Laura Hallett
Following her graduation, Laura Hallett has embarked on a career in forensic science, helping with the investigation of crimes.
“Actually graduating was such an exciting feeling,” said Laura, who studied Forensic and Applied Biology. “However, graduating meant that my uni experience was over, which is so sad as I enjoyed every single minute of my study and made such amazing lifelong friends.”
Laura is now a forensic laboratory scientist at Cellmark Forensic Services, which provides a forensic casework service to support police in the investigation of criminal offences, at its base in Abingdon. After graduation Laura said: “My training is going extremely well so far and I am thoroughly enjoying working in a real-world setting. I am very interested in pursuing a career in forensic anthropology, however this will be much further down the line.”
Laura, who was a member of the University Cheerleading Society, also made the most of outreach opportunities lecturers provided to go alongside the degree during her time at university. These included a Severn Search and Rescue training day where employees set up mock scenes and demonstrated how they search for and retrieve people and deceased bodies. She also attended a CSI photography workshop held by West Midlands Police CSI employees. “We were able to use high tech cameras to photograph mock crime scenes set up by the CSIs,” she said. “These unique opportunities complemented the degree on many levels and provided inside information into the world of forensic science.”
Laura, of Latton, near Swindon, chose the University of Worcester due to the abundance of green spaces both on the University campuses and in the City, the safe and friendly atmosphere in Worcester itself, and the welcoming and supportive academic staff she met who ran the course. And she was not left disappointed in her decision. “All three years of university were amazing,” said the former Stroud High Sixth Form pupil. “I met my lifelong best friend on day one of first year and now we’ve graduated together. The course leads for Forensic and Applied Biology were the most supportive and encouraging lecturers who made learning new and challenging content excitable and enjoyable. Every staff member at Worcester was welcoming and approachable and was always on hand to help with any queries or concerns.”
Find out more about the School of Science and the Environment at Worcester