Samantha
Supervisory Special Agent
Albany Field Office
I served in the Army as a military intelligence officer, spent time in Kosovo on a peacekeeping mission, and was deployed to serve in Iraq in 2003. I entered the FBI Academy in February 2004 and was assigned to an intelligence squad in the New York Field Office.
Intelligence efforts were growing in the post-9/11 FBI, but I was eager to put my math and science background to greater use. I was able to do that as part of the Computer Analysis Response Team (CART)—first in New York and Washington and then in Portland, Oregon. I also spent time on a cyber squad in Portland. Now, with the Albany Field Office, I supervise both a cyber squad and a CART.
What drew you to the FBI?
Like many agents of my generation, The Silence of the Lambs made an impression on me with its portrayal of a strong female agent who was just getting it done. Through my schooling and early career, I always had the FBI as a goal in the back of my mind.
Describe your most memorable case or investigative success.
My team in Portland did all the digital forensics on the devices of a suspect believed to be sending letters containing white powder to prominent people. Our modern devices create tons of data that can link a person to a crime. Sooner or later everyone makes a mistake—even those who are incredibly savvy.
On this suspect’s devices, we were able to find clear evidence that linked him to the crime. This work is really fun and challenging because technology is always changing and the techniques used by the bad guys are always changing, too. We have to stay ahead of both.
What is the best career or life advice you have to give?
I’ve had several people who have given me great advice at different points in my career. The biggest thing that helped me was this: It’s not a failure if you get knocked down, it’s a failure if you stay down. I believe that if you work hard, do the right thing, and treat people well, it’s going to show.
What does it mean to make room at the table? Why does it matter?
Diversity is important to the FBI. We all come from different backgrounds and different ways of thinking. I often think about Abraham Lincoln and his decision to choose advisors whose views conflicted with his own. If you engage with the people who disagree with you, it will force you to truly think everything through and find the best way forward.