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Kendyll Freeman ’21

What first interested you in your career? How did you discern your calling?

During my senior year, right before graduation, I went through a major existential crisis. For all four years at Covenant, my plan had been to pursue a career in healthcare—either as a doctor, PA, or nurse. However, during my senior year, I interned at Erlanger in both the pediatric and cardiology departments for my bio practicum, and I absolutely hated it. As an introvert, I found shadowing doctors and seeing patient after patient to be incredibly draining, and I dreaded going to my internship each day.

Despite this, I still enjoyed the academic side of biology. I worked in the bio department at Covenant as part of my work-study, helping with labs, and I found that fulfilling. During this period of uncertainty, Dr. Nelson shared an email he had received from the University of Kentucky about their Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics program. I looked it up, and since I met all the prerequisites, I decided to apply on a whim, even though I knew very little about forensics at the time. Looking back, I’m confident it was the right decision, as I really enjoy what I do now.

What has your career path looked like since graduating from Covenant?

After Covenant, I went to the University of Kentucky where I received my masters in forensic toxicology and analytical genetics. During my grad program, I completed two internships: one at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory in their DNA Analysis Unit and the other at the Gluck Equine Research Center in the Genetic Testing Laboratory. Following graduation, I accepted a job at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, TX, as a Forensic Biologist I. I was there for a little over a year and then accepted a job at the Adams County Crime Lab in the Denver, CO, area as a DNA Analyst.

Looking back now, how did Covenant prepare you for graduate work and your career?

I think the biology department did a good job at laying the foundations so that my transition into a graduate program went very smoothly. I also had several faculty at Covenant take the time to consult with me on my grad school thesis project while at Kentucky.

As a scientist, I tend to think in terms of facts and evidence, so faith has never come easily to me. Growing up, I was in a tradition that often focused on the emotional aspects of faith. However, during my time at Covenant, I discovered that true faith isn't just about emotions—it also engages the intellect. This was something I had long been craving but couldn’t fully articulate. I appreciated that at Covenant, I had the opportunity to take theology classes on doctrine and biology classes exploring creation, human origins, and ethics. These classes encouraged me to ask tough questions, wrestle with doubts, hear a range of perspectives, and ultimately develop my own beliefs—beliefs that are still rooted in Scripture and biblically sound. Covenant provided an intellectually satisfying environment where I could explore and grow in my faith in a way that integrated both reason and belief.

What do you most enjoy about your career?

What I enjoy most about my career in a crime lab is the sense of moral fulfillment it brings. One of the main reasons is that science is unbiased. When I report my results, I’m not tailoring them to fit any side of the case, whether it's for the prosecution or defense; I’m simply reporting what the evidence shows. This objectivity is crucial in criminal cases, as science plays a strong role in helping to uncover the truth and bring justice to difficult situations.

When I work sexual assault cases, I see firsthand how devastating an assault can be. The feeling of losing control during and after such an experience is deeply traumatic. I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of a process that helps victims regain a sense of control over a situation that is, by nature, so traumatic. By pursuing justice through the legal system, I believe we can help provide victims with the opportunity to heal, as well as hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

In what ways does your faith inform your career? 

Isaiah 1:17 says, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed..." I believe my job aligns with this calling. It’s about serving others and bringing truth and justice to a broken world. I feel like I'm part of a larger mission to help victims reclaim their dignity and seek justice, answering God's call to care for the marginalized and vulnerable.

In what ways have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life post grad?

I can definitely see God’s faithfulness in my life, especially looking back at the way things unfolded post-graduation. I needed to go through that existential crisis to get to where I was meant to be. At the time, I had such a tight grip on the vision I had for my future. When everything started falling apart, I felt lost, confused, and angry. But in the midst of that chaos, God led me to forensics, and the life I have now is so much more fulfilling than the one I had originally planned.

During that time, I learned to trust that I would end up exactly where God wanted me to be. Since then, I've experienced a peace that comes from surrendering control of my future. I live with much less anxiety about what's to come, knowing that God has been faithful in providing job opportunities and building new relationships in the different cities I’ve moved to. It’s clear to me that God has been guiding me every step of the way, and I’m incredibly grateful for His faithfulness in shaping my journey.

What advice would you give students who are considering Covenant?

I attended Covenant for my undergrad and then went to a large SEC state school for grad school. Both experiences have their benefits and drawbacks, but one of the biggest advantages of attending a smaller school like Covenant is the strong sense of community. At Covenant, you're able to form meaningful relationships with both your peers and the staff. It's a place where, even walking across campus, you’ll likely recognize someone. There's a deeper sense of belonging that comes naturally in a smaller environment. In contrast, at a larger school, you have to be more intentional and put in extra effort to build those connections and feel like you're truly a part of the community.

I think my biggest piece of advice for biology students is to remember that there are fields in biology outside of healthcare. Don't be afraid to explore your options in research, academia, public health, industry, etc.

Why did you choose Covenant?

I knew I wanted to play soccer in college and immediately fell in love with the campus when I came up for a camp my junior year of high school.

What are some fond memories or a favorite story from your time at Covenant?

My favorite memories are definitely from my time on the soccer team and my time living on third south. I'd still consider some of my closest friendships to be those that I made while at Covenant. While I no longer live in the same state as any of them, they are still the people I go to when I have something exciting to share or am going through a tough period. My friendships from Covenant have stayed strong in a way that sets them apart from others.