[Main] [Newsletter] [Resources] [Calendar]
[Mentor Program] [Officers
& Steering Committee] [Contact]
[Membership] [Education]
Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter - January 2002 What
Forensic Scientists Feel Contributed to Their Success |
| One of the greatest things about forensic science is its vast diversity and the feeling that any new knowledge you gain will be useful in this ever-changing field. However, it is difficult to decide just how far one should take their education before they are prepared for the job. Should one get an undergraduate degree and apply to work, or should graduate school become a first priority? Here is what some forensic scientists I interviewed had to say about their experiences. Danielle Imea, a forensic scientist in the DNA laboratory in Philadelphia, PA, earned a BS in biology with a concentration in molecular biology and genetics, and an MA in biology with specialization in molecular biology and genetics. She believes her undergraduate studies in a co-op program afforded her the opportunity to gain practical experience and the preparation she needed for her career while her graduate work gave her a clear focus on her goals. Her key for success is time management — to study hard during the week so that you can allow yourself to have fun on the weekends. Forensic scientist Ken Williams received his undergraduate degree in chemistry as well as a master’s in criminalistics. The richest part of his undergraduate experience was the interaction in campus organizations, while hands-on labs in graduate school proved valuable. He feels the most know-ledge and experience was gained in his graduate studies and that furthering his education made him prepared for the job. His advice to undergraduates is to go to graduate school, whether it be right after undergraduate or while you work. Crystal Kissel is a forensic biologist with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a master’s in criminal justice. She reports that in her undergraduate studies, statistics and biology were helpful, but that she gained the most knowledge from the master’s program. Crystal stresses internships in the area you would like to get into to get some experience under your belt and decide if this is really what you want to do. Finally, Eve Skarshinski is a second year master’s student with a BS in biology. She believes that a strong undergraduate background in chemistry and physics is helpful for graduate school, but by far the most important education for her comes from internships. Eva reports that if students plan early enough, they may be able to begin their thesis research, network and make contacts, gain some laboratory exposure, and earn credits. She feels that consideration of a graduate program is important, but students should know ahead of time where they may attend so they can ask about what classes to take to prepare for the program. Eva believes that taking a year or two off between undergraduate and graduate school to work in the field will help solidify the decision to stay in the field and help to narrow interests down to a specialty in forensics. Graduate school is the word of the day. Whether students jump right into a program after undergraduate studies or work in the field for a few years, a master’s degree seems to be what prepares future forensic scientists to do the job and what gives them the confidence to reach their goals. A strong science background in biology or chemistry is imperative in undergraduate studies and will be continued throughout graduate school. It is a competitive and diverse world out there in forensic science, but with a solid education, some experience derived from internships, and good use of time, students can become a part of it with confidence and knowledge. If you have a personal experience or input on this topic, please contact the Amy Price at aprice@dfs.state.va.us; (540) 561-6600. |
Copyright
© 2002 Young Forensic Scientists Forum / American Academy of Forensic Sciences |