Forensic entomologists study insects and other arthropods to help solve crimes. They analyze insect evidence found on or near dead bodies to estimate the time of death, determine if the body was moved, or other insights relevant to criminal investigations.
Work hours can be irregular and demanding, involving travel to crime scenes, long hours during investigations, and occasional on-call duties.
Exciting Parts of the Job:
Contributing to criminal investigations and working with law enforcement
Offering valuable information to help resolve cases and support grieving families
Working with diverse insect species
Knowing that their work can lead to significant outcomes and resolutions in investigations
Challenging Parts of the Job:
Handling the emotional impact of working with death investigations
Dealing with the trauma of crime scenes
Supporting families who are affected or grieving
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is a good starting point, but advancing to a master’s or doctoral degree is often necessary for specialized roles. Additionally, obtaining certifications and meeting legal requirements are important.
This is perfect for you if:
You have a strong interest in insects
You don’t mind working in crime scenes with dead bodies
You enjoy solving problems and working on criminal investigations
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Krystal R. Hans, Ph.D., M-ABFE to learn more about being a forensic entomologist here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Work irregular schedules and may be on-call for crime scenes. This work requires flexibility and may involve unpredictable working hours.
Setting:
Typically in crime scenes, laboratories, and courtrooms. Forensic entomologists may also spend time in fieldwork environments and interact with law enforcement professionals.
Tasks:
Collecting and analyzing insect evidence from crime scenes, preparing and presenting reports on their findings, testifying in court as expert witnesses, and consulting with law enforcement and other forensic professionals.
Topics:
Insect behavior, forensic techniques, legal standards, and recent forensic cases and research.
Skills:
Proficient in insect identification, analytical techniques, data interpretation, field collection, and report writing to present findings clearly and accurately.
Tools:
Magnifying glasses and microscopes to examine insects, insect traps to collect specimens, preservation containers, measuring instruments, and photography equipment to document evidence details.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
Naturally excel in attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, patience and persistence, and communication.
Interests:
Enjoys hands-on fieldwork, analyzing complex problems through scientific methods, and applying methodical approaches in collecting and analyzing evidence.
Personality:
Typically have investigative, realistic, and conventional personality types. They are analytical, practical, and organized.
Values:
Scientific accuracy, justice, integrity, helping others, and continual learning.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Forensic Entomologist
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, or forensic science followed by a master’s or doctoral degree is typically required. Having certifications and practical experience in forensic settings are also beneficial.
Preferred Majors
Pursuing majors in entomology, biology, forensic science, environmental science, zoology, ecology, and chemistry can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Forensic Pathology
Forensic Toxicology
Medical Entomology
Veterinary Entomology
Wildlife Biology
Wildlife Forensics
Advice from Krystal
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Gain experience first by volunteering in any science lab to demonstrate your research and teamwork skills. Consider obtaining a forensic entomology technician certification to handle and collect evidence, as this will be a good starting point.
What Krystal would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:
“I loved insects but didn’t know about entomology as a career path. When I learned about it, I was amazed and wanted to learn more. Starting my master’s in forensic entomology, I wasn’t sure what the future held but decided to persist. I’ve faced challenges, including being taken less seriously as a woman in STEM, so knowing to expect this would have helped.”
