Aspiring scientists examine evidence in CBI's state-of-the-art laboratory
Colorado's forensic laboratories are undergoing a quiet revolution. Amid a DNA testing scandal that exposed critical vulnerabilities, an independent audit revealed systemic challenges in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) forensic unit—including severe understaffing and processing backlogs stretching over 18 months for sexual assault kits 3 . Yet within this crisis emerged an unexpected catalyst: the transformative role of student interns. Each summer, CBI opens its laboratories to a select group of aspiring scientists, creating a pipeline for talent that's now vital to the bureau's mission of rebuilding public trust while accelerating justice.
CBI's Forensic Services Internship targets natural science majors (juniors, seniors, or recent graduates) for a hands-on summer program. Unlike typical observation-based internships, participants engage in substantive casework under strict supervision:
Each intern proposes an original research project in their application—like optimizing DNA extraction methods or reducing contamination risks—which they then execute with a scientist mentor 1
12-20 hours weekly (June–August), balancing academic schedules with lab demands
Preference given to applicants receiving university credit, though unpaid professionally 1
| Phase | Deadline | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Application | February 1 | Cover letter, project proposal, transcripts, recommendation letter |
| Review | March | Academic standing assessment and proposal feasibility |
| Placement | May | Scientist mentor assignment |
Recent audits identified CBI's sexual assault kit processing delays as a critical failure. Interns contribute directly to resolving this crisis through structured workflows:
Log sexual assault kits using barcoded tracking systems to maintain chain-of-custody
Apply fluorescein spray to locate semen traces, photographing under alternative light sources 3
Use Chelex® resin to isolate DNA from epithelial cells while inhibiting contaminants
Measure DNA yield via real-time PCR (e.g., Quantifilerâ„¢ Trio kits)
Amplify 20 core loci using GlobalFilerâ„¢ PCR kits, then separate fragments via capillary electrophoresis
In 2024, intern teams processed 120 backlogged kits. Their work increased lab throughput by 18%, reducing average wait times from 22 to 16 months. Audits confirmed 100% protocol adherence—critical for restoring confidence after past data manipulation scandals .
| Reagent/Equipment | Function | Intern Access Level |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Light Source (ALS) | Visualizes biological fluids | Supervised use |
| Chelex® 100 Resin | Binds PCR inhibitors | Independent use |
| STR Typing Kits | Amplifies DNA markers | Data analysis only |
| LIMS Software | Tracks evidence workflows | Full training required |
CBI internships unlock exclusive forensic networks:
Eligible interns join Delta Delta Epsilon (minimum 3.3 GPA), connecting to national job shadows at agencies like the FBI or Tennessee Bureau 2
Top performers transition to year-long undergraduate projects—designing studies from "touch DNA recovery methods" to digital fingerprint analysis
Interns observe new quality control measures like the Forensic Oversight Board, implemented post-scandal to validate results
Colorado's $2.3 million lab overhaul (2025–2026) prioritizes two intern-driven initiatives:
Legislative funding adds 12 forensic scientist positions—many filled by former interns familiar with CBI protocols
Auditors recommend making the forensic unit independent within Colorado's Department of Public Safety, accelerating decision-making 3
| Pathway | % of Interns | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Labs | 42% | CBI, SMRTL, Utah State Crime Lab |
| Death Investigation | 28% | Medical Examiner Offices |
| Federal Agencies | 18% | FBI, DEA, Secret Service |
| Graduate Studies | 12% | Penn State, Loyola programs |
As Colorado's forensic unit evolves—implementing stricter oversight and faster processing—interns represent more than temporary labor. They embody the cultural shift toward transparency that audits demanded. For students, it's a masterclass in real-world forensic science; for Colorado, it's an investment in a justice system where backlogs never again deny victims answers. As Democratic Senator Mike Weissman emphasized: "The goal is to ensure we never end up with such a backlog again" . Through these internships, science and justice converge to build that future.
"Being part of CBI's rebuild taught me that forensics isn't just about data—it's about restoring trust."