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989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Also, is it possible to specifically detect that the DNA is from saliva and nothing else?

Asked by AJ over 5 years ago

I don't believe so, but I haven't done DNA analysis in 20 years so I'm not the best person to ask. I know there's an amylase test for saliva, but I don't know if it's used any more. And if you have a mixture I doubt it would be possible to tell what DNA is from what bodily fluid.

429 Votes

I am back to school to complete some science and math courses, like Organic Chemistry and Physics. I then plan on going onto graduate school for a master's program in forensic science. Will that increase my chances of getting a job in the field?

Asked by Yuna almost 5 years ago

I think it would absolutely help your chances. But all agencies might not be looking for the same things. I would check the websites for all the agencies you’re interested in to see their job postings.

Best of luck to you!

429 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

What if you set someone up with white powder with kool aid that turns colors with water say its red kool aid will it test positive by dying the thing even if it would other wise work just fine? Asking for a friend ;)

Asked by Darren over 5 years ago

Interesting idea, but again I don't know. I don't know what liquid is used for the tests, so that might affect things.

428 Votes

How has forensic equipment changed and developed over the time of your career?

Asked by Christina Phokou over 5 years ago

Departments have access to larger (county, state, sometimes federal) fingerprint databases, though it's still not like you see on TV. DNA analysts can now obtain a profile from 'touch DNA', someone simply touching an object. And video surveillance systems have become commonplace but also much easier to use with better clarity.

428 Votes

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I hear there is a lot of politics in police work is this true and why?

Asked by Bobbi sue almost 6 years ago

Before I worked in forensics, I was a personnel secretary, a hotel maid, and an ice cream counter server and a gas station 'full service specialist'. My husband is an elevator field engineer. There is 'politics' in every profession. Every. Single. One.

Best of luck!

427 Votes

So do you pretty much get to do all the fun stuff without as much paper work?

Asked by Rae about 5 years ago

No, we have lots of paperwork. Lots.

426 Votes

What is the outlook for employment? What is the level of education required? What do you like most about your career? What do you like least? What special skills are required? Are there any special physical demands?

Asked by Jessie over 4 years ago

Job requirements depend on the job. Requirements might range from a HS diploma to a PhD. Check the websites of forensic professional organizations (IAI, AAFS, pathology or other disciplines) for job vacancies. I like the variability of the days.I dislike the hours, which can be unpredictable, and require being ‘on call.’

426 Votes

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Forensic Scientist

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Also, is it possible to specifically detect that the DNA is from saliva and nothing else?

I am back to school to complete some science and math courses, like Organic Chemistry and Physics. I then plan on going onto graduate school for a master's program in forensic science. Will that increase my chances of getting a job in the field?

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

What if you set someone up with white powder with kool aid that turns colors with water say its red kool aid will it test positive by dying the thing even if it would other wise work just fine? Asking for a friend ;)

How has forensic equipment changed and developed over the time of your career?

Also on Jobstr...

I hear there is a lot of politics in police work is this true and why?

So do you pretty much get to do all the fun stuff without as much paper work?

What is the outlook for employment? What is the level of education required? What do you like most about your career? What do you like least? What special skills are required? Are there any special physical demands?

Forensic Scientist

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Also, is it possible to specifically detect that the DNA is from saliva and nothing else?

I am back to school to complete some science and math courses, like Organic Chemistry and Physics. I then plan on going onto graduate school for a master's program in forensic science. Will that increase my chances of getting a job in the field?

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

What if you set someone up with white powder with kool aid that turns colors with water say its red kool aid will it test positive by dying the thing even if it would other wise work just fine? Asking for a friend ;)

How has forensic equipment changed and developed over the time of your career?

Also on Jobstr...

I hear there is a lot of politics in police work is this true and why?

So do you pretty much get to do all the fun stuff without as much paper work?

What is the outlook for employment? What is the level of education required? What do you like most about your career? What do you like least? What special skills are required? Are there any special physical demands?

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