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Criminalist Chelsea Igou
“ Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as silent evidence against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen that he deposits or collects - all these and more bear mute witness against him…” -Paul L. Kirk, PhD“Father of Criminalistics”
What Do Criminalists Do? 1. Separate important evidence 2. Analyze*Compare*Identify*Interpret physical evidence 3. Any findings must be conveyed to the other parts of the criminal justice system via written reports and expert testimony
Education Requirement • Bachelor's degree in: Chemistry*Biology*Physics*Molecular biology • Master’s degree may be required • To keep up with the many advances in science, must take continuing education courses
Career Opportunities • Work in forensic labs- many levels • There are many opportunities to teach at community colleges and universities • Often start low and work up • Salary 33,000-76,000/year