Profile

Photo:

Leisa Nichols-Drew

    • About Me:

      I have been working in forensic science for over 20 years – I am a Chartered Forensic Practitioner and forensic science is my passion!

      I live in the countryside in East Anglia.

      I love talking to people about forensic science.

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      I love swimming, cats, the 1920s era (fashion and art), fancy dress, travelling, theatre, musicals, and quizzes.

    • My pronouns are:

      She/her

    • My Work:

      I am an Associate Professor at De Montfort University in Leicester.

      I specialise in the forensic laboratory examinations of various evidence (bodily fluids, marks, and trace recovery).

      I have experience of attending crime scenes, post mortems and court.

      I have worked on a variety of major crime cases from around the world.

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      I have also trained forensic scientists, police officers, and judges in forensic science.

      I have even demonstrated forensic science to members of the Royal Family!

       

    • My Typical Day:

      I usually go for a swim before work, and then when I get to the university I may have practical sessions with my students in the laboratory – these range from testing for blood, to developing fingerprints using a range of chemicals. Or I will have small group discussions with students.

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      At some point in the day I will try to do some of my rounded knife research (I am trying to prevent injuries and crime in the UK).

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I would love to show that there is so much variety in forensic science – there is something to interest everyone, of all ages and backgrounds.

      I would also like to use art to communicate forensic science – creative investigations!

      Also, as long as you enjoy what you do, then there is nothing better in life.

    My CV

    • Education:

      The Queens School in Wisbech (now Thomas Clarkson Academy)

      Neale Wade in March

      Anglia Ruskin University (BSc)

      University of Leicester (MSc)

    • Qualifications:

      10 GCSEs (including Maths, English Language, English Literature, Double Science)

      3 A Levels (including Biology)

      BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

      MSc (Distance Learning) Forensic Science and Criminal Justice

      PhD – I am currently doing my PhD part time alongside my full time job.

    • Work History:

      Shoe Shop Assistant

      Waitress

      Warehouse Assistant

      Pesticides Testing Laboratory

      Forensic Scientist

      Trainer

      Lecturer

    • Current Job:

      Associate Professor and Chartered Forensic Practitioner

    • Employer:

      De Montfort University, Leicester

    • My Interview

      • My favourite CHRISTMAS LECTURES memory is:

        The excitement and how fun they are!

        How is your work linked to the CHRISTMAS LECTURES

        My work involves crime scene to laboratory to court - just like the Christmas Lectures

        How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Forensics, Fun, Friendly

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        I knew I wanted to work in medicine or law - forensic science is the mixture of both

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Possibly... from talking too much!

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Working in a fancy dress shop (I would dress every day in a different theme if I could!) or as an Aqua Aerobics Instructor (I could combine my love of swimming and 1980s/90s music!)

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Deacon Blue

        What's your favourite food?

        Banoffee Pie

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        Time travel (like Hermione in Harry Potter), invisibility, and the ability to talk to animals

        Tell us a joke.

        What do you call a sheep bouncing on a trampoline? A wooly jumper! ha ha ha

Questions answered by Leisa

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