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About Assistant Professor Jillian Conte

When Assistant Professor Jillian Conte joined the Keystone College faculty at the start of the 2016-17 fall semester, she was optimistic that she was in the right place at the right time. After teaching forensic biology for nearly a full year, Jillian realizes her instincts were absolutely correct.

A native of nearby Peckville, Pa., Jillian received her undergraduate degree from Misericordia University, her master of science degree in forensic science from Cedar Crest College, and is pursuing her doctorate in cellular and molecular biology from the University of the Sciences.

She has been an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University, Arcadia University, Lehigh/Carbon Community College, the University of the Sciences, and online for Southern New Hampshire University. She has worked professionally as a forensic biologist at NMS Labs and as a biochemist for Merck & Co. Jillian also served as a forensic biologist for the television show “Explorer” on the National Geographic Channel.

“Forensic biology is a profession with a bright future.”

“Forensic biology is a profession with a bright future, and I feel that Keystone really has a lot to offer our students,” Jillian said. “Projections show forensic biology to have a 27 percent growth rate through 2024 and that’s a higher rate than most professions.”

Keystone offers a forensic biology concentration within the natural sciences degree program. Students receive a broad-based education covering biological, chemical, and physical science methods, including extensive laboratory work.

“Forensic biology is such an exciting profession that can lead to rewarding careers such as crime scene investigators, positions with federal agencies, state and local police forces, laboratories, genetic testing companies and much more,” Jillian said. “It really is a career not only for the present but for the future.”

Jillian said her experience as a forensic biologist has been satisfying both professionally and personally.

“For me, there are rewards that go beyond a job title or a paycheck. It’s really satisfying to know that you’ve had a role in seeing justice done and bringing closure to the families of victims.”

Assistant Professor Jillian Fesolovich recently served as a forensic expert for the National Geographic television program, Explorer.