WHAT DO I STUDY?

I was evacuated at 5am in a whirlwind of tear gas and grenades, faced by the invasion of 2,000 armed military. At the age of 10, I witnessed first-hand violent Bahraini unrest as a result of the ongoing pro-democratic movement, catalyzed by the Arab Spring - forcing my family to find refuge in the UAE. It was my exposure to civil conflict, coupled with a strong interest in counter-terrorism, which has inspired me to explore the field of Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation at a comprehensive level. The threats posed by egregious acts of terrorism became further apparent to me when reading the dystopian novel, ‘1984’. The political satire allowed me to explore the concept of justice in a totalitarian state, questioning my perspective on the extent to which mass surveillance undermines democracy. The Party’s use of technology to ascertain control is parallel to the range of scientific processes available today, in the pursuit of crime prevention.

 

A-level biology has developed my understanding of the principles of evidence collection and the sophisticated techniques used by forensic analysts. Completing the Practical Endorsement Award enabled me to test fundamental scientific concepts during experiments such as PCR and electrophoresis, also developing my analytical skills through the monitoring and evaluation of my findings. I used my biological knowledge to conduct DNA profiling and BPA whilst working in the Forensic and Criminology Departments of the Dubai Police HQ. Shadowing a toxicologist in the Trace Evidence Dept. gave me an insight into forensic chemistry, as I performed tests on bodily fluid samples to identify drug presence. I also visited the Bomb Disposal Unit there and worked with the Crime Scene Investigation Dept, analysing fingerprints and questioned documents to help solve murder and fraud cases. During my visit to a pathology lab, I also had the challenging yet invaluable opportunity to witness an external post-mortem examination, teaching me the importance of an autopsy to a criminal investigation. Witnessing a suspect being questioned at the Royal Court in Guernsey, gave me an insight into the legal procedures associated with criminal law and developed my understanding of the evidentiary standards required for a criminal conviction. I attended various Hearings in the Magistrates Court relating to arson, fraud and drug offences, allowing me to further explore law enforcement and adjudication within the Criminal Justice System.

 

Learning about the influence of cultural values on Criminal Law also led me to recognise that the importance of cultural awareness to global security is proportional to the evolution of terror threats. Growing up in the diverse city of Dubai has developed my ethnorelative perspective, enhancing my communication in multicultural environments.

 

I hope to use my experience to gain a further insight in the field of security and justice and obtain a deeper understanding of the countermeasures to terrorism, in response to the unprecedented threats of the criminal world. The all-encompassing nature of criminal analysis, my desire to help others and the fascinating prospect of forensic investigation, has led me to pursue a degree in such a fulfilling vocation.