The forensic sciences field is a vast one that holds a wealth of opportunities for youth, who love science and all things scientific.
Len Sehntwali, Senior Forensic Scientist at the Barbados Forensic Sciences Centre, spoke with The Barbados Advocate recently, giving some insight into the work of the Centre and how more youth can get into his field of work.
“The Forensic Sciences Centre is a multi-disciplinary laboratory. We are the only forensic institution in Barbados. We attempt to assist the police and some of the other islands and private persons as well, with forensic solutions”, he pointed out.
Sehntwali indicated that at the Forensic Sciences Centre, there is the Trace Evidence Section where basic searches are conducted for blood, semen, hair, fibres, paint, glass and other materials that can be transferred in the commission of a crime. The aim is to characterise the evidence and prepare that same evidence for the courts of law.
There is also the Toxicology Section, which sees a number of toxicologists working for the Pathology Section, analysing the bodies of persons who have died in suspicious circumstances, to produce a toxicology profile. Drug tests for the workplace as well as the Drug Treatment Court are carried out here as well.
Under the Chemistry Section, tests are conducted for gunshot residue and on street drugs and bulk seizures.
Sehntwali explained that the DNA Section is critical as well, and based on the evidence gathered, tests can be carried out to track down known suspects. Family relationship testing or what is commonly referred to as paternity testing, is also offered.
“Many times, there are wills and so on that need to be probated and that information is required as part of the process. So it isn’t just paternity testing,” Sehntwali also revealed.
Meanwhile, the Senior Forensic Scientist said he is always happy to encourage young people who are into science, to by all means explore the field he is in.
“The advice I always give students who come to the lab or who come to (our) booth, is first of all, I am happy that they are doing science. Secondly, I don’t want them to feel as though they have to do all of the sciences or if they are not doing all of the sciences, that they can’t get into this, because it is such a multidisciplinary science. If you are a strong biologist, DNA and trace evidence may be your thing. If you are into physics, again trace evidence may be your thing. If you are a chemist, you are definitely applicable, all throughout the lab,” Sehntwali said.
He also noted that students who are interested in this field of work, must excel in the area of Mathematics as well as English, to be able to competently produce and defend any documents produced for the courts and otherwise. (RSM)
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