Tyler Wotring, an alumnus of Forensic and Investigative Science, talks about what he has been up to since graduating in Spring 2008.
Briefly, describe your career path.
Coming out of school I was hired as a Research Analyst with the West Virginia High-Tech Consortium for the eCrimes Technology Support Center. Here I setup testing and validation procedures for hardware and software products that targeted the computer/digital forensics field.
Describe the work you do as a Computer Crime
Specialist with the National White Collar Crime Center.
As a Supervisor in the Computer Crime Section at the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) I work to assist in the training of state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement officers nationwide. I provide oversight and subject matter expertise in the areas of computer and mobile forensics, as well as technical assistance for officers working active cases.
What are you passionate about in your work?
I love having the opportunity to meet and network with officers all around our country and to help them as they investigate all different types of crimes. Every day presents new and exciting challenges. I enjoy staying up to date on the latest technologies and how they affect our current and future investigative capabilities.
Where is your career headed?
I have very good opportunities to continue to grow and expand my roles and responsibilities at NW3C. The world of technology is expanding quickly and being at NW3C I am able to be at the forefront of this growth.
How has your Eberly College experience helped shape your success?
My education and experience from the Eberly College helped me to get my foot in the door and differentiate myself from other candidates. I have been able to directly apply concepts learned to real-world situations.
How are you a game changer? Or, how are you making a positive impact in the world?
I am an extremely hard worker and always strive to continue learning new processes and techniques. Some of my satisfying work has come through training and assisting the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. I take great pride in knowing that what I do on a day-to-day basis helps to protect the youth of our nation.
What is the most interesting thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
By far the most interesting and rewarding thing to happen to me since graduating is becoming the father of two absolutely amazing kids.
Your favorite WVU memory?
My favorite memory from WVU is getting accepted into the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program where I was fortunate enough to meet and graduate with my beautiful wife.
How do you support and participate in the
department of Forensics and Investigative Sciences?
NW3C maintains a very good relationship with WVU and in particular the FIS program. This past summer I was able to take part in the Forensic Science Academy the program puts on every summer in which I presented on information regarding the field of Computer and Digital Forensics.
What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a career in Forensic and Investigative Science?
Continue to work hard, and network, network, network. The field of Forensics has many opportunities across our country, and in almost any of the disciplines. When you start, not every job will be a dream job. Don’t get frustrated, do your work, do it accurately, and you will make opportunity for yourself
