I have been fortunate enough to spend my working career as a scientist and as if to demonstrate that there is an alternative route into the Forensic Science profession I completed my first degree in Biomedical Sciences.
Having spent time working within some of the country’s most distinguished hospitals such as Great Ormond Street I decided to take my opportunity to study for a Master’s in Science in Forensic Science. This course was my launch pad really for a fascinating career in this field.
I was privileged to join the world renowned Home Office Forensic Science Service (FSS) as a biologist (all things body fluid and DNA profiling related) and further took on special responsibilities for the investigation of cases involving firearms and firearms related evidence types. This allowed for my transition into the smaller dedicated Northern Firearms Unit where I carried out my ‘internship’ to carry out firearms and ballistics related forensic investigations whilst taking on site responsibilities for biological and DNA evidence types. Having a desire to work for myself the opportunity arose following the closure of the FSS. I currently provide consulting services within my areas of expertise as well as teaching in the subject. I am finding that the consulting work allows for a great balance of family and professional life.
Having a dual specialism allows an amount of professional flexibility and certainly makes for a varied and interesting working week. I have been very fortunate to participate to a vast array of criminal and civil investigations both nationally and internationally and am continually learning as both the advancing scientific applications and well as the entire industry landscape has changed hugely even in the last 5 years or so.
I am very sympathetic towards the next generation of talented scientists aspiring to carry out work within Forensic Science given that the supply of ‘forensic’ graduates far outstrips the demand from operational laboratories and more recently police forces (now that police forces are increasingly in-sourcing their forensic service provision). What I would say is that first and foremost the exacting requirements of scientific: technique, methodology and endeavour will provide any aspiring young (or advancing) student with the skills and attributes to be a great forensic scientist. But remember it is important to be a great scientist before you can be a great forensic scientist.
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ADAM McCarthy
Forensic Scientist