Faculty:Faculty of Science and Engineering
School:Life Sciences
Location: Cambridge
Areas of Expertise: Forensic science and crime
Research Supervision:Yes
Rebecca's area of expertise is in crime scene examination, gained as a professional practitioner of almost 15 years with two police forces. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Rebecca graduated from Anglia Ruskin University (previously Anglia Polytechnic University, APU) in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, before embarking on an almost 15 year career as a Crime Scene Investigator. She worked for two police forces, covering a full range of crime scene types including high profile scenes and cold cases.
During her career as a Crime Scene Investigator she continued to develop her expertise through training and professional development and particularly enjoyed and excelled in mentoring two new staff members who had developed into competent Crime Scene Investigators, as well as delivering training to police officers and peers.
Rebecca has also been involved with lecturing at Bedfordshire University for Level 4 and Level 5 on the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree course.
Rebecca worked in partnership with Staffordshire University on a fibre tape research project where an abstract presentation was delivered at the European Academy of Forensic Science International Conference 2012 and 2015.
She has also conducted cold case reviews and carried out her dissertation on cold case reviews using advanced DNA techniques; this was in conjunction with Staffordshire Police and the Forensic Science Service.
Rebecca was awarded several commendations for her professionalism at the crime scenes she has attended, as well as awards for her customer service delivery.
She joined ARU to embark on her career as a full time Lecturer Practitioner. Since joining ARU Rebecca has progressed to Course Leader and Senior Lecturer Practitioner.
Rebecca is also part of the Forensic Capability Network wellbeing working group with her research of the effects of trauma of CSIs and Fire Service Personnel.
CSI wellbeing
Anglia Learning & Teaching Award: Can a mobile app build student confidence for practical skills in a post COVID-19 world? Embedding the crime scene assist mobile application to enhance practical skills teaching in Forensic and Investigative Sciences
Jackson, A., Gwinnett, C., Jones, R., 2015. Easylift Three Years On: Use of this Novel Tapelifting System for Fibres Evidence Screening and Ventures into Automated Fibre Finding. Abstract Submission EAFS 2015 Conference Confirmation.
“We have to look after them”: FCN begins policing’s first national forensic workforce strategy. Forensic Capability Network news.