There is a strong, potent scent surging from the Missouri Southern crime laboratory.

The entire office is quiet except for the soft clinging noises of beakers every few minutes and the sound of shuffling papers. The crime laboratory staff is focused on its work.

Ashley Lankford, part-time forensic analyst, is a new staff member learning the ropes in the criminal justice department at Southern. This 22-year-old, originally from the area, graduated last May from Oklahoma State University with a biology degree.

The biggest obstacle for Lankford in college was time managing between school and friends.

“It’s not a good idea to dedicate your entire time to just one area,” Lankford said.

Lankford returned to Joplin to be with her parents and sister. She has come back home after some time to find some changes.

“Most of my friends have moved away,” she said.

A busy schedule keeps Lankford alert.

She is a part-time crime laboratory worker for Southern, an employee at Express at Northpark Mall and substitute teaches science class.

“I’m impressed with her accomplishments for her age,” said Regan Lee, forensic serologist and DNA annalist. “If there’s one word to describe her it’s ‘multi-tasker.'”

Lankford said she enjoys her work and the people are friendly. She said the people in the crime laboratory are personal, so when a new member comes in “it was like 20 Questions.”

“It was intimidating at first,” Lankford said, “because I was the youngest.”

Sometimes her age adds an interesting factor to her new job.

“It’s weird to see people I graduated with walk into classes, when I’m walking into the lab,” she said.

Her busy schedule doesn’t leave much time for leisure, but Lankford enjoys dancing, golfing and working out.

“You can find me in the gym just about everyday,” Lankford said.

Lankford’s dreams are of one day becoming a full-time crime laboratory employee in a larger city, but for now she said she would like to stay at Southern and form confidence with her knowledge.