F is for Forensic Science
Next in our series of STEM careers from A-Z, we will be exploring Forensic Science! Forensic science uses the combination of knowledge from many different branches of science including biology, chemistry, and physics, making it a very broad field with applications in all sorts of areas. However, it always deals with science for the purpose of upholding the law.
Forensic scientists can specialize in activities that may be related to crimes and infringement of the law. These specializations can include forensic psychology, which includes studies in the psychological effects of those involved in crime, or forensic accounting, which studies and interprets financial evidence. There are also experts studying forensic ballistics, which studies the use of firearms and ammunition, and other very specific specializations such as forensic odontology, which studies the uniqueness of teeth to help gather evidence for bite marks [2]. The specializations mentioned above are used often in criminal investigations, but forensic science can also cover investigations in economics, where forensic economists look at financial damages and how they may help the victim recover [3]. As you can see, forensic science is applicable in a huge variety of fields, and it draws on knowledge from many branches of science; however, studying evidence and data is not all forensic scientists are tasked with.
Forensic scientists in all their specialized fields may be called upon to give testimony in court. In criminal investigations, evidence gathered by forensic scientists can come in all sorts of forms such as DNA, footprints, and weaponry. Any discoveries that can be appropriately used in court to prosecute or defend the criminal may be presented by scientists during a trial. Scientists may also be asked to appear in court to lend their knowledge and expertise in their field to the trial. In both cases, scientists must be well prepared and have organized documentation which may be used by either side in the trial to prove their case [4]. However, forensic science used in courts isn’t that simple. The misapplication of forensic science contributed to 45% of wrongful convictions in the United States that were proven through DNA evidence. Furthermore, misleading or false forensic science played a part in 24% of all wrongful convictions nationally [5]. Misleading information can be the result of mistakes made by scientists studying evidence or unreliable evidence which had been accepted as reliable at the time of the trial. Forensic scientists have the position to sway the result of a trial; therefore, the data they present must be properly investigated and trustworthy. On the other hand, forensic science, namely DNA testing, has played a huge role in exonerating, or freeing, the wrongfully convicted. Since 1989, 375 people were exonerated thanks to DNA testing, after they had served an average of 14 years in prison [6]. The improvement of technology has allowed scientists to develop new methods to gather and study evidence, and DNA testing has been a very important aspect that has helped numerous trials. Generally speaking, forensic science plays a critical role in criminal trials and the process of gathering scientific evidence must constantly be studied and updated to ensure that justice is properly served.
Since there are a variety of job possibilities in the field of forensic science, education levels differ depending on how specialized you want to become in your profession. With the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in forensic sciences, natural science, biochemistry, or another related field [7], one may become a forensic science technician and help gather and study evidence in a laboratory. However, employers often prefer hiring those with a master’s degree in forensic science or other related fields. Some examples of great forensic science programs include a master’s program in Forensic and Biological Anthropology from Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania, or a bachelor’s in Forensic Science from the University of Central Florida. If you choose to further your education and specialize in a specific field, it is beneficial to take electives relating to the specialization you would like to study. And if you would like to take on a job with higher levels of responsibility such as a medical examiner or forensic psychologist, one should begin to prepare for a graduate degree. In some cases, a graduate degree in forensic science may not be available, and in those cases, you could pursue a degree in a related science with a concentration on forensics [8]. Over the period of your studies, it is advisable to gain experience in a real work setting such as a crime laboratory or police department, where you would be able to apply the knowledge from your studies to real-life situations. Finally, forensic scientists are recommended and sometimes required to earn certifications in their specialized field. For example, two labs in Colorado require their latent print examiners to be certified, and they may get their certifications through the International Association for Identification (IAI) [9]. As of now, certifications are not mandatory in the United States, although this may change in the future.
Forensic scientists are able to conduct scientific investigations and use technology to solve problems and find evidence that is critical in trials. The rapid development of technology is also creating many tools for scientists to use when examining evidence, and technology itself is becoming evidence for forensic investigators. Increased usage of technological devices allows scientists to recover evidence from personal devices and social media accounts, where cybercrimes thrive. As technology continues to advance, the demand for scientists in the field of forensics is growing. In the field of computer forensics alone, the job outlook is expected to grow a stunning 32 percent from 2018 to 2028 [10]. That is around 35 500 new jobs added to the job market. In general, forensic science technicians are predicted to see a 14 percent outlook rate from 2019 to 2029.
Forensic science is a field full of interesting opportunities and stories, and scientists are given the opportunity to help many people who are often caught in a stressful and difficult time in their lives. Scientists are able to conduct scientific research as well as have the opportunity to enter a court setting and deal with different aspects of the law. Although forensic science may deal with the darker parts of people’s lives, it can offer the most rewarding results and help victims during some of their most troubling times.
References:
[1] Guze, J. (2018, April 26). The Ongoing Crisis in Forensic Science. Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://www.johnlocke.org/update/the-ongoing-crisis-in-forensic-science/
[2] Information about topics and careers in bioscience for teachers, students and everyone else. (2017, June 27). Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://www.aboutbioscience.org/topics/forensic-science/
[3] Forensic Economics. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://solarlaw.com/resources/forensic-economics/
[4] Forensic Economics. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://solarlaw.com/resources/forensic-economics/
[5] Overturning Wrongful Convictions Involving Misapplied Forensics. (2020, February 14). Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://innocenceproject.org/overturning-wrongful-convictions-involving-flawed-forensics/
[6] DNA Exonerations in the United States. (2020, August 26). Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://innocenceproject.org/dna-exonerations-in-the-united-states/
[7] Admin. (n.d.). How To Become a Forensic Scientist — Requirements for Becoming a Forensic Scientist. Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/htb/how-to-become-forensic-scientist
[8] Writers, S. (2020, November 09). Guide to Forensic Science Careers. Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/forensic-science-careers/
[9] Melbourn, H., Smith, G., McFarland, J., Rogers, M., Wieland, K., DeWilde, D., . . . Quarino, L. (2019, August 07). Mandatory certification of forensic science practitioners in the United States: A supportive perspective. Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X19301408#bib4
[10] Drummond, R. (n.d.). Computer forensics salary & job Outlook — Cce, CCFE, GCFA Careers. Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://www.forensicscolleges.com/careers/computer-forensics-examiner
