Electron spin has great potential for use in electronic device applications. To that end, our research group focuses on using optical pump-probe techniques to study electron spin dynamics in semiconductor materials. My current project began with an observation of an unexpected dependence of electron spin polarization in gallium arsenide on external magnetic field history. In this talk, I will recount this mystery and how we have set out to solve it. Join me as we search for clues and interrogate the prime suspect, dynamic nuclear polarization. Along the way, I will introduce the key concepts vital to understanding our experiments. Together, we will unravel the mystery of an unexpected spin phenomenon in gallium arsenide as I present a tale of intrigue and spin dynamics.