Lander Alumna Destiny Opotzner’s Career Is a Real-Life Crime Drama

Destiny Opotzner first made a name for herself at Lander University when she created the campus’ first True Crime Club.

The club meetings, which spanned topics ranging from forensic psychology to blood spatter investigation and handwriting analysis, were more than a hobby or morbid curiosity. Opotzner, who was majoring in forensic chemistry, was intent on a career in criminology and public safety. Sincegraduating in 2024, she has taken the knowledge gleaned from courses and lab sessions at Lander into the field where she’s collected fingerprints, retrieved DNA samples for analysis and performed the intricate crime scene work that TV viewers find on such popular shows as CSI, NCIS, Matlock and Law & Order.

“It’s just like television, but on a local level,” said Opotzner, whose first job was as a forensic evidence technician with the Greenville Department of Public Safety. “I’ve been to crime scenes to collect evidence for analysis in the lab. The experience has been important for my future.”

Education Key to Career Success

Opotzner, who came to Lander from Myrtle Beach as a freshman, credits the University with giving her the academic background she needs to pursue her goals. “If I hadn’t had the professors I had in chemistry, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” said Opotzner. “They push their students to excel, and that is very important. I also found my love for learning, and that is something that I will have throughout my life.”

As a new graduate, Opotzner already had decided she would continue her education by pursuing a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice through Lander’s College of Graduate and Online Studies.

“I like the research opportunities that the program provides,” said Opotzner, who has been interviewing forensic professors around the country on how true crime media programming affects forensic science. “Research is a priority for my future career.”

Expanding Her Interests in Public Safety

Realizing that she wanted to enhance her skills, Opotzner recently took a career turn and began working in the detention center in Greenville. “It has been an eye opener. You get very humbled very fast, but in a good way,” she said. “I’m very outgoing, and talking to the inmates and working them with them has been part of my professional growth.”

In October, Opotzner will undergo training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, which provides comprehensive training and certification for the state’s law enforcement professionals. “I will earn the certification needed for my job, and it is a good opportunity to build my resume,” said Opotzner, whose career goals include working in a coroner’s office and ultimately the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Public Safety Career Opportunities Abound

Nationally, the need for women in criminology and forensic science careers is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs for women in criminal justice and forensic fields are abundant and growing.

“Forensics is blossoming, and more women are entering the profession,” Opotzner said. “This is very empowering. Even at the detention center, many officers are females.”

Visit www.lander.edu/ms-cj for information on Lander’s M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice.