1. Which field of forensics do you work in?
Biology (serology and DNA)
2. What degrees do you have?
3. (follow up) What are they in?
4. Where did you go to college?
B.S. in Biochemistry (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA)
M.S. in Forensic Science (University of New Haven, CT)
5. What is your favorite part of working in forensics?
I have always loved science - I was the kid with the chemistry set in the basement.
Forensic science allows me to still do science, and I can also directly impact my community. Additionally I like the relatively quick turnaround for casework. Cancer research, AIDS research, etc. may take many years with little or no progress. Forensic casework often yields results in a matter of weeks.
6. Is there anything about this field of work that you don’t like?
There is a fair amount of political bureaucracy. Forensic labs may be run by police departments who don't fully understand the scientific aspects of the lab.
7. What was your minor in college?
Did not have a minor.
8. Are there any classes you suggest taking while in high school?
Depends on what aspects of forensic science interests you.
If getting into DNA, then you need Biology.
If getting into Drug Chemistry, then you need Chemistry.
I would also suggest taking some class on public speaking... many people think about the lab side of forensic science and forget that every case analyzed has the potential to go to court. If you can't accurately and confidently discuss your analysis and conclusions, you cannot be an effective expert witness.
9. What personal qualities are recommended?
Dark sense of humor and ability to separate yourself from your work.
Forensic scientists often deal with homicides, rapes, and sexual assaults of children. If you internalize every crime that comes through the lab you will not last long in this field.
10. What work experience is recommended?
Lab work.
If you can intern at a forensic lab, that is best. If you can't, then any amount of actual lab work is beneficial. Nobody wants to hire a person and then have to teach them the absolute basics of how to conduct themselves in a lab. You should be able to utilize a pipettor and know safe lab practices.
11. What’s a typical day in the life of a forensic scientist?
Depends on the field of forensic science.
As a forensic biologist I tell people that "I cut up crusty underwear and move small amounts of water around." About half the day is spent in the lab looking at evidence and performing labwork. The other half of the day is documentation and analysis at the computer.
Lots of paperwork needs to be maintained... this is something that is often ignored when people consider going into forensic science. Again, since every case has the potential to go to court, lots of documentation needs to be maintained to prove to the court that the analysis was done according to validated protocols.
12. Do you have any advice for youth interested in joining this field of work?
Get knowledgeable about it. Don't rely on TV for your thoughts of what the job really entails.
See if it would be possible to get a tour of your local forensic lab, or at least an interview with an analyst.
13. Which is the best institution to work at in your opinion? (FIB, CIA, etc)
"Best" is a relative term....
National labs (FBI) may require analysts to travel all over the country for testimony. If you have a family with small children, you may not want this. Additionally you may have to work with attorneys from all over the country - you may not obtain a rapport being able to work with any single attorney on a regular basis.
State labs have smaller jurisdictions, so the travel is less. However, the funding may be less than a national lab. Fewer attorneys; more chance for rapport.
County of city labs have a very small jurisdiction, so very little travel. Sometimes the courthouse is next door to the lab. These smaller labs may have fewer staff. This could be good if everyone works well together - may be bad if they don't. Also, with only a single jurisdiction you work with only a limited number of attorneys. Again, could be good if they work well with the lab; could be bad if they don't.
Then there are also private labs. These have their pros and cons vs government labs too. Private labs have to be financially stable; some may close or be bought out by other labs. Private labs also generally service any client in the country (or world) so you are back to similar issues as with national labs.
14. What would be your definition of a forensic scientist?
An individual who applies science to answer questions related to matters of the law.
15. What institution do you work for?
Maryland State Police, Forensic Science Division.
16. How many hours do you work a week?
Typical 40hr work week.
17. Have you ever testified in court?
In 16 years of work at the MDSP-FSD I have testified over 50 times.