UCL FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

tudying microbiology at UCL was fantastic. I initially applied to do a biology BSc because I was not sure what direction I wanted to take, but knew that I loved biology. The broad range of courses on offer allowed me to get a taste of what was available, and this led me to specialising in microbiology.

During my final year I became interested in the forensic aspect of science, and, with encouragement from UCL staff, I decided to continue my academic career with a Masters Degree.

I am currently studying for an M.Sc. in Forensic Science at King's College London. The course has allowed me to enhance my molecular biology skills, and in addition I have studied new topics such as blood pattern analysis, entomology (flies and maggots!), arson, firearms, trace evidence and crime scene investigation.

During the year we take part in mock casework, involving crime scene samples that we DNA profile, writing witness statements and presenting evidence.

At the moment I am researching into 'luminol,'a chemical that glows when it comes into contact with blood, and is used at crime scenes to detect latent blood traces. I am investigating the amount of light emission with different luminol solutions, and the effect luminol has on subsequent DNA profiling.

2002- present: enrolled in an MSc course in Forensic Science at King’s College London

1999-2002: BSc (Microbiology), UCL

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