Can you tell us about your Natural Sciences journeY? 

Watching the first ‘true crime’ Forensic Science focused programmes in the late 1980’s (Indelible Evidence) had me completely hooked, but it never crossed my mind that I could actually become a Forensic Scientist. 

After having various jobs in retail and banking for around ten years, I realised that I was feeling unfulfilled and decided to follow a dream and I started my degree at the age of 30. It was the biological aspects of the discipline that really interested me, so I studied a combined honours. It was the perfect combination of honours for me. 

My first job after graduating was as a Forensic DNA Analyst at Key Forensic Services. I actually use to come back to Manchester Met to see my lecturers, as I had built good relationships with them during my studies. It felt nice to keep that relationship going. On one visit, I bumped into one of my lecturers who mentioned that Key Forensics were looking for graduate recruits. It so happened that the closing date was that day, so I quickly applied and was fortunate to be accepted into their graduate scheme. 

Recently, I was promoted to Senior Forensic Biologist at the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) in Toronto, Canada. I moved to Canada in 2017 and started working at CFS a year later. I was originally a Forensic Biologist and was responsible for examining items related to criminal activity and submitting samples for DNA analysis. 

My role now involves being responsible for quality checks during the DNA process and the final review for each sample that is released for reporting cases. The role also entails troubleshooting any laboratory technical issues, research and development into new equipment and protocols, as well as validations of any new equipment. 

What are your greatest achievements so far?   

My achievements include being published in related to my postgraduate research, gaining a Lecturer position at Manchester Met in Forensic Biology six years after graduating and attaining the position at CFS in competition with over 450 other candidates. I appreciate how lucky I was to be selected, as CFS is the only Forensic Science organisation in Ontario. I was also very lucky that the position was advertised so soon after my arrival in Canada, as vacancies like this do not come up that often. However, I also have to accept that it wasn’t all down to luck and I had a role to play in being selected! 

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Natural Sciences?  

From all the skills gained during my time at Manchester Met, laboratory proficiency was the most beneficial. All of the interviews for Forensic Science positions I have held involved a practical element, testing pipette handling, PPE awareness and the ability to create a working stock solution. These are all skills I developed in the practical parts of my degree. 

I’d advise students to become experts in the practical side of their studies. Don’t use the lab opportunities as something you just have to get done as quickly as possible and get out. Spend the time perfecting your skills. Get some real life laboratory experience where possible. A few weeks of work experience can advance your lab skills to a whole new level!

Why do you feel it is important to have a diverse Natural Sciences industry?   

Diversity results in more educated and informed outputs. It allows the consideration of aspects of research and production from different perspectives that might not have been considered previously. Diversity means bringing different beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge from different environments and their consideration of how a decision and process will affect them. Diversity is priceless.  

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