Commencement Spotlight: MaKya Daniels, Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science  
Future Plans: Mental Health Counselor, Rutledge State Prison 

MaKya Daniels, a Cuthbert, Georgia native, will graduate on May 6 with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. She is a member of the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program and the Forensic Science Club.  

Committed to community service, she has volunteered to present information about forensic science to the gifted program at an elementary school and volunteered at the Helping Hands Daycare.  

Dedicated to academic excellence, she made the dean’s list, maintained a 3.5 or above grade point average since 2021, and will graduate as an honors and merit scholar.  

While enrolled, she participated in the Center for Undergraduate Research and studied the “Application of CeO2 Nanoparticles in Removal of Toxic Methylene Blue from Aqueous System.” The study provided a baseline to understand the photochemical behavior of UV blockers nanoparticles (CeO2) and their potential application in methylene blue dye removal from an aqueous system. 

She accepted a position as a Mental Health Counselor at Rutledge State Prison. She also plans to return to ASU to obtain a master’s degree in criminal justice.  

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?  
The motivation came from my love for science. Even as a child in elementary school, it was always my favorite subject. When I got to high school, CSI shows really captured my attention, and I knew then that this was what I wanted to do. I guess you can say that I was under what I now know as the “CSI effect.” 
 

Why did you choose ASU?  
It wasn’t a hard decision. Only a few schools in Georgia offer forensic science, and ASU is one of them. Also, it is close to home. A benefit is that ASU is the only HBCU and the only Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accredited degree program in the state of Georgia.  

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?  
It involves me using something that I already love (science) and applying it to the real world in an interesting way.  There is always something different going on. No crime scene or investigation will be the same. 

 

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?  
My mother has made the biggest impact on my life. She never let being a single mother stop her from doing anything she wanted to or still wants to do today.  

My role models at ASU would have to be the entire forensic science department. Because we are a smaller department, they work extremely hard to make sure that we always feel large and that we are always included. They ensure we have just as many opportunities as any other major. Especially Dr. Uzoma Okafor. 

 

What are you passionate about outside of your education? 
My family. They motivate me every day to never give up. 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?  
Never give up! There will be many days where you feel like it is the easiest thing to do, but just take a second to breathe and try as hard as you can to think about your future and how fulfilling it will be to have a degree that you’ve worked so hard for.  

Talk to someone, it doesn’t matter who. It could be a stranger, but I promise you will feel better after talking to someone. Cry if you must. There is nothing wrong with having a bad day and crying about it. 

 

What would you tell a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?  
It would be a great decision. This is a good school to be around people who look and act like you, from the faculty and staff to the students. You will never feel out of place because there is something here for everyone.