Forensic Biology Interview Question:

Explain what does a forensic biologist do?

Submitted by: Muhammad

Forensic biologists utilize scientific methodology and analyses to investigate matters that involve public legal systems, including crime and civil actions. The majority of a forensic biologist's work occurs in the laboratory, but they often collect evidence from the "field" at crime scenes or other areas of interest to the legal system. This evidence can include human, animal or plant remains, DNA traces, physical material like clothing fibers, and other material that can be helpful to legal investigations. Forensic biologists have degrees in either forensic science or biological sciences with a focus on forensics, and they may work for law enforcement or government agencies, private and consulting companies that specialize in laboratory analyses, or at universities. You may think of the popular television show CSI and homicide investigations as the typical job of a forensic biologist, and indeed this is a common application to the field of forensic biology. Crime scene investigations often involve collection of human biological material, including hair, teeth, skin, blood and other human remains that can be analyzed for DNA to identify potential victims and suspects. Sometimes this biological material occurs in only trace amounts, and may be found from corpses, walls, floors, and objects (including murder weapons) at crime scenes. Samples are collected with swabs (similar to a Q-tip), filter paper, tweezers, sample tubes, and other specialized, sterile equipment for subsequent analysis in the laboratory. Some biological material (e.g., blood) can be identified at the crime scene with the use of special lighting or chemical sprays. Other similar applications may include assistance with autopsies to determine time and manner of death, and collection of physical or biological evidence from suspects in crimes.

However, some forensic biologists specialize in the identification of confiscated animal remains (e.g., horns, skins, fur, feathers, bones) to aid law enforcement agencies that combat illegal wildlife trade, including endangered species. Other forensic biologist specialties include investigations of animal cruelty and zoonotic disease, which are pathogens that can pass between humans and animals-examples include SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and West Nile virus. The latter field is an integral component of managing disease outbreaks, and other applications that are relevant to public health.
Submitted by: Muhammad