* Forensic Chemist

By: Ellyn Howland

*I think this job pays attention to crime
scenes and tries to figure out things like
who they are, how they died and things
like that. The education is probably a
bachelors degree. They probably make
around $80,000 a year.

*What is it?
* Forensic chemists usually work in a laboratory setting,
often as employees of local, state or federal government.
They often stand or sit for long periods of time, perform
repetitive tasks and use highly technical equipment.
* Many times you have to testify in court telling the jury
what you found out and what you think happened from
your research. Now remember, you have to do this in
front of the person that committed the crime.
* Must be able to prioritize well and work efficiently while
ensuring that the results are accurate.
* (EHC.org)
(forensic chemist)

*What it is
*Bachelor's degree required, some employers may prefer or
require graduate degrees
*Optional professional certification available
*No experience required for entry-level students
*Professional organizations such as the American Chemical
Society and American Academy of Forensic Sciences
recommend that aspiring forensic chemists possess at least a
bachelor's degree in a subject that includes math and science
principles.
*(Study.com)
*Michigan State University offers this degree
*(MSU.edu)

*Education and
training
* In High School:
* Take advanced science courses, including AP chemistry and biology.
* Join the debate team to master the art of public speaking.
* Participate in sports to learn teamwork.
* Do a science fair project that uses the techniques of forensic chemistry in a creative way.
* Construct scale models to hone your fine motor skills and learn patience.
* In College:
* Major in chemistry.
* If you are enrolling in a forensic science program, make sure the program requires at least 24
semester hours of chemistry and math.
* Take elective courses in law enforcement, criminal justice and crime scene processing.
* After College:
* Consider getting a masters degree in forensic science. They are increasingly required to qualify for
jobs in certain jurisdictions. Look for a program that emphasizes laboratory science and research,
with coursework in crime scenes, physical evidence, ethics and quality assurance as well as
interaction with working forensic laboratories.
* Make sure to continue your education throughout your career. It will be required in most jobs.
(EHC.org)

*Classes to take
 * Serving as expert witnesses in a court of law
* Ensuring all laboratory protocols and regulations
are followed
* Developing, maintaining and updating work
quality standards, standard operating
procedures, and similar methods and procedures
* Inputting data into computer programs and
utilizing relevant computer database information
* (CrimeSceneInvestigator.edu)

*Duties and
Responsibilities
(forensicscientistemployment)
* Crime labs
* Crime scenes
* Police departments
* Federal agencies
* Hospitals
* (Chron)

*Places of work
(iSpot.tv)
 * The biggest employers of forensic scientists
was local government, with 7,130 out of the
12,560 positions at mean salaries of $54,990
per year, or $26.44 per hour. State government
ranked second for opportunities, with 4,130
jobs and average earnings at $54,550 yearly, or
$26.23 hourly.
* (Chron)

(Bureau of Labor and Statistics)

*Yearly earnings
 * Forensic chemists jobs are expected to grow
27% from 2014 to 2024. were already 2 years
past when they made the statistic, so it could
be even more now.
* (Bureau of Labor and Statistics)

(Bureau of Labor and Statistics) *Job outlook

 1.Examine items of evidence submitted to the laboratory
2.If body fluid stains are noted on the evidence, they perform chemical
extraction processes to remove the DNA from the stain.
3.Once the DNA is removed, additional chemical processes are utilized in
specific machines to replicate specific areas of DNA that can help to
uniquely identify the source of the body fluid.
4.A comparison is then made to DNA profiles from any individuals believed
to be involved in the crime (suspects and victims). If the DNA profile
from the evidence matches a person, and that DNA profile is exceedingly
rare, then it can be stated that they are the source of that DNA.
5.Reports have to be written for all testing performed, and it is possible
that any one of the cases worked may end up going to trial where expert
testimony is needed.
*.(CareerVillage.com)

*Typical day
(ChemistryExplained)
* A logical and analytical approach
* Patience and concentration
* Highly developed observation and scientific skills
* A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
* Strong written and spoken communication skills
* I think, most of the time, I have a logical approach,
if I try I have patience and concentration, I could
work on observation skills, accuracy I could also
work on, and I have always had strong spoken
communication skills.

*Skills needed
* I think its cool that they go on the crime scene
and investigate themselves. I also think its cool
that they have to testify in court against
people, or I guess for people to say that they
did it or the didnt. it would be a cool job if I
could have more contact with people. Nothing
surprised me with this career.

*Interesting?
* Just that I wouldnt see people as much as I
would like to. I could see how people wouldnt
want to be the one testifying in court though
because thats probably super scary, but I could
totally do it if it was for my job and I think it
would be cool.

*Not interesting?
* I think this job would be super cool. I think that I would
get so much satisfaction in figuring out what happened to
certain people. I also think though, that the people you
were working with might not agree with everything you're
saying and yes, that would be good as a learning
experience for both of the people but it could also hinder
your work. I think the schooling would be fun because
there are scenarios and fake crime scenes to go on and do
your job and that would be cool. I dont know if this job
is right for me just because of the patient/people contact
that I really enjoy, I wouldnt be able to have that. I am a
very much people oriented person.

*Reflection
* Bureau of Labor and Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved January
24th, 2017, from Bureau of Labor and Statistics:
https://www.bls.gov/OES/current/oes194092.htm
* CareerVillage.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th,
2017, from CareerVillage.com:
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/787/what-
does-a-typical-work-day-for-a-forensic-scientist-look-
like
* ChemistryExplained. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th,
2017, from ChemistryExplained:
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Fe-Ge/Forensic-
Chemistry.html
* Chron. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017, from
Chron: http://work.chron.com/places-work-forensic-
scientist-25277.html
* Chron. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017, from
Chron: http://work.chron.com/average-income-
forensic-scientist-10194.html
* CrimeSceneInvestigator.edu. (n.d.). Retrieved January
24th, 2017, from CrimeSceneInvestigator.edu:
http://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/forensic-
scientist-job-description/
* EHC.org. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017, from
EHC.org:
https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/forensic-
science/forensic-chemist/
* forensic chemist. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017,
from forensic chemist: http://www.all-about-forensic-
science.com/forensic-chemist-vs-criminalist.html
* forensicscientistemployment. (n.d.). Retrieved January
24th, 2017, from forensicscientistemployment:
https://forensicscientistemployment.wordpress.com/
* iSpot.tv. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017, from
iSpot.tv: https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AnFX/trident-
courtroom-innocence
* MSU.edu. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017, from
MSU.edu:
http://staff.lib.msu.edu/harris23/crimjust/forsci.htm
* Study.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24th, 2017, from
Study.com:
http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Forensic_
Chemist_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
*Citations