A Life of Purpose, Precision, and Passion in Forensic Science

For Lisa Gilbert, education was never a question—it was an expectation. Growing up in a household where the phrase “when you go to college” was part of everyday conversation, she knew from an early age that higher education would be central to her life’s journey.
“Education was, and still is, very important in our family,” she shared. “College opened the world to me. I met professors who inspired me and classmates who became lifelong friends.”
Lisa earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Governors State University in 1990, and later returned to complete her master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry in 1994. The foundation she built at GovState would ultimately launch her into a career spanning more than 25 years in forensic science.
Her path wasn’t always linear. She initially considered a career in pharmacy and worked as a pharmacy technician while in school. But one pivotal moment at GSU changed everything.
“I’ll never forget it,” she said. “Dr. Joyce Mohberg cut her biochemistry lecture short so we could attend a presentation by a recruiter from the Illinois State Police. They were building a new forensic science laboratory and needed to hire 85 forensic scientists. That day changed everything.”
Since then, Lisa has worked in both drug chemistry and latent fingerprint analysis. Now, she serves as a lecturer in the Forensic Science Program at Loyola University Chicago, where she mentors students who are pairing their forensic training with diverse fields such as law, anthropology, nursing, and cybersecurity.
One of her most memorable cases involved identifying a John Doe from a house fire using fingerprint techniques. She rehydrated desiccated hands using warm water and Palmolive dish soap, removed the skin, and carefully rolled fingerprints using her own hands in latex gloves. That fingerprint match brought closure to the case—and highlighted the deeply human side of forensic science.
A proud first-generation college graduate, Lisa knows firsthand the pressure and responsibility that come with blazing a new trail. “Every journey is unique,” she says. “Stay open. I found support in the most unlikely places.”
Her time at Governors State continues to shape her worldview. “As a young person, GSU felt like home. I was close to family and still got the full college experience. Now, I can fully appreciate the support from faculty, the small class sizes, and the life-changing mentorship I received.”
She credits several professors—Dr. Joyce Mohberg, Dr. Phyllis Klingensmith, and Dr. Karen D’Arcy—not just for their academic excellence, but for what they represented. “These were women with PhDs in their fields. That mattered. Representation matters.”
Lisa encourages today’s students to engage deeply with the field and take advantage of professional opportunities early. “Join a professional organization as a student. Attend conferences. Volunteer. Network. That’s how you stay current and get connected to job opportunities before they even hit the market.”
For those still considering whether forensic science is the right fit, she advises, “Reach out. Schedule a tour, talk to a forensic science advisor, get some behind-the-scenes exposure. There’s more to CSI than meets the eye.”
From a chance lecture interruption to a meaningful, decades-long career, Lisa Gilbert’s journey is a testament to curiosity, courage, and the lifelong value of a Governors State education.