Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills
Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills By Adam Denmark, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Steve Hackman, AIA, LEED AP
The forensic field is attracting new graduates
Forensic science is a collection of diverse sci-
from forensic science education programs
entific fields comprised of specialized profes-
every year and the number of individuals
sionals who work together focusing in on all
necessary to meet anticipated demand in
aspects of evidence examination. This range
the industry is expected to grow at a faster
of expertise adds to the challenge facing
rate than other professions, according to the
crime laboratories trying to identify qualified
Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, many
staff to perform casework. Different sections
students attempting to enter the field lack
require dramatically different amounts of
the balanced academic background that
education. The crime scene investigations
crime laboratories increasingly demand. This
section, for example, requires the shortest
viewpoint was underscored at a forensic
amount of university education but, due to
education roundtable discussion attended
its role in evidence collection, is the most
by an international panel of forensic labora-
important. Because of the highly technical
tory leaders and hosted by SmithGroupJJR,
nature of the work performed, it is vital that
an integrated architecture, engineering and
a forensic degree program offer students
planning firm. During that conversation,
experience in the hard sciences, such as
consensus was reached that job seekers
biology and chemistry. However, this is not
Left:
must have a far more diverse yet balanced
always a reality in the programs offered.
education, and that there are both benefits
Employers look for students from programs
and challenges to expanded partnerships
accredited by FEPA (Forensic Science Educa-
between education providers and forensic
tion Programs Accreditation Commission)
facilities.
as one way to ensure that coursework aligns
Forensic facilities are looking for individuals that are able to work within a team and effectively express ideas, both written and verbally.
with the profession’s rigorous expectations.
Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills
Cover: A background in hard science is critical for student job hunting success in the increasingly crowded field of forensic science.
More technical expertise, well-rounded education Forensic work tasks range from collecting evidence in the field, to analysis and documentation in the laboratory, to interfacing with legal entities in the court room. Entry-level positions in the laboratory require a bachelor’s degree, while higher-level positions usually require advanced degrees. Often, these job tasks are repetitive and technical in nature. It’s important that incoming staff have an understanding of the typical day-inthe-life duties in order to align expectations and reality. A continued increased rate of growth is projected for sections such as DNA analysis, toxicology, controlled substances, firearms and digital forensics, which draw applied knowledge from a variety of disciplines including the life sciences, chemical processes and engineering. The skills needed for the practice of forensic science must adapt to meet the ongoing development of more sophisticated equipment and protocols. It is extremely beneficial for students to
and a global perspective. Crime laboratories
be exposed to as much real-world forensic
are increasingly seeking individuals who
lab experience as possible during their
possess a varied spectrum of experience to
education by earning credits through intern-
align with a diversified job description. This
ships and hands-on training that cannot
broad background is optimal for creating the
be learned in the classroom. In addition to
complete forensic science candidate who is
the applied knowledge they provide, these
trained in laboratory protocols while devel-
experiences are invaluable for students and
oping comprehensive skills and the ability to
forensic laboratories to test-fit a future work
contribute as part of a team. He or she must
relationship.
combine creativity and critical thinking with
In addition to technical skills, forensic employers are looking for graduates that have experience in the soft sciences such as sociology and the humanities. Forensic scientists require interpersonal competencies
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an unbiased investigative mindset. This is where more than just scientific knowledge and technical skills are necessary. Soft skills such as written and verbal communication play a critical role for forensic experts to
compile reports appropriately and testify
forensic community has the opportunity to
effectively in the courtroom. This expecta-
inform forensic education and communicate
tion on the part of crime labs requires a
the skills required of candidates through
new model of learning with attention to
various partnerships with universities. In
the “T-shaped” student—one who has
fact, many laboratories employ staff who
deep disciplinary knowledge as well as the
have a dual role, also serving as a university
ability to successfully straddle the boundar-
instructor to train the next generation of
ies between disciplines and solve complex
laboratory employees. Increasingly, crime
problems.
laboratories are exploring opportunities for
Partnerships with universities
deepening these ties. Strategic academic
Relevant education and training are both vital in forensic science to ensure successful long-term careers within the field. The
Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills
alliances can benefit both the laboratory and teaching institution. These partnerships exist both virtually and as a physical co-location with a university. Academic research programs that are adept at securing grant fund-
Above: Shared common spaces with daylighting and views can provide opportunities for interaction that attract both students and staff alike.
ing can offer forensic scientists access to the university’s facilities and insightful research data. Student assistance can serve a mutual advantage to provide real-world experience while offsetting costs to industry budgets. This structure also provides opportunities for forensic labs to work with a continuous talent pool of students who can serve as potential future staff. In addition, universities can provide much-needed space to test new R&D methods and instrumentation.
Takeaways There are three key takeaways from the forensic laboratory roundtable that underscore why establishing an appropriate education model is critical for today’s forensic science students. First, there is a need to continue expanding programs that offer a strong foundation in basic hard sciences, which is critical to gaining the technical and scientific expertise required to do the job effectively. Students must also acquire hands-on ex-
However, while shared facilities can create
perience through internship programs that
value, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, se-
illuminate the real-world dynamics and be
cure boundaries must be carefully planned
marketable in a career position. Second, the
and put in place. Chain-of-custody require-
diversity of forensic science requires a broad
ments must be strictly maintained, which
educational approach that will produce
prohibits student access to evidentiary
scientists with a wide perspective and the
material. It is essential that any university
highest levels of critical thinking and verbal
partnership or co-location opportunity still
and written communication skills. This will
allows the forensic laboratory to perform its
allow them to interact with crime investiga-
primary function.
tors, courtroom attorneys and the interdisciplinary forensic team. Finally, forensic labs and teaching institutions, through strategic partnerships, can impact educational programs, assuring that standardized and consistent curriculum fits the needs of the industry. Collective benefit can also be found in cost-savings, labor and space resource sharing, and future career placement and recruitment. These three takeaways are synergistic to the ongoing mission of forensic science, and will continue to be a critical issue in the future.
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Adam Denmark, AIA, LEED AP BD+C , is a principal at SmithGroupJJR and director of the fi rm’s national laboratory planning group. He has over 18 years of targeted experience in laboratory design and construction.
Steve Hackman, AIA, LEED AP, is a Senior Laboratory Planner at SmithGroupJJR. A veteran laboratory planner, Hackman brings more than 30 years of experience in laboratory design, strategic planning, and facility design for science and technology clients for all project types.
“Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills” was originally published in Forensic Magazine on December 2016. Copyright SmithGroupJJR ©2016
Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills
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