First-ever Forensic Science Major Graduates from Anna Maria College
As soon as Mensur Bacaliu heard that Anna Maria College had approved the new Forensic Science major, he immediately enrolled as the first Forensic Science student. With a strong interest in science and a desire to serve the community, the Forensic Science major was a perfect fit for him. At Commencement on May 12, Mensur will be the first Forensic Science major to graduate from Anna Maria College.
“Graduating as the first forensic science major from Anna Maria College means so much to me. It’s been a rough road- classes like Organic Chemistry and Physics II really tested me- but every late night and challenge was worth it. The program not only pushed me academically but also prepared me for real world work in the field. I’m leaving my undergraduate program with the skills, experience, and confidence to make a difference.”
As Coordinator of the Forensic Science major, Dr. Kerriann Marden reports that “since joining the major, Mensur has been a real trailblazer, not only taking advantage of every opportunity available but also carving out new opportunities for himself.” He undertook two professional internships—one with Sequegen, a Worcester-based DNA sequencing company, and the other with the Worcester Police Department Crime Lab, during which he conducted research comparing different methods of luminescent development of latent fingerprints. He presented his results at the college’s 2025 Academic Symposium and is currently working on publishing an article in a peer-reviewed journal.
Department Chair Dr. Joan-Beth Gow remarked, “What stands out the most to me about Mensur is his genuine interest and engagement in everything he does. When you have a student like Mensur who doesn’t want to leave class when it’s over because he thinks the things he is learning ‘are just so cool’ you know his love of learning will take him far.”
Last spring, Mensur attended the annual conference of the New England Division of the International Association for Identification (NEDIAI) in a professional capacity, assisting WPD Crime Lab Staff member Amanda Lloyd. He has also served as a Lab Assistant for the Survey of Forensic Science class and as a tutor for the winter session course “Stranger than Fiction: Case Studies in Forensic Science.”
Mensur is currently applying for positions in the field of Forensic Science, and we have absolute confidence that he will make Anna Maria proud in his upcoming endeavors. We can’t wait to see what Mensur will do with his future, and we will continue to support him in every way possible!
