From food to forensics for graduate Lucy

Lucy Watts went from food to forensics to achieve a first class BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology degree from Teesside University.

Lucy, 26, was working as a full-time as a chef when she decided to seek a new direction. Her interest in science and biology led her to embark on the degree.

Originally from Osmotherley in North Yorkshire, Lucy now lives in Hounslow, Middlesex, where she works as a forensic scene of crime DNA analyst for LGC Forensics in Teddington.

She said: 'I was working as a chef in a pub, but was looking for something different. I’d really enjoyed science at school but after doing my A-levels I hadn’t been sure of the direction to take and ended up going to catering college.

'I looked at the degree courses at Teesside and I knew the forensics courses had a good reputation. My interest in science and biology drew me towards the degree.

'The three-year degree involved a lot of theory and practical work, which was one of the reasons I wanted to complete it. Since getting my job I’ve done a lot of the same practical work I learned at Teesside, such as work in the labs and using a computer for analysis. I was able to put what I’d learned into practice straight away.'

As well as achieving a first class degree, Lucy also won the Forensic Society Award for the most meritorious undergraduate student.

She said: 'The practical side of the degree really equipped me for my new job. Teesside University is a great place, the library is brilliant and the facilities are fantastic.'

Lucy, who recently married husband Oliver, was known by her maiden name Corner, while at Teesside. She said: 'Although we’ve now relocated due to my job, I wanted to stay close to home to study, so finding such a great course which enabled me to do that was great.'

---