Gerda Edelman, Forensic Scientist and PhD student at the AMC
In the academic year of 2005-2006 I graduated from the master’s programme Forensic Science. Before that, I completed a bachelor and master’s programme in physics. After studying Theoretical Physics I was looking to see in what way I could apply this science with a clear social relevance. That’s how I became interested in forensic science. The applied nature of this field and the broad range of topics within the masters of Forensic Science (e.g. law, statistics, DNA) made this programme attractive to me.
In the end, the combination between my background and the master Forensic
Science proved very useful. My physics master prepared me to solve analytical
problems and the Forensic Science programme gave me insight into the specific
forensic needs. I learned about the many different circumstances one can
encounter at the crime scene and the need for techniques that also work outside
the laboratory environment. My research project was about height measurements in
security camera footage. After my graduation I continued at the department where
I did this final internship, which was at the NFI. After 3 years I applied for a
PhD position at the AMC, where I am now developing a technique for the age
estimation of blood stains. In the future I would like to continue working on
forensic research and developments to bring innovative techniques to the crime
scene.
I advise students now participating in the programme to participate in
discussions during presentations of guest lecturers, because they may have a
nice internship for you. An internship is your opportunity to get to know
people, the working environment and to show your skills. If you leave a good
impression, there might be a job opportunity for you!
