On Tuesday November 29th the Trent Forensic Society brought to you a Professionals Night. This club organizes events for forensic students to learn about and participate in the field of forensics. The speakers included Eugene Liscio, Anushga Muralitharan, Will Dodds, Kelly Bowie and Camie Condon. Forensic science is a new and emerging degree and few universities in Canada offer the program. Due to this, students are often unaware of the possible career options. As a forensic student myself, I have been told that the most obvious route is to join the police force and then join the forensics department. However, for those of us that are not interested in becoming police officers, myself included, we have other options. This night introduced career options both within and outside of police work. There is an influx of students dropping out of the forensics program due to not seeing potential career opportunities. I hope the following professional stories can help you envision a career in forensics. 

Eugene Liscio works as a 3D Forensic Analyst. He graduated from Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, in Aerospace Engineering where he learned how to use tools that apply to forensics. He specializes in blood and bullets. He pulls impressions, bloodstain patterns, and weapons from reality into 3D. He has been teaching forensic reconstruction and mapping at University of Toronto since 2013. As well, he trains the police on laser scanner software. He designed an app called Recon 3D which is used for crime scene reconstruction. For example, reconstructing a 3D model of a collision. You can find Liscio on YouTube where he posts Forensic Talks on Thursdays at 2p.m. On his channel, 3D Forensics, he interviews forensic professionals from around the world. 

Liscio got into forensics through his first job at a material and processing engineering lab. Whenever something failed, he had to investigate how it happened and performed experiments to see if he could replicate the failure. He had to solve these mysteries by looking at clues, the science behind it, and making observations. He designed in 3D as an engineer and used his first laser to track and measure accurately. Liscio wanted to go into a field where he could use these tools and that is how he found a passion for forensics. He picked up skills necessary for the field and did a lot of independent learning. His favourite part about the job is being able to work with different people – the variety. However, the job comes with a lot of paperwork with reports reaching 20 to 40 pages. He also frequently appears in trials which can be frustrating with ever changing dates and times to appear. 

Liscio advises undergraduate forensic students to find what you like, what is important to you, and something you will hold on to. He recommends getting involved with different groups, for example Trent Forensic Society, and learning from other professionals. As well, he recommends students do their own research on topics they are passionate about. Research is not just for Masters and PhD students but can be done by all students. Published papers will distinguish you on a resume/CV. His friend’s dad used to say “the harder I work the luckier I get”. 

Anushga Muralitharan graduated from Trent university in 2020 in Forensic Biology. Then, she attended University of Western and worked at the hospital in London. She is still in school and will be graduating in five months. Anushga is a pathologists’ assistant candidate which involves conducting autopsies. She deals with anything that comes out of the body, dissects it, and sends it to pathologists to access and diagnose. As a result, she works very closely with a forensic pathologist. 

Anushga wanted a position that would integrate both forensics and biology and she debated becoming a forensic pathologist but she wanted a more hands-on approach. Her favourite part of the job is the variety; she is never bord as she is always doing something that demands her attention. However, she doesn’t always like the physical demands of the job, such as carrying around dead weight. As well, working on four to five cases at a time can be overwhelming. She advises that undergraduate students focus on networking. She learned about the program she is in now through her teacher’s assistant. Students should keep their options open and get to know individuals inside and outside of the field of forensics. You never know where an opportunity might come from. 

Sergeant Will Dodds works for the Forensic Identification Section at the Saanich British Columbia Police Department. This is a medium sized police department and deals mostly with break and enters and murders. Will graduated with a degree in education and taught for about six years. When he had to move to B.C. he applied to Saanich. He got hired and did collision analysis. Will did not enjoy undercover work and interviewing but rather solving puzzles so he got involved in the forensic department. He has been with the forensic department for fouteen years now. Will’s favourite aspects of the job are the unpredictability and variance. However, an element of the job he does not enjoy is the number of dead bodies. He had to take a break seven years into his role as a constable for the forensic department and did patrol. When he returned, he was promoted to sergeant. He advises undergraduate students to make sure they do things they are interested in. You never know the path you are going to take or how things are going to end up so keep your options open. 

Kelly Bowie is a forensic scientist and has been working for the Centre for Forensic Science (CFS) in Toronto for 24 years. She has a managerial role in the biology section conducting bodily fluid identification and DNA analysis. In undergrad, she took genetic courses as there was no forensic program when she was a student. She graduated with a masters in science in molecular biology and genetics and joined CFS without any prior experience in forensics. At CFS she found it to be a mixed group of people – some with forensic backgrounds and some without. It was not what she set out to do but is now very passionate about the field due to the impact and importance of the work. Kelly enjoys working on a case and seeing the end result. Cases can become repetitive but they are also very interesting. Case work is going to be unpredictable and frustrating but also rewarding. Her least favourite part of the job is the potential impact the job might have in regard to psychological wellness. She is one step removed from scenes as she rarely goes to them and appears only after they have been analysed. Her advice for undergraduate students is to do something you're passionate about and to look for opportunities outside of what is obvious. 

Camie Condon is a program coordinator with her honours bachelor in crime and intelligence analysis. Camie was present at the professional’s night however she joined later in the evening and I was unable to retrieve her perspective on the field. To get in contact with Eugene Liscio, Anushga Muralitharan, Will Dodds, Kelly Bowie, or Camie Condon reach out to the Forensic Science Society. 

There are many opportunities to get involved in the forensic field. You can take the traditional route of joining the police force or seek opportunities elsewhere through higher education. As a forensics student you should network and get to know professionals in the field. As well, you do not need a degree in forensics to join the field as Will Dodds and Kelly Bowie have shown. If you are not an undergraduate student in forensic but still interested in joining the field you have opportunities to do so. Joining the Trent Forensic Society is a great first step. When planning for your future in forensics consider the mentioned careers and know there are many job opportunities out there.  

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Trent Forensic Society - @trent_fss

Eugene Liscio - @3Dforensics