Hello! My name is Genya Redondo. I am a senior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Forensic Science, minoring in Chemistry, and pursuing a Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation. I was born and raised in Utah and graduated from DeLand High School. Some of my favorite classes at UCF have been Criminal Profiling and Trace Evidence. In Criminal Profiling, my professor was a former detective who guided us through real cases he worked on throughout his career, providing valuable insight into investigative techniques and criminal behavior. In Trace Evidence, I conducted a research study evaluating how environmental conditions alter the chemical profiles of eyeshadow formulations using FTIR-ATR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ICP-OES for sample analysis and data interpretation.

I became involved in the STEM Ambassador Program because I am passionate about educating and inspiring K-12 students to pursue STEM careers. I hope to expand students’ awareness of the many career paths available within STEM by introducing lesser-known fields, including forensic science. Through outreach, I aim to help students explore disciplines that align with their interests, strengths, and future goals. I encourage future STEM students to take initiative, seek out research experiences and internships, build professional connections, and pursue additional education and training. Success often comes from actively pursuing new opportunities and being proactive in your academic and professional development. There are countless ways for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make meaningful relationships. The more involved you become, the more opportunities you create for yourself and your future.

On campus, I am involved in several STEM organizations and hold leadership positions within UCF Rotaract and UCF Extended. Outside of academics, dance has been an important part of my life for many years, helping me de-stress, stay active, and maintain balance among my various commitments. In my free time, I also enjoy visiting theme parks and reading.