RICHELE THEODORE HOWELTON, Skip of ‘83

1.  In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
My initial love of math and science began at home with each of my parents being a part of those disciplines. After them, Sr. Ruth Marie was by far the most influential person leading me towards a career in chemistry and later into forensics. Although I was not “happy” about it at that time, she made sure that we LEARNED and UNDERSTOOD chemistry and physics material rather than just MEMORIZING it for a test or quiz. It came together rather easily to me after that! I laugh about it all the time when people tease me about “probably being a nerd in school” – not true (smile). I literally mention her more than anyone else as a part of my educational background at Ursuline. In addition to the math and science clubs and activities, I was involved in numerous choir, piano, photography and journalism activities which still allow me to enjoy many of the same lifelong interests and hobbies now.

2.  Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
I learned a great deal about pride and confidence during my 12 years at Ursuline Academy. The faculty and staff’s commitment to its students prepared me to more effectively work in today’s pre-dominantly female forensic environment. The learning atmosphere at Ursuline gave young ladies an opportunity to see (and experience) what could be done with the proper educational foundation, guidance and support. I am forever grateful knowing in my heart that anything is truly possible through Christ and the support of family and friends (biological and otherwise).

3.       Describe Ursuline in one word.
The word that stands out most significantly is SERVICE. Ursuline is continually producing a world full of unique young women having major attributes of what I call a “Servant’s Heart” (offering love, wisdom, skills, discipline and a healing touch to all those in need). Past and future graduates of Ursuline cannot ever leave those halls without being touched in some way by an environment dedicated to service!

ABOUT RICHELE
Richele Theodore is a native of New Orleans, LA and attended Ursuline Academy since the 1st grade. She fondly remembers ALL of the special women who touched her life daily while there (fellow students, teachers, counselors, advisors and the cafeteria staff)!

As a graduate of Xavier University of LA, Ms. Theodore received her B. S. Degree in Chemistry and completed four years of doctoral studies in Analytical Chemistry at Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas). Before joining the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) in 1997, she worked for Texaco Chemical Company as a Research Chemist (Austin, TX) and for Texaco Refining & Marketing, Inc as the Senior Laboratory Chemist (Bakersfield, CA). She co-authored three chemical patents during her tenure with Texaco.

Ms. Theodore is currently a Forensic Chemist at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (formerly the MEO), who thoroughly enjoys all aspects of her fulfilling career. She is a certified inspector for the American Society of Crime Lab Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD / LAB Legacy Program). As a part of her work experience with the Drug and Trace Laboratories, she routinely performs analyses on unknown compounds, illicit designer drugs and other items submitted from local, state or federal law enforcement agencies; she also analyzed evidence containing gunshot residue (GSR) from criminal offenses involving the firing of weapons. Her expert testimony experience involves 100+ criminal cases in local and federal court systems.

Striving to demonstrate attributes of service, she gives from the heart! Being an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the past 26 years, Richele has volunteered her time in the community and held various leadership positions. At The Church Without Walls (TCWW), she has contributed her time and energy to various projects and ministries including the New Member’s Ministry, Lydia’s Women Discipleship Group, Master Life Program, Vacation Bible School, the Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Diamonds in the Rough Mentoring Group and the Confabulation (Women in Transition) Ministry to mention a few.

During her forensic career, Richele has also mentored various minority students at all educational levels, taught Junior Achievement classes, spoken at numerous middle school, high school and college Career Days, prepared scientific presentations for management and appeared as a guest on the Debra Duncan Show with other law enforcement personnel to inform the public about issues related to drug abuse trends in the Houston, TX area. Since 2007, she has served on the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Advisory Board for her local (Cypress-Fairbanks) school district and is a Vice-President on the Executive Board for Cy-Fair’s Project Prom Committee. Continuing in line with her love of journalism as a former UA Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Richele was recently appointed as Editor for the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS) Journal which published in May of 2010.

Residing in the Houston area, Ms. Theodore is the proud mother of two beautiful teenagers, Jasmyne and Jardyn. She has a great love of chemistry and the Ursuline family provided her with confidence, pride and a firm foundation to build upon for a lifetime!