Rebecca Watt

B. Science Forensic Chemistry Degree

Why did you choose the BSc Forensic Chemistry Degree?

I chose this course because it was different and interesting and had a lot of hands-on aspects compared to other science degrees. I also really enjoyed the Patricia Cornwell novels, which were related to this kind of science, when I was still at school.

What research and projects have you attempted and what were the results?

For my honours research project I studied and ran experiments involving the transfer of fibres on clothing when they were washed. I found results showing that in most cases if a fibre was on a piece of clothing and was washed it would usually stay on the piece of clothing, but could possibly change its position on the clothing. I used several types and brands of washing machine and used different pieces of clothing and found that results were the same. My project helped the police force by adding another type of evidence that could be used in solving crimes.

What are you doing now?

At the moment I am pursuing a PhD at UTS in Forensic Science. I am studying and experimenting with the effect on certain fibres when exposed to the different elements, eg. When fibres of clothing are submerged in water or soil, etc. the time it takes for decomposition and other effects to occur to the fibres.

What advice would you give to other people thinking of doing the BSc Forensic Chemistry Degree?

Make sure your interested in this area of science and if you really want to do it, don’t let people discourage you because it is a great course. I recommend doing chemistry at school, but there are bridging courses at UTS, because there is a fair bit of chemistry involved and it helps to already know the basics.