NEDERLAND — Actress Emily Deschanel’s portrayal of forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan has piqued the interest of recent Nederland High School graduate Jamie Matise for some time.
Sifting through human remains and letting scientific evidence solve crimes like the “Bones” character and characters in the popular NCIS series are what Matise will soon work toward.
Matise, 17, will soon head to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi where she will major in biology and later move into a career as a forensic pathologist.
“I grew up watching cop shows like Bones and NCIS,” Matise said adding that she contemplated a career in forensic anthropology like Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan but family explained it would be difficult to land a job in that field. The next natural fit — forensic pathologist.
Matise began working towards her goals in high school by taking double science courses, physics and anatomy and physiology honors classes in her junior year. In her senior year she took advantage of a new high school course, forensic science.
The teen is not the squeamish type.
“We studied blood spatter patterns and took part in a pig autopsy,” she said. “There were a lot of hands on projects and I ended up with a forensic science scholarship and was the first person at the school to get this scholarship.”
In addition, she also receive a Forensic Science Award for having the highest grade point average in the course.
Matise is a familiar face at the Nederland Parks and Recreation Center and the city’s pool. At the rec. center she answers phones, schedules appointments and greets the public while at the pool she works in the basket room and sometimes the concession stand.
When she’s not working she does some baby-sitting on weekends and has a passion for photography having taken some of her classmates’ senior photos.
A teen devoted to her hometown, Matise is a junior volunteer with the Nederland Heritage Festival.
“I’ve been doing this as long as I can remember,” she said of volunteering at NHF. Her parents also take part in the festival and she even received a junior volunteer scholarship from the Festival.
“I answer phones during the festival, run to the grocery store for last minutes items and help with the Special Needs Day which is my favorite,” she said. “I plan to come back for that.
Matise also dresses in costume and greets children during the Festival for Characters in the Park. She even found a special friend she has worked with for the past few years and looks forward to continuing the friendship.
Angela Fanette, parks and recreation supervisor, has enjoyed working with Matise.
“She’s very hospitable and she truly cares what we do at parks and rec.,” Fanette said. “She’s a sharp lady. Whatever she does in the future I know she will do well.”
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