Courtney Holt

Innovative and dependable team member with a positive attitude and passion for providing high-quality, detail-oriented results in death investigation processes. Proven ability to identify organizational needs, collect, analyze, and preserve biological and physical evidence. Possesses excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills.

• ATTENTION TO DETAIL, In my previous and current employment, I have cultivated a strong sense of attention to detail. In an accounting position that involves 13-15 million, small numerical mistakes can lead to disastrous financial consequences at a large university. Therefore, I have not only upheld, but created new practices that ensure greater attention to detail and minimize human error. In addition, as an Autopsy Tech, I have only improved my abilities to identify, process, and manage important details such as items with high evidentiary value, chain of custody documentation, and accurate case reporting. In my graduate studies, I have further expanded this strength by examining all coursework in a systematic fashion. My schoolwork is consistently thorough, direct, clearly communicated, and accurate. This would not be possible if I did not have a strong sense of attention to detail in my professional, educational, and personal life.
• COMMUNICATION, Communication is paramount for any individual or organization to be successful. In my current position at Texas Tech, I work in close conjunction with the other member of the accounting team. Without constant communication, processing and reconciling millions of dollars would not be possible. Our proficiency rate is in the high 90s and we have worked together to minimize error while streamlining the process to better assist students and their families. Regarding my Autopsy Tech position, communication is one of the core values for the success of any forensic autopsy facility. I routinely coordinated with outside law enforcement agencies, funeral homes, medical examiner's offices, and with an office team that facilitated a successful autopsy business. In my graduate studies, I have worked to create a reputation with faculty and other students that is built upon open communication. I actively participate in class, volunteered for an executive board position with FSS, and make myself available as a mentor for any current or future students.
• INTEGRITY, One of my strongest core values and strengths is my integrity. I handle money in my current work position. I must maintain ethical practices not only in handling of the cash or checks, but also display transparency in my processes and decisions. I also believe integrity includes owning your mistakes and bringing solutions along with your problems. In line with communication, transparency and accountability are vital to maintain personal and professional integrity. In my position at Texas Panhandle Forensics, I routinely led with integrity. I maintained strict confidentiality, adhered to lawful and departmental forensic practices, and maintained the integrity of all forensic evidence. In graduate school, especially during the pandemic, opportunities for academic dishonesty were more rampant due to online tests and virtual formatting. It was vital that I maintained the same standards of academic integrity as if we were in typical classroom settings. I made it a priority to maintain these boundaries and model that behavior for others.
• LEADERSHIP, In my current work position, I have undertaken a role of leadership. At Texas Tech, I have previously served on a Staff Morale committee, and I currently serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. After representing our department at the Big 12 LGBTQIA Summit, I pointed out the need for diversity and inclusion training and thus the committee was created. I am vocal in our departmental meetings and have offered new practices to streamline and improve our processes. I currently supervise a student worker and help the team to reach Texas Tech University's mandate to continue record breaking enrollment and student service. In my first semester of graduate school, we were needing graduate students to step forward to serve on the FSS executive board. Although I was new and working two jobs and taking full-time classes, I immediately stepped forward and volunteered to serve as the FSS Treasurer. I actively engage faculty and other students in classroom discussion and have worked to become a role model in the Forensic Science program at Texas Tech.

• TREASURER OF FORENSIC SCIENCE SOCIETY, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, FALL 2020, SPRING 2021, Handled all FSS funds - dues, payments, refunds, accounting, Organized financial documents from previous years, Attended events/meetings, Worked closely with the President to create fundraising opportunities during Covid, Help to create new banners for events and face masks for fundraising purposes
• VOLUNTEER WITH GOIN BAND FROM RAIDERLAND, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, FALL 2009, PRESENT, Attended all home games and games where the band travels, Provide logistical support in terms of transportation, set up, and break down of Goin Band equipment, Administer low level first aid and security