It all starts right here
USC graduate Emily Orchard tells how she started her career in forensic science
Emily Orchard’s career in forensic science started with a Bachelor of Science at USC.
Now based at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in Melbourne, Emily is working as a Senior Forensic Technician.
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“During my time at university I was always interested in microbiology and public health, and I initially envisaged that I would work in a micro lab, or be involved in infection control at a hospital,” she says.
But the opportunity to watch an autopsy inspired her to choose a path of forensic science and gain further qualifications in that field.
“Although it may be perceived by some as being a rather confronting job it is in fact very rewarding,” Emily says.
“My role includes assisting pathologists in the autopsy procedure, retrieving donated tissue for transplantation, conducting CT scans, and working on disaster victim identification investigations.”
Emily was sent to East Timor in 2006 by the Australian Federal Police to assist in the investigation of some high profile cases.
“The local Timorese were very welcoming and appreciated us being there,” she says. “I look back at that time as being an amazing experience.”
Emily also looks back fondly on her time spent at USC.
“My experience at USC was such a positive one,” she says. “After having already studied at a larger university and feeling quite lost in crowd, I appreciated how user-friendly USC was.
“My lecturers knew my name, knew my capabilities and I was able to get a better, more invidualised level of education.
“It gave me the confidence to go on and challenge myself with further studies. USC was really the spring board to my career.”
Play USC's latest videos on YouTube, featuring interviews with graduates Dr Elke Hacker and Emily Orchard.