University’s Lee College Recognizes Exemplary Students

As a Charger and a member of the University’s Honors program, Anna Marcotte ’24, ’25 M.S. was committed to research. She was excited to build her skills and work with experts, which she did in the classroom, through her internship, and through her work on her thesis.

A forensic science major, Marcotte describes her thesis, titled, “Validation of an Extraction Kit for Use in the Field Detection of Low Dose Opioids,” as one of the accomplishments of which she is most proud. As she wrapped up her final semester as an undergraduate, she added another that created a great sense of pride, as she was recognized as part of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences 2024 awards ceremony.

Marcotte received an Honors medallion, which David Schroeder, Ph.D., associate dean of the Lee College, presented to Honors program students who completed four Honors courses, participated in Honors program activities, maintained a high GPA, and completed a thesis. Marcotte was also recognized as a John D. Hatfield scholar.

“The Honors medallion was a final recognition of the work I have put in for the last four years,” said Marcotte, a criminal justice minor who also served as a laboratory intern for RedWave Technology. “Between the courses and my thesis, I have spent many hours working toward my Honors program requirements, learning valuable lessons along the way about perseverance, problem solving, and research.”

‘People are seeing the hard work I put in’

As part of the ceremony, outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in every discipline in the Lee College, from criminal justice and national security to investigations and forensic technology, were recognized. They were lauded for service, academics, research, and dedication.

Marcotte also received the Outstanding Student in Forensic Science Award. She was one of two undergraduate students (along with Madison Marino ’25) to receive the award. Marcotte says this recognition was a wonderful surprise.

“I realized people are seeing the hard work I put in even when I don’t think that anyone is watching,” she said. “It was nice to realize that other people are seeing that effort. In a program full of driven and intelligent students, I was honored to be selected for the Outstanding Student in Forensic Science Award.”

‘I should be proud’

Faculty members presented the awards to meritorious students, praising their scholarship, leadership, and hard work. It was a celebration of all that the students have accomplished during the past academic year.

For Liam Orsini ’24, ’25 M.S., receiving an Honors medallion was especially meaningful. He says he doesn’t always reflect on his accomplishments, but as he wrapped up his final semester as an undergraduate and was recognized for scholarship and hard work, he thought of all he’d achieved as a Charger.

A new national security graduate, Orsini completed an internship at SafeAbroad, which prepares travelers and study abroad managers to navigate and manage the risks of international education. He also had his own experience studying abroad at the University’s campus in Prato, Italy, which he describes as the “most impactful” opportunity he had as a Charger.

“Receiving the award was beneficial to me as a way of validating my effort throughout these past four years,” said Orsini, who will return to the University this fall to pursue his master’s degree as part of the 4+1 program. “In most cases, I see a task, complete it, and look to move on to the next one. The award ceremony and the medallion reminded me that what I’ve done in my college career was significant and that I should be proud of what I've achieved.”

‘We are change agents’

As part of the ceremony, Sharonda Carlos ’19 MPA, deputy commissioner of administration for the Connecticut Department of Correction, received the Lee College’s lifetime achievement award. Speaking to the current students and soon-to-be alumni, she congratulated them and encouraged them to “stay committed.

“Maintain your courage to have strength amid opposition,” she continued. “You’re needed in this field. Know that we are change agents. We can take what we learned in the Lee College and apply it to make a difference.”

Marcotte, the new forensic science grad, is looking forward to continuing to make an impact. She will be returning to the University in the fall to begin her master’s degree in chemistry.

“The University has given me so many great opportunities to grow,” she said. “I am excited for what the next year has to offer."