Frequently Asked FE Questions

What should I take at university to eventually get into Forensic Entomology?

Entomology! Ecology classes are also very useful. Try to specialise in an insect group that you find interesting and that the Police will find useful. If you have a forensics background already, the scene experience will be helpful but is not necessary.

Where can I study Forensic Entomology?

Most universities do not have an actual forensic entomology degree; however, you can begin by taking general entomology classes. Most universities will offer one or two classes in entomology; however, others will have an entire department devoted to this speciality. Look at the universities in your area and find out which have the best entomology program for you.

At the graduate level it is possible to do a research project in forensic entomology. Look for a supervisor willing to oversee this type of research. If they do not feel they have enough experience in the field you can also get someone externally, with more entomology (ecology) or forensic entomology experience, as a second or external supervisor. Look at your local museum, institutes of legal medicine, pathology lab, or forensic science lab for someone who can help.

Remember that blowflies are not the only arthropods of interest. In some cases experts in mites, Muscids, or Phorid flies are contacted for their expertise.

Who can I go to with questions about Forensic Entomology?

Luckily the European Association for Forensic Entomology consists of many practicing Forensic Entomologists that can answer questions for you. Local museums and universities may also have entomologists that can help.

What kind of research can I do?

Forensic Entomology still has much to be explored. Many people conduct experiments using small or large pigs in several different conditions. However, not all research has to be done with pigs. There is still a great deal to be learned regarding the DNA of many insects. Development rates of an abundance of insects are still unknown yet vital to the work done in forensic entomology, therefore should be considered. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something in which you are interested. It also helps to do research in a subject (or insect species) that is applicable to your area.

How do I get permission to conduct my research?

It may be different in every country. There are health and safety forms to fill out and getting permission from the local government can be time consuming. Often the best option is to secure a research site on private land. There will still be health and safety forms to answer but the process should be much faster. Many students have been able to get permission to conduct research experiments on local farms or on property owned by the university.

Where can I get pigs for research?

Ask your local butcher or pig farmer. Depending on the size of the farm there may be a mortality every day or every other day due to natural causes. The farmer may agree to let you take this pig free of charge; however, you will incur a fee if you want it to be delivered. If you are looking for something a little bit more controlled you may need to find someone to kill the pig(s) for you. You may have them killed with a penetrating captive bolt pistol but a special license is required for the use of such a weapon. Many veterinarians have this licence and may agree to do this for a small fee. A cheaper and possibly more humane option is to get the farmer to shoot the pig(s) in the head. Depending on where you are situated you may need ethical approval before having pigs killed for research (rather than natural death).

Note: If you are having difficulty finding a pig farm, call a veterinarian and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Where can I dispose of the pig carcasses when the research is finished?

Most universities have an incineration program. This means that once a week (can be more or less) bags of items to be incinerated are picked up by a private company. Ask your laboratory technicians. They are probably the best people to see about this. If you are not at a university, laboratories, hospitals, and police headquarters also have such programs.

Where can I get work experience?

Work experience is difficult to find but it is not impossible. Finding a research supervisor that takes entomology cases is the best way to gain experience. If this is not possible consider getting a summer research job in a forensic/police laboratory. You could also volunteer at a museum. The more you are exposed to general entomology the more you will become knowledgeable and attractive to future employers.

Where can I get a job in Forensic Entomology?

Full-time jobs in forensic entomology are not very common. Most forensic entomologists lecture at a university. Others work in museums, hospitals, or research labs and are fortunate enough to incorporate forensic entomology work into their schedule. Certain large forensic laboratories employ forensic entomologist, but may also expect them to do work in biology, chemistry, toxicology, or any other discipline in which they have experience when there are not many entomology cases. Do not expect to get a full-time job as a forensic entomologist; instead focus your energy on a job you love that would allow for you to also do case work.

How or where can I get weather information?

Temperature data should be recorded using reliable and accurate equipment such as a data logger. If you are only looking for general weather data go to your national meteorological website. In the UK this is www.meto.gov.uk

How can I get funding to do research?

Agencies offering funding for research are numerous; however, finding one specifically geared to forensic entomology research can be difficult. Some offer PhD studentships, fellowships, funding to attend conferences, and grants to study abroad whether for long-term or for just a short period of time. What is important is that you are imaginative. Many companies that are only somewhat related to entomology are often surprisingly interested in forensic research. Also, forensic entomology research can often be applied to other areas of ecology. For example, could your research also be used in pest control? Could you contribute in population monitoring or taxonomic research?

Most universities have an office devoted to funding; this is often linked with the student employment office or the postgraduate office. Ask your supervisor where this information is kept at your university.

PhD Studentships are often posted on employment websites

Ex: http://www.jobs.co.uk/ and http://www.newscientistjobs.com/splash.action

What equipment can be important when conducting research/work in forensic entomology?

Data loggers are often crucial in FE research/work. These record temperatures, as well as relative humidity and more. An ideal data logger should be small, accurate, waterproof, and hopefully have sensors to record the ambient temperature and external probes to record the temperature inside a decomposing body. Incubators or temperature controlled chambers are important when collecting developmental data. Make sure that the incubator is not too small and that these have sufficient air circulation. With some incubators it may be necessary to occasionally open the door for just a few seconds to circulate the air, but now too long to alter the temperature. Good forceps; these come in many shapes and sizes for all the varying functions. Soft entomological forceps are important for the collection of larvae but very fine forceps useful for observations of flies under the microscope.

This list can potentially be quite long; it very much depends on your research topic. For a detailed list of items used for work in forensic entomology please refer to the Best practice in forensic entomology – standards and guidelines. International Journal of Legal Medicine (2007) 121: 92-104.

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