Isabel Davis came to Methodist University knowing already what it is she wanted to do. From the beginning, she had her eyes on the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science program at MU, with her sights set on becoming an arson investigator. She knew she didn’t want a desk job. She wanted something hands-on, that would keep her in the field where she could make a difference.
Isabel Davis came to Methodist University knowing already what it is she wanted to do. From the beginning, she had her eyes on the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science program at MU, with her sights set on becoming an arson investigator. She knew she didn’t want a desk job. She wanted something hands-on, that would keep her in the field where she could make a difference.
Methodist University laid the tracks to that goal through the hands-on interactions and experience of the CJFS program. The mentorship and opportunities in the field helped Davis begin turning direction into a blueprint. The confidence in where she was headed in her career path was noticeable. Associate Professor of Forensic Science Steve Downs said Davis stood out before she even made headway in the program.
“She entered the Forensic Science Program with purpose, direction, and a strong sense of what she wanted to accomplish in the field,” Downs said.
Case Overview: Subject Profile
Davis’s decision to attend Methodist University was intentional. Raised in a family with a background in military and public service, she had an interest in criminal justice and knew she wanted a career that worked directly with the community.
Originally from the Spring Lake area near Fayetteville, she spent her high school years overseas but always planned to return home to Fayetteville for college. Once she received a mailer for Methodist University’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Program, her decision was solidified. It was exactly where she saw herself: being back home, commuting, and taking advantage of scholarships opportunities.
“It was a smart decision for me to be close to home and take advantage of their program,” Davis said.
Many students step foot on campuses still exploring or weighing options for their careers, but Davis says she’s always been in her own lane.
“I’m an unusual case in the program,” she said. “I’ve known exactly what I wanted to do since I started here.”
She took that mindset into how she approached her journey at MU. The senior didn’t have to figure it out along the way; she focused on building the case for the goal she already had.
“I came into the program knowing what I’m interested in and how to reach that goal,” she said.
That mentality helped her take advantage of opportunities early, from internships to networking, and how to use her resources.
Field Preparation: Criminal Justice and Forensic Science at MU
Preparing students for careers is part of the culture within the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Program at MU, but for Davis, that meant fully immersing herself into experiences that would take her beyond the learning in the classroom.
“They help us go to networking opportunities like conferences and they push us out in the real world to get a feel for what we’re signing up for,” Davis said.
That early exposure is something Downs said reflects how she approached her work overall.
“Curiosity is one of the highest compliments I can give a student,” he said. “It shows a genuine desire to grow, stretch yourself, and engage deeply with the discipline.”
Her passion, enthusiasm to learn, and mentorship from CJFS staff and professors pushed Davis to make the most of what would come her way.
On The Scene: Fayetteville Police Department
Davis’s first major step into the field came through an internship with the Fayetteville Police Department. The department was handling a high-profile homicide investigation case and sought additional support. Due to the department’s working relationship with MU staff, when faculty were asked to recommend students who could assist, Davis fit the profile and was selected. According to Downs, that kind of opportunity speaks for itself.
“Opportunities like that are earned, not given,” he said. “They reflect the trust that professionals have placed in her abilities, her maturity, and her commitment to the field.”
What started out as clerical work – helping organize files and managing paperwork – over time, became so much more.
“The first few months I was helping sort files, and it was clerical, but the more I was involved, the more callouts I went on,” she said.
Her responsibilities grew, and so did her exposure, connections, experience, and she came to better understand how investigations run in real time.
“I made great connections,” she said. “It’s helped propel me and put me above other applicants later on in my career.”
On Assignment: North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Her next opportunity gave her insight into her long-term goal of becoming an arson investigation. Davis applied for an internship with the N.C. Bureau of Investigation and was chosen for the fall program. Knowing the agency had an arson unit, and having previously connected the unit’s investigator, she was able to live out a day in the life of what her future could be.
“I applied for their internship and shadowed him specifically,” she said.
Although her focus was on arson investigation, the experience opened her eyes to more.
“I was shadowing an arson investigator, but I went to homicides, officer-involved shootings, and a bunch of other emergency callouts.”
Downs said her ability to step into those environments and perform reflects her preparation.
“Her current internship with the N.C. Bureau of Investigation further reinforces that she has prepared herself well and continues to pursue meaningful professional experience,” he said.
The work she said was unpredictable, fast-paced, and real. However, it allowed her to experience what the job demands were and where she fits in within the field.
First Response: Fire Service
Outside of her classes and internships, Davis has also spent the last three years volunteering with the Stony Point Fire Department, adding yet another natural layer to her public safety experience. Her ongoing work in fire service she says is just another push, along with her classes, and internships, toward her long-term goal in arson investigation.
“The training I’ve done, whether it be through my internships, through school or through my fire connections, they count towards my training and my resume later,” she said.
Between classes, her internship with Fayetteville Police Department, her time with the State Bureau of Investigation, and fire training that sometimes requires her to be on call, Davis has had to learn how to manage it all.
“Balancing Fayetteville PD, the SBI, and school and fire classes was a challenge, but I think it was well worth my time,” she said.
Off-Duty
Davis says she owes the ability to balance and reset to her support systems and having a release. Outside of the time she put in for work focusing on her career, Davis also serves as vice president of the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Association and participates in club volleyball at MU. In a field that can be demanding, she understands the importance of having an outlet.
“I wouldn’t be able to have any of these opportunities without my support groups,” she said, “and my professors are a huge help.”
Final Report
Davis entered Methodist University knowing what she wanted to do. Now, she has a clearer understanding of how to get there.
“I want a job and a career I can be proud of,” she said. “I want to feel fulfilled. I want to help people.”
Through her experiences, classes, and internships, her understanding of what’s next is more apparent than ever.
“I didn’t know the ins and outs of the process,” she said. “Doing the forensic classes on campus and through my internships opened my eyes. I think I’m more geared towards the detective route than CSI.”
Realizing the journey would require her to be a sworn officer, her next steps are already in motion. Following her internship experience with FAYPD, she applied to work with the department after graduation.
“My next steps is going to be the police academy,” she said.
Her goal now coming together backed by experience, preparation, and direction that she gained through Methodist University (Case closed.)
“This is it for me,” Davis said.
For more information on Criminal Justice and Forensic Science opportunities as a Monarch visit: methodist.edu/academics/program/forensic-science-csi/.