November 8, 2019

The FBI Recognizes the History of Those Who #ServeWithSTEM

On National STEM Day, the FBI recognizes the importance of the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The FBI has a rich STEM history, having long relied on science and technology to protect the nation. The Bureau created its Laboratory in 1932, when the use of fingerprints to identify criminals was in its infancy. During World War II, the FBI leveraged sophisticated methods to intercept communications. In the 1980s, FBI scientists contributed to a new field of forensic science that helped catch the guilty and free the innocent. The Bureau established a Cyber Division in 2002 and the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate in 2006.

As we herald in another historic milestone in FBI history this year, we reflect on our past, present, and the promise of tomorrow. The FBI lauds the benefits of a diverse workforce, and we are reminded of the role diversity—in gender and ethnicity as well as skillsets and academic disciplines—plays in our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.

STEM permeates every part of our daily lives—and touches every FBI investigation. We count on STEM professionals to help us develop new technology and respond to new threats. These professionals work in all 56 field offices, in offices overseas, and at FBI Headquarters.

We continually recruit professionals with backgrounds in the hard sciences, engineering, and emerging STEM fields, including biologists, chemists, computer scientists, data scientists, data analysts, digital operations specialists, electronics engineers, and mathematicians. For example, members of our recently established Women in Information Technology Club recruit at colleges and universities and attend middle and high school career fairs.

A new exhibit opening in January at The FBI Experience, our self-guided tour at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., will further highlight our STEM history and vision. The exhibit will show how science and technology are used in investigations and will feature the contributions of chemists, evidence response teams, visual information specialists, and other STEM experts.

Those who #ServeWithSTEM have a history in the FBI—and a future role to play in its mission.