Donor Support Helps Student Make Her Mark in Forensics

March 10, 2026

When Sarah Acheson first toured Eastern Washington University, she knew it was the right fit. The Cheney campus is far enough from her home in Brier, Washington, to support independence, yet close enough to stay connected.

Drawn to EWU’s hands-on approach to learning, she pursued a degree in criminal justice that quickly led her toward forensic science. For her capstone project, Acheson collaborated with professionals at the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, researching the durability of latent fingerprints when exposed to ignitable liquids in arson cases.

Under the guidance of Professor Charles Hause, she combined classroom learning with real-world testing, using the same equipment found in active crime labs. In the spirit of Giving Joy Day, Acheson acknowledged her faculty mentors:

“They don’t just teach, they connect you with opportunities, send you jobs, write references, and help you move forward.”

As a result of her faculty mentors, Acheson was able to build professional relationships, gather publishable data, and submit her findings to the Journal of Forensic Identification, where her work had the potential to influence national investigative practices.

Now pursuing a career as a latent print examiner, she credits EWU faculty for opening doors and supporting her every step of the way.

“Instead of waiting until after graduation to discover what the work is like, I already knew, and I loved it!”

Acheson is grateful for the opportunities EWU provided. “I was able to do research that was exciting, meaningful, and could have a real impact on the field of forensics,” she says. “Experiences like this are what make Eastern students stand out, and they give us the chance to step confidently into our careers.”