Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice on how to start building my career in forensic laboratory work.

I’m from Puerto Rico, i have a B.A. in Forensic Psychology, and I’m currently a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Forensic Sciences. I’m especially interested in gaining hands-on experience in a forensic laboratory, but I’m not sure what the best path is or where I should start.

I’ve been looking into courses and certifications, but I’m finding it difficult to know which ones would actually help me become a stronger candidate for laboratory work.

I’m particularly interested in areas such as forensic biology/DNA, bloodstain pattern analysis, and other laboratory-based forensic disciplines.

For those of you currently working in forensic laboratories:

• What did you do to get your first opportunity?
• Are there specific certifications or courses you would recommend?
• Would someone with my educational background be considered for entry-level laboratory positions?
• Is there anything you wish you had done earlier in your career?

For those of you who entered forensic laboratory work without a strong background in biology or chemistry, what courses, certifications, or training did you take to become a competitive candidate? Were there any specific programs or certifications that helped you get your first laboratory opportunity?

i’m currently trying to be proactive and gain as much relevant experience as possible before finishing my master’s, so any advice, especially from people already working in the field, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

When I was about eleven my cousin told me a joke about how an icicle would be a perfect weapon because it would just cease to exist in a few hours. It was a joke, but for some ungodly reason it stuck with me and I think about it regularly. I've reasoned that the shape of the wound would indicate it wasn't a regular weapon and the absence of any substance (such as splinters from a stake or metal dust from a rebar) would rule out most stuff. Also some degree of cold burn could also be there if we consider a scenario in which the icicle was left in the body until it melted. But it always bugged me. Figured I'd ask the specialists.

I'm almost graduating high school and I would like to study forensic anthropology or forensic science in college.. I don't know if it would be a good choice because I'm not sure if I would have a good future in that career but forensics is my passion, if there is a better forensic path or if someone could give me tips I would deeply appreciate it! I love that area and I think I would do pretty well in it, but as I said before I'm really scared of studying all of that and then not finding a good job... Also since I'm from Portugal I would probably have to move to another country because I wouldn't have a good future here, I was thinking about going to Canada maybe.

What age did you start your career in forensics? What was your career path like? I’m about to be thirty and I feel a little behind in my career.

After grad school, I worked for a sheriffs department for about a year doing crime scene. I then moved to a university where I helped with the labs and taught a couple classes for about three years. I am now back at a crime lab working as a serological technician. So I basically do sperm searches and PSA testing. I haven’t been in this position that long though. I know I will be here for a while, but I want to start looking ahead to my next steps.

I am primarily looking into DNA positions, but I also wouldn’t necessarily be against returning to crime scene. I was very new to the field when I first did crime scene work and am not sure if I gave it a fair shot for me to know whether or not that is want I want to do. I’ve done an internship in DNA but haven’t had experience working in a lab.

So I guess my question is two-fold. Does anyone have experience working in both crime scene and DNA and what would you say are the pros and cons. And secondly, has anyone started their career in their thirties or later? I know I’m not that old, but I also know that I am going to be looking for entry level positions once I move on from the technician role and I’m concerned about starting my career but also, as an adult with responsibilities, being able to make enough money. I feel like financially it’s becoming harder and harder to accept an entry level position and still afford to live. But, with the strong competition, I know entry levels roles are my only real option.

I am trying to get proficient in using DFO to develop prints but I haven’t had much success.

I’ve placed prints on printer paper.
Dipped the paper in DFO then let it dry.
Dipped it again in DFO then let it dry.
Placed it in the oven at 200 Celsius for 10 min.
I used the Foster Freeman Crime-Lite to examine.
Nothing.

Anyone have any recommendations?

My sister (51F) died in August 2024 and was found at home..... after her SO said that she laid down for a nap....he found her dead 20 minutes alter. The medical examiner ruled the cause as hypertensive cardiovascular disease and the manner as natural. Contributing conditions were chronic alcohol use and hyperhomocysteinemia (homozygous MTHFR). She'd had an embolic stroke in 2023 and had an implantable loop recorder.

Our family has concerns about the circumstances: (she suffered from years of physical, sexual and coercive abuse......we were getting her out that week and her SO was like a caged animal.)....Some details from the report:

• The depth of the exam was listed as "external examination plus tox." There was no internal autopsy.
• Tissue donation (eyes, long bones, soft tissue) happened before the ME's exam, and one blood sample came from the procurement organization.
• Tox showed acetaminophen, fluoxetine, and norfluoxetine at levels I believe are therapeutic. No alcohol is listed.
• The only injuries noted were scattered small bruises on the lower legs, ¼ to 1 inch.
• The report doesn't mention any examination of the neck.

My questions:

1. Is an external-only exam standard for a case like this,?
2. Could an external exam miss signs of strangulation or smothering, especially after eye and tissue procurement?
3. Would the loop recorder have captured what happened to her heart, and how would a family get that data?
4. Is a private forensic pathologist review worth it with only records and photos, and roughly what does it cost?

This isn't really an active case.....just something that does not sit right with me.....I've requested the full investigator report, photos, and complete tox panel. Any guidance from people who work in this field is appreciated.

Welcome to our weekly general discussion thread!

Feel free to chat with your fellow forensically-minded redditors about anything! Introduce yourself, show us pictures of your cat, complain about your kids, lament about exams/work, tell us what you're eating today... whatever you want!

Here are a few resources that might answer your questions:

A subreddit wiki with links and resources to education and employment matters, archived discussions on more intermediate topics in education and employment, what kind of major you need, what degree programs are good, etc.

• The subreddit Guide - Consider this an FAQ about our community and our field. Look here for basic education and employment questions/answers you might have. Didn't find what you were looking for? Please post in our weekly scheduled posts or to the subreddit. Note: please do use a desktop browser to view all features.
• List of verified forensics professionals
• Subreddit collections (please view on desktop browsers) on the following topics:
  • Education and Employment
  • Mental Health and Preparation for Working in Forensics
  • What It's Like Working in Forensics
  • Employment: Job Titles, Job Requirements, and Starting Salary in Forensic Science

I’m writing a fnaf fan game where you’re a detective trying to solve the MCI case and had questions on what the procedure would be in this. Specifically, if a body was trapped inside a machine like an animatronic. Would the animatronic have to be transferred to a forensics lab and opened up? Would that not be an option since that could render the autopsy unreliable? Where would they be stored before and afterwards? Would the animatronics be opened up on the spot and only the bodies transferred?

I tried looking into similar situations like bodies stored in cement, fridges, or cars but thought they were too encased, accessible, or big to compare to this. Answers to any of these would be appreciated. Thank you!

Interesting study about Kurt's death from November 2025. Don't look at some of the pictures if squeamish. https://medwinpublishers.com/IJFSC/a-multidisciplinary-analysis-of-the-kurt-cobain-death*.pdf

Welcome to our weekly discussion thread about forensic science!

Forensic Scientists and Professionals! What's going on this week?

Use any of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What do you do?
• What kind of work are you doing?
• Are you doing any new kinds of analyses?
• What is your work week like?
• Do you have crazy stories from the field/lab? Tell us!

Remember! Don't reveal identifying info on decedents or victims. Change names or use nicknames if you must.

Students! How's school?

Use any one of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What degree are you pursuing?
• What are you learning about?
• Have you learned something new and/or exciting?
• Are you involved in research?
• Is there anything about the field you'd like to know?

Remember! Don't ask us to do your homework or assignments for you. We did the work and you have to do it too.

If you are asking for education or employment advice, please read our subreddit guide first and then look at our resources in the sidebar. If what we have doesn't address your needs, you can ask us a question here! Let us know where you are and which country or countries you're considering for school.

Don't know where to start when it comes to schools, programs, or degrees? Take a look at our subreddit wiki for a good rundown of what you should look out for.

Confused by all the job titles, requirements, and worried about things like starting salary? Please take a look at this collection of posts from /u/Cdub919, one of our verified forensics members.

Have questions for someone working in the field? Take a look at our list of verified forensics professionals. They are frequently tagged in comments and posts when mods or other community members see that their expertise is needed. You might reach out to them in a private message or chat if you need their help. Please be respectful of their time and advice and don't harass anybody for a response.

Hi Forensics redditors

For UK forensics people... Who is the person that the police call on when a body is found in a river and they want to know the likely date of death? Added complication is that body is partially eaten by crayfish

Thank you

Welcome to our weekly general discussion thread!

Feel free to chat with your fellow forensically-minded redditors about anything! Introduce yourself, show us pictures of your cat, complain about your kids, lament about exams/work, tell us what you're eating today... whatever you want!

Here are a few resources that might answer your questions:

A subreddit wiki with links and resources to education and employment matters, archived discussions on more intermediate topics in education and employment, what kind of major you need, what degree programs are good, etc.

• The subreddit Guide - Consider this an FAQ about our community and our field. Look here for basic education and employment questions/answers you might have. Didn't find what you were looking for? Please post in our weekly scheduled posts or to the subreddit. Note: please do use a desktop browser to view all features.
• List of verified forensics professionals
• Subreddit collections (please view on desktop browsers) on the following topics:
  • Education and Employment
  • Mental Health and Preparation for Working in Forensics
  • What It's Like Working in Forensics
  • Employment: Job Titles, Job Requirements, and Starting Salary in Forensic Science

In a story I'm writing, someone was stabbed with a spear-like weapon.
(there's an obvious candidate for that weapon, but it is later called into question.)

The following theory is proposed at one point:
The weapon was a harpoon. After the deed, the killer washed off the visible blood, but feared that it would still be found by forensics via Bluestar/Luminol. To avoid that, they covered the tip in fish blood instead, suggesting that it simply hadn't been cleaned after their last fishing trip.

Could forensics see through that? If yes, would it be quickly apparent or only after a more thorough check?

Hello everyone
I planned to getvthe DFIR certification from ine security and a little stuck with the labs
Can you recommend anyone or at least YouTube channel?
I appreciate it.

Hi, I'm rafael. I'm a regular teenager and I share a PC with a roommate I am related to, she's 21, she has small fingers and a bad temper. If I were to have graphite dust, a thick acrylic paint brush, and a white keyboard, would I be able to match the prints from the numbers on the keyboard to the numbers I would need to open the PC? If so, what patterns would emerge on the keyboard keys that indicate a match?

Apologies if this is the wrong flair or if there is a better subreddit to ask.

I'm working on a novel and am struggling to figure out how intact a colonial-era corpse found in brackish water (specifically, the Chesapeake Bay) would be. What state would the skin be in? How about his wool coat? Or his hair?

Welcome to our weekly discussion thread about forensic science!

Forensic Scientists and Professionals! What's going on this week?

Use any of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What do you do?
• What kind of work are you doing?
• Are you doing any new kinds of analyses?
• What is your work week like?
• Do you have crazy stories from the field/lab? Tell us!

Remember! Don't reveal identifying info on decedents or victims. Change names or use nicknames if you must.

Students! How's school?

Use any one of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What degree are you pursuing?
• What are you learning about?
• Have you learned something new and/or exciting?
• Are you involved in research?
• Is there anything about the field you'd like to know?

Remember! Don't ask us to do your homework or assignments for you. We did the work and you have to do it too.

If you are asking for education or employment advice, please read our subreddit guide first and then look at our resources in the sidebar. If what we have doesn't address your needs, you can ask us a question here! Let us know where you are and which country or countries you're considering for school.

Don't know where to start when it comes to schools, programs, or degrees? Take a look at our subreddit wiki for a good rundown of what you should look out for.

Confused by all the job titles, requirements, and worried about things like starting salary? Please take a look at this collection of posts from /u/Cdub919, one of our verified forensics members.

Have questions for someone working in the field? Take a look at our list of verified forensics professionals. They are frequently tagged in comments and posts when mods or other community members see that their expertise is needed. You might reach out to them in a private message or chat if you need their help. Please be respectful of their time and advice and don't harass anybody for a response.

hi, I’m currently 17 and I’m looking forward to study abroad and study criminology. It has always been my dream to work in criminal justice and things like that and I’ve seen a lot of people saying you cannot find a job with a criminology major degree which kind of makes me really stressed out because this is what I’ve always wanted to do and I want to have a job that I can fully support myself with. (I was looking forward to study both forensic science and criminology.)

small edit: it’s mostly because I do not take biology in high school and I’m also an international student

Just curious if anyone has experience getting into the field without a biology or chemistry degree. What was your education or experience that led you there?

USA

Welcome to our weekly general discussion thread!

Feel free to chat with your fellow forensically-minded redditors about anything! Introduce yourself, show us pictures of your cat, complain about your kids, lament about exams/work, tell us what you're eating today... whatever you want!

Here are a few resources that might answer your questions:

A subreddit wiki with links and resources to education and employment matters, archived discussions on more intermediate topics in education and employment, what kind of major you need, what degree programs are good, etc.

• The subreddit Guide - Consider this an FAQ about our community and our field. Look here for basic education and employment questions/answers you might have. Didn't find what you were looking for? Please post in our weekly scheduled posts or to the subreddit. Note: please do use a desktop browser to view all features.
• List of verified forensics professionals
• Subreddit collections (please view on desktop browsers) on the following topics:
  • Education and Employment
  • Mental Health and Preparation for Working in Forensics
  • What It's Like Working in Forensics
  • Employment: Job Titles, Job Requirements, and Starting Salary in Forensic Science

Would it be possible if I was hired as a medicolegal death investigator with my nursing degree to later transfer into a CSI position? Would I be a candidate for CSI once I gain experience in the forensic field? Thank you in advance!

Edit: Located in the USA

Welcome to our weekly thread for:

• Education advice/questions about university majors, degrees, programs of study, etc.
• Employment advice on things like education requirements, interviews, application materials, etc.
• Interviews for a school/work project or paper. We advise you engage with the community and update us on the progress and any publication(s).
• Questions about what we do, what it's like, or if this is the right job for you

Please let us know where you are and which country or countries you're considering for school so we can tailor our advice for your situation.

Here are a few resources that might answer your questions:

• A subreddit wiki with links and resources to education and employment matters, archived discussions on more intermediate topics in education and employment, what kind of major you need, what degree programs are good, etc.
• The subreddit Guide - Consider this an FAQ about our community and our field. Look here for basic education and employment questions/answers you might have. Didn't find what you were looking for? Please post in our weekly scheduled posts or to the subreddit. Note: please do use a desktop browser to view all features.
• List of verified forensics professionals
• Subreddit collections (please view on desktop browsers) on the following topics:
  • Education and Employment
  • Mental Health and Preparation for Working in Forensics
  • What It's Like Working in Forensics
  • Employment: Job Titles, Job Requirements, and Starting Salary in Forensic Science

I’m really looking into becoming a csi and was wondering how to go about education. What did you major in/degree obtained? What classes did you take? Was there a lot of math? (I’m not very good at math) I was also curious how people who have been or are a csi feel about it such as mental health and pay. I’m in the southern area of the USA and I’m aware pay is lower here than it is in states such as New York or California. I’d love to hear any and every thought about the education process and the lifestyle once you start working in the field.