From Classroom to Casework: Embry-Riddle Student Earns High Praise as Intern for Medical Examiner’s Office

During her internship at the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office in Arizona, Embry-Riddle Forensic Biology student Olivia Robbins came across an unusual death case.  

The case involved a fatal injury caused by an elk head mount. The instrument, Robbins said, had little precedent in published medicolegal literature.

“I was offered the opportunity to write the case review,” Robbins said. “It clicked that I was being entrusted with responsibilities not typically given to interns. I am very thankful they gave me this opportunity.”

Her review of the death investigation, titled “Exsanguination Due to a Puncture Wound from Elk Antlers,” was published in December in the newsletter of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.

Robbins completed the review last summer while serving as a forensic technician intern in the medical examiner’s office, where she supported autopsies, evidence collection and documentation in both the morgue and at death scene investigations.

Dr. Hillary Eaton, associate professor and Forensic Biology program coordinator, said Robbins’ publication reflects the program’s focus on real-world preparation.

“Having the opportunity to write a case review for publication is a significant professional milestone,” Eaton said. “It demonstrates mastery of professional-level case analysis and strengthens critical thinking and medicolegal reasoning.”

Robbins said her “practice with academic and research-style writing at Embry-Riddle” provided her with the foundation to tackle the case review. “It was a valuable experience to sift through large amounts of information and digest it into a succinct yet descriptive case review,” she said.

In addition to publication, the case was developed into a poster presentation by the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office and presented at the 78th American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Conference in New Orleans. Robbins said she assisted in developing the poster, translating the case findings into a research format for presentation to forensic professionals.

Robbins said the internship also exposed her to the emotional realities of death investigations, underscoring both the gravity and importance of the work. The role deepened her respect for the professionals in the field.

Breanna McGinnis, senior forensic technician at the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office and Robbins’ supervisor, said preparing for work in a medical examiner’s office can be challenging, given the unpredictable nature of cases. Robbins, however, adapted quickly.

“Olivia did very well with the types of deaths that we see and was always able to shift focus quickly in the examination suite,” McGinnis said. “She was a fantastic intern who dedicated many hours to helping our office and was always willing to learn.”

Eaton said Embry-Riddle’s Forensic Biology program is designed to ensure students graduate prepared for modern forensic science careers. Each year, about 12 to 15 students in the program at the Prescott Campus complete internships, research or capstone experiences in professional forensic settings, applying classroom training to real-world casework.

Robbins credited Embry-Riddle’s Center for Career and Professional Development with supporting her internship preparation.

“They helped me tailor my resume and cover letter for my internship application,” Robbins said. “They also connected me with a scholarship that allowed me to focus on the internship without financial worry.”

As Robbins prepares to graduate in 2026, she said the experience strengthened both her confidence and clarity about her future. She plans to pursue a career in the forensic sciences after graduation.

McGinnis said Robbins demonstrated qualities that are essential in forensic investigative roles, including attention to detail, dedication and multitasking.

“I cannot speak highly enough about her work ethic and the time she spent here as an intern," McGinnis said. "I know she will succeed in her future career endeavors.”