Alum credits Stonehill for his success

By Elizabeth Ednie

For Stonehill alumni, Andrew Schweighardt, helping to identify the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City 20 years ago is personal.

His cousin was one of the 2,753 victims killed when two planes slammed into the Twin Towers.

“My cousin, Joseph Anchundia was 26 years old and working on the 104th Floor of the South Tower when it was struck on 9/11. When the towers collapsed, 2,753 people died, and Joseph is one of the approximately 1,100 victims who remain unidentified to this day. I saw the pain that an event like this can cause for victims and their families, and I realized how important it is for victims and their families to have answers, no matter how long it takes,” Schweighardt said.

After the attacks, Schweighardt knew he wanted to enter the forensic science field to help victims and their families receive answers.

Schweighardt, who graduated from Stonehill in 2006 with a biochemistry degree, eventually went onto become a forensic scientist to work as a criminalist with the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Schweighardt credits Stonehill for the impact on his career path. He said that taking courses in various disciplines such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics enhanced his interest in DNA and human identification.

“Without the education I received in the Science Department at Stonehill, I never would have fully realized my interest in, and the importance of, forensic DNA testing,” Schweighardt said.

While Schweighardt spent most of his time at Stonehill in the Shields Science Center, he also emphasizes the importance of the cornerstone program, noting that taking courses in the humanities benefited him within his science-focused major.

“The cornerstone classes that I took were just as important as the science courses where I was focusing on my specialty. A person could be the most knowledgeable scientist, but if they have no religious, philosophical, or ethical context in which to frame their work, then this could prevent them from reaching their full potential.”

In reflecting back on his Stonehill years, Schweighardt recalls a time where a professor pushed him to take an on campus job which helped him in the long run.

“My Philosophy professor, Dr. Fred Petti recommended me to become a campus tour guide. Prior to being nominated by Prof. Petti, I was timid and had difficulty with public speaking. When I asked Prof Petti why he nominated me, he said, ‘It will help you think on your feet.’ I know Prof. Petti recognized my weakness, but I am grateful that he saw the potential in me to be better. Without him nominating me for the tour guide position, I never would have had the courage to pursue it on my own.”

Thanks to his professor, Schweighardt said that the tour guide position helped him develop public speaking skills and gave him proficient communication skills that he now needs in his work.

“I must be able to communicate effectively with my peers at professional conferences, with laypersons on a jury, with attorneys, and sometimes even with families of victims as part of our lab's 9/11 identification work.”

While at Stonehill, Schweighardt devoted lots of time to his studies, but wishes he had more fun.

“It’s important for students to realize that it may be one of the few times in their lives when they have the freedom to explore so many opportunities for adventure,” he said.

Schweighardt said he was always interested in science, although the September 11, 2001 attacks was the main reason why he decided to pursue a career in the forensic science field.

In high school, when he was asked about his future plans, his answer was simple: “to prove that science can triumph over evil.”

After his cousin died, he realized how much science can contribute to restoring some sense of balance after a traumatic event. Recent advancements in technology have helped the process of DNA identification, in that results come back faster and more accurately.

“At the end of the day, I find the work extremely rewarding, knowing that my work makes such a difference to the people that I serve,” he said.