Independent research
After completing the Forensic Science BSc Hons degree at the University of Greenwich, Talia Petruk found she was inspired by the research she had undertaken as part of her thesis. Wanting to complete a Master’s degree but also continue her research, the Science, Master’s by Research degree at the university was the perfect choice for her.
The Master’s by Research programme has a greater focus on independent research than the taught Master’s programme, giving me the time to explore the forensic world of research in-depth and the freedom to design my research exactly how I want to.
Talia explains that because her programme lets her work independently, she can choose her own study and laboratory hours, allowing her more flexibility. Talia adds that the programme is developing her ability to understand, analyse and interpret the data she obtains from her research and improve her research approach. She has also taken up opportunities to support staff with practical classes as a co-demonstrator and support other students with lab work. She valued being awarded the Alumni Postgraduate Award as a contribution to her postgraduate studies.
Extensive facilities and dedicated staff
Talia chose the University of Greenwich because of the structure of her undergraduate course, which covers chemistry as well as biology, and because she knew of the strong reputation of the programme, which has consistently received a 100% rating for student satisfaction.
Forensic Science staff are all very knowledgeable and are a strong knit group that work well together and are dedicated to helping students to succeed.
As a Master’s degree student, Talia is able to benefit from using the extensive facilities on the Medway Campus and specialist equipment she needs for her research, allowing her to put the knowledge she has learned from her undergraduate degree into practice. As part of the entomology side of her research, Talia also had the opportunity to make use of equipment and lab space from the Natural Resources Institute, a specialist agriculture, environment and sustainability organisation on the Medway Campus who have been involved in huge projects globally.
Becoming a research scientist
Talia’s research focus is on forensic entomotoxicology, which refers to the toxicological analysis of drugs on carrion-feeding insects, particularly flies, in forensics. Research in this area can be pivotal for the interpretation of crime scene evidence, and so can greatly support the justice system.
Talia is most looking forward to being able to present her work to others so that she can make a positive contribution to the world of forensic science. She has also valued the experience of being able to help staff with their own research, concluding that it is a good feeling being seen by her university as a real research scientist working alongside such renowned staff.
