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! 

15 May 2013