Associate Professor Sara Alvaro directs the Forensic Science program at ACPHS. She says forensic science is cool. We asked her to back that up with evidence.
1. You have described your work this way: “Forensic scientists are like regular scientists but way cooler.” What makes forensic scientists cool?
I have always found forensic science cool for many reasons. As a chemist and educator, I believe forensic science is a cool, interesting way to introduce students of many ages to chemistry and science in general. It’s cool that forensic science is a broad field with many subdisciplines, so there is something for everyone -- whether you are interested in ballistics, DNA analysis, toxicology, entomology or anthropology, to name a few! I also think it’s cool that forensic scientists are part of the justice system; we analyze the physical evidence that may lead to the conviction of a guilty person or help exonerate someone who is innocent.
2. Does this mean you’re cool? Are we allowed to hang out with you?
I would like to think of myself as cool. My 13-year-old son probably would say otherwise!
3. What first attracted you to the field of forensic science? What keeps you motivated?
My attraction to forensic science started with a love of chemistry. I had a fantastic high school chemistry teacher (shout out to Mr. Schroeder) who inspired me to major in chemistry in college.
I learned about forensic science while I was in college and decided that I wanted to work for the FBI either as a scientist in the crime lab or as an agent in the field. The research projects I carried out in graduate school were forensic science-related analytical chemistry.
But I also found a passion for teaching as a graduate student. This led me to pursue a career in higher education, and I have always incorporated forensic science into my teaching.
My motivation comes from my love of teaching and the knowledge that I can play a small role in the education of the next generation of forensic scientists.
4. What kind of student would succeed at forensic science? Does it take more than a love of “CSI” or “Bones”?
The education required to become a forensic scientist is rigorous and science-heavy. A successful forensic-science major needs to excel in science and math, particularly in chemistry and biology. Forensic scientists also need to be excellent communicators (both orally and in writing) and have strong personal integrity.
Shows like “CSI” and “Bones” generally do not accurately depict what forensic scientists do on a regular basis. They are entertaining and have certainly sparked great interest in the field. But the bottom line is that a forensic scientist needs to earn a science degree and that can be a challenging path.
5. Forensic science is a rigorous discipline. What do you do to unwind?
I am very active and love the outdoors. I live in the Adirondacks so hiking and is a big part of my relaxation routine. My son is an avid golfer, so I can often be found walking a course as his caddy. I love to read; my favorite book from my childhood is “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster and my most recent favorite read is “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. I like learning new things: I am teaching myself how to crochet, I am a self-taught pianist and I really enjoy gardening and am trying to learn more about the native plants in my area.