Rafael Guereque, a junior at Wichita State, is a first-generation college student from Hugoton, Kansas, who is already gaining real-world experience in his chosen field of forensic science. Rafael is now interning with the Wichita Police Department. His work involves riding along with police officers and collaborating with forensic scientists. For Rafael, this hands-on experience is a critical part of his education.
“I’m excited to get some real-world experience in my field of study and to see how each aspect of law enforcement works together to ensure proficient and proper results,” Rafael said. This internship allowed him to observe how theory translates into practice and provides him the chance to build strong professional connections within the police department. Rafael hopes to refine his skills in writing professional reports — an essential part of his future career. “I’m already a strong writer, but there is a clear difference between writing an essay for class and writing a report for my career. I’ve always believed the best way to learn a job is to do it yourself,” he said.