If your teen has ever been curious about forensics after a late night binging CSI or Law & Order, this episode is for your family. Not only has my guest, Antoinette Campbell, worked in crime labs for more than two decades, but she’s also the founder of a program in Philadelphia that is designed to help young people explore the field of forensic science. She’ll walk us through realities about the profession and how it compares to the TV portrayals, while also explaining how diverse the field is (spoiler: it’s more than just crime scenes!). Plus she gives some great advice for any student interested in preparing for a forensics career.

Episode Notes

Crime dramas have helped inspire many teens to become interested in forensic science. While these shows are very entertaining, they don’t actually give a complete picture of the field. In this episode, my guest, Antoinette Campbell, from the Association of Women of Forensic Science, dissects what it really means to be a forensic scientist.

For instance, even though the professionals in this field use science to help solve crimes, many forensic scientists never even go near a crime scene or a corpse! There is a wide range of specialties in this career cluster, but because most people are only introduced to forensic science through TV shows, they may not be aware of all of the options. Before talking with Antoinette, I definitely didn’t realize how many possibilities there were within this discipline.

This episode is a must-listen if you have a child who has expressed interest in forensics. Antoinette walks us through the challenges of the field and what you should know before pursuing forensic science. Plus, she also gives some great insight into how teens can set themselves up for a successful career while they’re still in high school.

Highlights

How high school students can get STEM exposure at an early age
The differences from what you see on TV
The wide array of forensic science specialties
Advice for getting a job in the field

Links mentioned in this episode

Learn about Careers in Forensic Science

Accredited College Programs for Forensic Education

American Academy of Forensic Sciences Student Career Resources

Instagram @womeninforensics

Facebook @womeninforensic

Twitter @womeninforensic

Launch College & Career Clarity Course

Launch College and Career Clarity Facebook Community

Timeline

[3:32] Introduction to the role of a forensic scientist

[4:24] Do you need a criminal justice degree for this field?

[5:50] Do all forensic scientists work with crime scenes?

[6:27] The forensic drug chemist specialty

[9:02] A day in the life of a forensic scientist

[12:51] What degree path should an aspiring forensic scientist take?

[14:06] Other specialties in forensic science

[16:07] The importance of networking

[18:20] The challenges of a field with limited job opportunities

[19:27] Ways for teens to start exploring sc

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