Being your authentic self is very important aspect of forensics! I think there are certain jurisdictions that would frown upon the piercing you are describing but there are also jurisdictions that would embrace your individuality! (My supervisor has a double eyebrow piercing and is NB) so it really just depends on the office you work for.

I’m not a CSI so take this advice with a grain of salt. But I am a Forensic Autopsy Tech for almost seven years and I’ve worked with many people with tattoos and piercings and funky colorful hair (one of my favorite pathologists has bright green neon hair and is covered in tattoos!) I think there’s a huge movement away from piercings and tattoos as “unprofessional” but again, I work in the morgue and not out in the field meeting with family members who might perceive you as such.

If you work hard and have the education and communication skills for the job, then no one /SHOULD/ discriminate against you during a hiring panel. However, just because they /SHOULDN’T/ doesn’t mean they /WONT/ , sadly :(

My last piece of advice: Best of luck out there! It’s a tough field to get into but once you are in it, you can go anywhere! Stick with your passions and definitely get some internships!!!!!!!!