Samantha Cochran
Fairmont,WV
Summary
Criminal Justice student pursuing a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Forensic Science and professional experience in protective services, security operations, laboratory operations, and criminal justice settings. Background includes facility and physical security, evidence handling and chain-of-custody, emergency preparedness, laboratory procedures, and security documentation. Strong skills in research, communication, organization, and handling sensitive information, with experience working in both independent and collaborative environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Protective Services Intern
NASA Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V)
Fairmont, West Virginia
06.2025 - Current
- Completed Facility Security Assessment, resulting in elevation of Facility Security Level (FSL) from Level 2 to Level 3, enabling pursuit of NASA Critical Infrastructure (NCI) designation.
- Supported vulnerability surveys, physical security documentation, and corrective action planning.
- Completed FEMA/DHS coursework in ICS, NIMS, physical security, and active shooter response.
- Developed an Operations Security (OPSEC) training program and supporting awareness materials, with ongoing updates to support future implementation and distribution.
- Continued reviewing and preparing for the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) project while awaiting approval to begin active development.
- Assisted with updates to the Building Emergency Plan (BEP) to support facility emergency preparedness and response planning.
- Provide ongoing support to IV&V Protective Services (Code 240), assisting with various program activities and operational needs.
- Update and maintain the IV&V Protective Services (Code 240) SharePoint site, including organizing program materials and documentation.
Lab Assistant II
West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services
South Charleston, West Virginia
07.2024 - 03.2025
- Processed specimens and maintained accurate laboratory records, data entry, and reporting.
- Managed chain-of-custody documentation for specimens and laboratory materials.
- Screened, sorted, and distributed incoming specimen mail and coordinated materials for laboratory processing.
- Followed established laboratory procedures and quality standards to support accurate specimen handling, documentation, and processing.
- Supported laboratory personnel with daily operations while handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
- Prepared and shipped supply boxes to facilities and providers for specimen collection and return to the laboratory for testing.
Intern
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive
Charleston, West Virginia
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Gained hands-on exposure to evidence handling, chain-of-custody procedures, investigative documentation, and evidence management.
- Assisted with firearm investigations, evidence handling, and controlled purchases while gaining exposure to federal investigative procedures.
- Assisted with administrative and research tasks supporting ongoing investigations and investigative activities.
- Observed and supported surveillance operations, investigative interviews, and court proceedings.
- Attended the Crime Gun Intelligence Summit and gained exposure to firearm tracing and forensic investigative methods.
- Toured state forensic laboratories to expand understanding of forensic evidence analysis and the role of laboratory findings in criminal investigations.
Work Study Student
West Virginia State University Police Department
Institute, WV
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Shadowed law enforcement officers during daily operations and gained firsthand exposure to campus policing and public safety procedures.
- Developed an understanding of law enforcement procedures, professional accountability, ethics, and community-oriented policing.
- Observed report writing, traffic operations, community policing activities, and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.
- Observed evidence intake procedures and gained exposure to proper evidence handling and documentation practices.
- Assisted with report organization, documentation, and other departmental support tasks.
Team Supervisor
Buff City Soap
Charleston, West Virginia
05.2022 - 02.2024
- Supervised daily store operations and coordinated team responsibilities to maintain an organized and efficient work environment.
- Trained and supported new employees on store procedures, daily responsibilities, product knowledge, and customer service expectations.
- Supported team members throughout daily operations and helped ensure tasks and store expectations were completed effectively.
- Provided customer service and resolved customer concerns professionally while helping maintain a positive and welcoming environment.
- Assisted with inventory management, product organization, cash handling, and opening and closing responsibilities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Emphasis
West Virginia State University
Institute, WV12-2026
Skills
- Facility Security Assessments & Physical Security
- Operations Security (OPSEC)
- Emergency Management & Continuity Planning
- Evidence Handling & Chain-of-Custody
- Laboratory Operations & Specimen Processing
- Research & Documentation
- Data Entry & Records Management
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Fast learner
Certification
- Classified National Security Information (CNSI) Policy Familiarization
- FEMA Incident Command System (ICS)
- FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- Active Shooter Response
- Physical Security Awareness
- QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certification
Timeline
Protective Services Intern
NASA Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V)
06.2025 - Current
Intern
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive
08.2024 - 12.2024
Lab Assistant II
West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services
07.2024 - 03.2025
Work Study Student
West Virginia State University Police Department
11.2023 - 11.2024
Team Supervisor
Buff City Soap
05.2022 - 02.2024
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Emphasis
West Virginia State University