My dad, a barrister, took me to court with him when I was four years old. I fell asleep at the bar, and vowed never to get involved in the world of law. Instead, I chose the world of science. Little did I realise at the time that law and science are integrated into a wonderful world of forensic science. By the time I did realise that, it was too late – I’d wanted to be a forensic scientist since I was 10.

I went to Sydney University (like my father before me), but I studied science, majoring in Anatomy and Microscopy. I was focusing more on the biological side of forensic sciences until the first year of University. After working for a while at the NSW Forensic Institute of Medicine, I realised that forensic pathology was not for me. I was given the opportunity to assist the NSW Forensic Services Group, part of the NSW Police, with their crime labs, and discovered that perhaps the forensic science side of things was more up my alley. I haven’t looked back since – going on to obtain a Masters of Forensic Science in firearms chemistry and working as a Scene of Crime Officer with the Western Australia Police.

During my research for the Master’s degree, I found that there aren’t many women in forensic ballistics, and noted at several conferences that I was the only woman in the room. One of the most terrifying, but rewarding, experiences I had was presenting my research in Hong Kong … immediately following a presentation by the world’s leading firearms chemist. Unfortunately the results of his research completely contradicted and refuted the results I was about to present to the group. Oh well, such is science … The good news is I had a great lunch and discussion with him afterwards, which resulted in our collaboration for the remainder of my research project.

I really enjoy both the practical side of forensics as well as the research side, which has led me here to Canberra to share my knowledge and enthusiasm to others studying at CIT.