Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills

Transcription

1 Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills

2

3 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 from forensic science education programs every year and the number of individuals necessary to meet anticipated demand in the industry is expected to grow at a faster rate than other professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, many students attempting to enter the field lack the balanced academic background that crime laboratories increasingly demand. This viewpoint was underscored at a forensic education roundtable discussion attended by an international panel of forensic laboratory leaders and hosted by SmithGroupJJR, an integrated architecture, engineering and planning firm. During that conversation, consensus was reached that job seekers must have a far more diverse yet balanced education, and that there are both benefits and challenges to expanded partnerships between education providers and forensic facilities. Forensic science is a collection of diverse scientific fields comprised of specialized professionals who work together focusing in on all aspects of evidence examination. This range of expertise adds to the challenge facing crime laboratories trying to identify qualified staff to perform casework. Different sections require dramatically different amounts of education. The crime scene investigations section, for example, requires the shortest amount of university education but, due to its role in evidence collection, is the most important. Because of the highly technical nature of the work performed, it is vital that a forensic degree program offer students experience in the hard sciences, such as biology and chemistry. However, this is not always a reality in the programs offered. Employers look for students from programs accredited by FEPA (Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission) as one way to ensure that coursework aligns with the profession s rigorous expectations. Cover: A background in hard science is critical for student job hunting success in the increasingly crowded field of forensic science. Left: Forensic facilities are looking for individuals that are able to work within a team and effectively express ideas, both written and verbally. Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills

4 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 be exposed to as much real-world forensic lab experience as possible during their education by earning credits through internships and hands-on training that cannot be learned in the classroom. In addition to the applied knowledge they provide, these experiences are invaluable for students and forensic laboratories to test-fit a future work relationship. 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 and a global perspective. Crime laboratories are increasingly seeking individuals who possess a varied spectrum of experience to align with a diversified job description. This broad background is optimal for creating the complete forensic science candidate who is trained in laboratory protocols while developing comprehensive skills and the ability to contribute as part of a team. He or she must combine creativity and critical thinking with 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

5 compile reports appropriately and testify effectively in the courtroom. This expectation on the part of crime labs requires a new model of learning with attention to the T-shaped student one who has deep disciplinary knowledge as well as the ability to successfully straddle the boundaries between disciplines and solve complex problems. Partnerships with universities Relevant education and training are both vital in forensic science to ensure successful long-term careers within the field. The forensic community has the opportunity to inform forensic education and communicate the skills required of candidates through various partnerships with universities. In fact, many laboratories employ staff who have a dual role, also serving as a university instructor to train the next generation of laboratory employees. Increasingly, crime laboratories are exploring opportunities for deepening these ties. Strategic academic 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. Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills

6 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. However, while shared facilities can create value, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, secure boundaries must be carefully planned and put in place. Chain-of-custody requirements must be strictly maintained, which prohibits student access to evidentiary material. It is essential that any university partnership or co-location opportunity still allows the forensic laboratory to perform its primary function. 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 experience through internship programs that illuminate the real-world dynamics and be marketable in a career position. Second, the diversity of forensic science requires a broad educational approach that will produce scientists with a wide perspective and the highest levels of critical thinking and verbal and written communication skills. This will allow them to interact with crime investigators, 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.

7 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 Copyright SmithGroupJJR 2016 Forensic Graduates Require Hard Science, Soft Skills

8