UPB Student Earns Internship with FBI

A criminal justice major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been awarded a coveted internship with the FBI at its Behavioral Science Division in Quantico, Va., the first time a Pitt-Bradford student has ever received an internship with the bureau. Nathaniel Rhoades of Linesville, a senior who is pursuing a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology, will spend 10 weeks with the FBI in what is known as the bureau’s Serial Killer Unit. From June 16 to Aug. 22, Rhoades will assist special agents with various tasks. In order to do so, he had to get top secret security clearance. “An FBI internship at Quantico is truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said Dr. Tony Gaskew, assistant professor of criminal justice, “and truly validates the fact that Nathan is considered one of the top criminal justice students in the country. I am extremely proud of Nathan.” Rhoades, who hopes to work for the FBI one day, said he wanted to intern with the Behavioral Science Division because he wants to study criminal minds and eventually work as a forensic psychologist. "Working with the best helps you achieve the most and become the best,” Rhoades said. “What better place to really understand criminals and really help people than working in the FBI?” Rhoades credits Gaskew, who is his FBI internship faculty sponsor, with helping him secure the internship. Gaskew, who amassed 18 years of law enforcement experience before commencing a teaching career, helped Rhoades through the various contacts he made at the FBI during his previous career. Rhoades, who is the son of Lloyd and Cindy Rhoades, is a member of honor societies Alpha Lambda Delta, Psi Chi and Pi Gamma Mu. He was also the president of the Criminal Justice Club.