I saw the future of forensic work at the Engineers Nova Scotia Christmas social in Halifax a few days ago, and all is good.

I saw lots of younger men and women engineers – and chatted with a few – some older guys, and a good mix of ethnic groups. There was a big crowd, I’m sure close to the 325 who planned to attend. (Ref. 1)

I liked learning that some women are getting into electrical and mechanical engineering, also project management, and getting their hands dirty and mud on their boots on construction sites. This kind of site experience bolds well for those who will go into forensic engineering.

Then there was the engineering student who got in touch with me last year wanting to know about forensic engineering – prompting the blog What is Forensic Engineering? (Refs 2 and 3)

And there was the clerk at Staples, who is studying forensic anthropology. She has a basic bachelor of science degree from Mount Allison University and a master of science in forensic anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. I liked learning this having done a masters in engineering in the UK.

I also liked learning more this year about the field of forensic archeology that is reflective of forensic geotechnical engineering – my field of study and practice for years – and uses similar techniques. (Ref. 4)

Also learning about the daughter of a friend of mine who has studied forensic DNA and works with the Halifax Regional Police.

And the sister of another friend who has an ancestry DNA lab in Ontario.

(The latter two friends are hot-tub friends at Cole Harbour Place where I go swimming – a good place to meet interesting people from all walks of life)

We’re in good hands, if these folk can hang onto their passion for forensic work in their respective fields while remembering that forensic investigation serves the judicial and dispute resolution processes with thorough, objective investigation. If they can do this, then the future for forensic investigation in all fields looks good.

But, all the while, being alert to vested interests. They’re out there too. (Refs 5 and 6)

Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year to all my blog site visitors.

References

1. Talk with Christine Larocque (She/Her), Director, Communications and IT, Engineers Nova Scotia, December, 2022
2. What is forensic engineering? Posted September 28, 2021
3. What is forensic engineering? Posted November 20, 2012 (An earlier post on this field of practice)
4. Catling, Christopher and Bahn, Paul, The Complete Practical Encyclopedia of Archaeology, pp 512. Anness Publishing Ltd. 2013. Particularly page 226, Forensic Archaeology
5. Is bias alive and well in police investigation? Posted September 20, 2022
6. The ethics of contingency shopping. Posted December 30, 2021

(Posted by Eric E. Jorden, M.Sc., P.Eng. Consulting Professional Engineer, Forensic Engineer, Geotechnology Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada December 30, 2022 ejorden@eastlink.ca)