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April Smith

Forensic Scientist: Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM)

April Smith

As a Senior Scientist at the VIFM, April works in the DNA testing area of the Coronial Services Centre. She works in 4 main areas of DNA testing:

  1. Identifying bodies.
  2. Paternity tests
  3. Criminal cases (interstate/overseas)
  4. Civil cases (twins testing, immigration, blood on various items)

April’s daily activities involve case work in the lab, which takes up about 50% of her time, and reporting and statistics. She also spends time liaising between interested parties which include; solicitors, coroners, general practitioners, police and the general public. She has some time to do a limited amount of research, and occasionally her role requires her to give evidence in court.

April completed a BSc with a focus on Genetics and Psychology. She then completed her honours year (genetics) at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine where she gained on-going employment.

“I like the variety of the role. The research and the technical laboratory work combined with the client contact is what make my job so enjoyable”, April says.

Other opportunities to work as a forensic scientist are in the growing number of private criminal labs, and there are always prospects both interstate and overseas.