Emmanuelle Erne, fire specialist and doctoral student, Fribourg Cantonal Police and University of Lausanne

Interested in the sciences and the variety of subjects, I chose to study forensic science. I was also attracted by the work that takes place partly in the laboratory. After my Bachelor's degree, I went on to do a Master's degree in forensic science, with a major in identification. My Master's thesis was on the analysis of counterfeit watches with perfumed bracelets. I could have continued research on this subject with a thesis, but I preferred more practical work. So I applied for an internship at the Federal Office of Police and was selected. Shortly after starting the internship, I came across an advertisement for a particular and rather rare position: 50% devoted to research at UNIL and 50% to expert work with the Fribourg Cantonal Police. The position was part of a partnership between the two institutions. I took a chance. I had an interview at UNIL (with a thesis director I already knew). At the police department, I had a job interview and a field placement. At the end of the process, I was hired. I interrupted my placement after two months to take up this challenge.

So my job has two components. With the cantonal police, I'm a fire specialist. This means that my main activity is to support fire investigations. I go to the scene with my colleagues, support them in examining the exhibits, contact specialists if necessary, and carry out research into specific knowledge. I also take part in the ongoing training of my fellow inspectors. The colleagues have varied backgrounds, which brings complementary views. About half of them studied at university and then went to police college; the other half went to police college first (sometimes after obtaining a CFC - as an electrician, for example), and then trained on the job in specific areas. At UNIL, I'm a doctoral assistant. I'm conducting research into sharing knowledge about fires: how can we extract knowledge and create a database with past data that can be used to solve current and future cases? I am also in charge of practical work for 3rd year Bachelor's students in forensic science. Finally, I may be called upon from time to time to take part in mandates entrusted to the School of Forensic Science that relate to fires.

Working in different environments stimulates me a lot. It requires excellent organisational skills, not least to keep up with the flow of information on both fronts. It also requires a great deal of flexibility: sometimes I'm planning to go and work at the university, and then on the platform I change my plans because I have to deal with an urgent matter. The other skill I use is the ability to translate complex knowledge into useful information that can be used to solve cases. I used to run gym lessons for children, which helped me develop my teaching skills. Sometimes you're confronted with stereotypes about university graduates: teamwork and integration into working groups help to change them. A little anecdote: I've been riding for years, and I know how to tell straw from hay - useful in some cases! Finally, another thing I've learnt is the need to be able to question yourself, to call on other opinions, and to know your limits.