AGS Alumni | Sophie Carr

How did your education at AGS prepare you for your career?

I took my maths GCSE when I was in year 10 and then went on to study Additional Maths and then Maths A Level. I think it gave me a good foundation for problem solving and detailed analysis.

I was also able to choose two science options, biology and physics. The option to do single science meant I could study Biology A Level and now I have a biology degree. That obviously gave me an opportunity for a career in both forensic science and now academic leadership.

What has your career path been like? How did you get to where you are?

I studied BSc Applied Biology at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston; I then went on to study MSc Forensic Science at Kings College, London. I was fortunate that at the time I completed my MSc, the Forensic Science Service (FSS) were advertising for graduates to join a training programme for forensic scientists. I applied immediately and was successful in obtaining one of these highly competitive positions ….. and so began my career as a forensic scientist, working at the FSS in Wetherby, North Yorkshire.

I worked there for nine years, gradually gaining more knowledge so that my career progressed. My role began as a forensic scientist examining and reporting on body fluids and DNA analysis, my expertise expanded to include blood pattern analysis and I qualified to become a senior forensic scientist attending scenes. My caseload focused on sexual, violent and major crime investigation. I led on numerous high-profile murder investigations and gave expert evidence in courts across England including the Old Bailey. Latterly I was also manager of the Homicide and Sexual Offence teams.

In 2007 I decided it was time for a change and I accepted a job as a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at Northumbria University, Newcastle. I relocated to Tynemouth and began a new career. This role involved teaching degree students, designing the course they were studying, giving lectures and marking assessments. During my time at Northumbria, I chose to develop my academic career and increasingly took roles that improved my management and leadership skills. My roles expanded and, through internal promotion, I increasingly took on more responsibilities, culminating in a senior position as Head of the Department of Applied Sciences at Northumbria University.

Lecturing at Northumbria University gave me an opportunity to work with colleagues across a range of areas and led me to begin a parallel research career in law. Whilst working full time, I studied and completed a professional doctorate in law (DLaw) and I now hold the tile of Dr, with expertise in expert evidence. I continue to research on this topic, which has given me the opportunity to publish my research in journals and books, as well as deliver presentations at conferences in Europe and work with colleagues across the world.

I recently accepted a new job at the University of Derby. I am the Deputy Dean of the College of Science and Engineering. In this role I am providing strategic and operational leadership, working with Heads of Schools spanning the disciplines of Computing, Engineering, Science, Sport and Exercise Science. The academics in the college deliver learning and teaching, research and academic enterprise to thousands of students in Derby and at franchise partnerships across the world.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy leading teams and delivering results.

What skills have served you well in your career?

Communication and interpersonal skills.

What advice would you give to current Acklam Grange students about their future?

Spend time understanding where your interests lie and then pursue your goals and dreams in line with that.

If you’re a former student of Acklam Grange School and want to share your story, get in touch via the details below.

Miss S Winter
Careers Advisor
01642 277700
winter.s@acklamgrange.org.uk