Senior Gabriella Muoio was one of just 35 competitively-selected students to participate in the 2023 FBI Pittsburgh Teen Academy on October 26th. While there, she gained a better understanding of the FBI and what it takes to keep America safe, highlighting various positions and career paths that work together to help in the mission to uphold the U.S. Constitution. She also was provided insight into a number of topics including the legal challenges of online communication platforms, understanding which federal law violations the FBI investigates, requirements of all FBI applicants, and the FBI’s domestic and international roles. She had the additional opportunity to engage with specialized individuals within the FBI - Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, Professional staff, Special Weapons and Tactics, Bomb Techs and the Evidence Response Team. 

"It was really eye opening to be there and to listen to all of the different jobs the special agents had before they came to the FBI,” Gabriella said. “I remember that one worked with art and another worked with plants. We were able to explore a fake crime scene and use the tools that an evidence response team would. We also got to have a discussion about an FBI case from two years ago and talk with the agent who was the head of it. It was almost like being in the presence of a celebrity. I liked hearing the stories and seeing the pictures of what the special agents do on a daily basis and to picture that that could be my job one day."

Gabriella’s desire to study criminal justice is inspired by father, who is a police officer, and other government and law enforcement workers who have been active in her life from a young age. Ultimately, she hopes to be an FBI special agent or work in security.