrument checks, helping with projects when needed, reagent preparation, preparing gunshot residue kits and maintaining a clean workspace.”  

Van Wey says that her criminal justice and chemistry courses at Concordia Nebraska set her up well for starting this new chapter of her life.  

“The variety of courses taught at Concordia helped me develop the necessary skills needed to work in a crime laboratory environment,” she said. “Having laboratory experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system was key in preparing me for the job.”  

At Concordia Nebraska, students in the natural sciences can study in the Dunklau Center for Math, Science and Business, which contains 11 laboratory classrooms. Van Wey said that a professor helped her to discover her calling in the natural sciences during her first year at Concordia.  

“My professors helped me discover my purpose by genuinely getting to know me and supporting me throughout my four years,” she said. “During my freshman year, I knew I wanted to go into forensic science, but I wasn’t sure what specific career path I wanted to pursue. My advisor helped me realize that I wanted to work in a lab type environment and suggested taking up chemistry!” 

She also said that being able to pursue her softball career at Concordia Nebraska, as well as her academic pursuits, was her favorite part of her undergraduate experience as a whole.  

“My favorite thing about Concordia was getting to meet so many people and being able to have fun playing the sport that I love,” she said. Now, she enjoys a similar sense of community in her workplace, saying that “working with a good group of people” is what fulfills her most at her job.  

Outside of work, Van Wey enjoys reading, crocheting, going to the beach and surfing – when the weather’s warm! -- as well as visiting local coffee shops and movie theaters. She also lives close to her family once again, including her mother, a director of nursing, and her father, who works for the city of San Diego. Her older brother is preparing to become a physical therapist.  

Van Wey added that students who wish to prepare themselves for a post-college career during their time in school should make professional connections early.  

“My advice in setting yourself up for getting a job after college would be to volunteer, do an internship, or get involved somehow in your desired field so that you can gain valuable experience and build connections,” she said.  

Majoring in chemistry at Concordia University, Nebraska will prepare you for a career in the natural sciences by providing practical, hands-on experience as well as a strong theoretical foundation in the study of matter at a molecular level. Learn more about the chemistry program here.