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Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science

I have been a forensic scientist since 2002, having been employed with Forensic Alliance (later known as LGC Forensics), MFL Forensics and Forensic Access.

During this time, I was cross-trained within several departments (Biology, Ecology and Drugs), whilst specialising as a Scene Scientist and Expert Witness in the discipline of Forensic Entomology.

I have conducted hundreds of laboratory, crime scene and mortuary examinations, across the full spectrum of crimes against the person and property.

More recently, in my previous role as Head of Animal Forensics, I applied forensic strategies and methodologies in animal welfare and cruelty cases. Consequently, I am an advocate of collaborative working and raising awareness of the ‘links’ between animal and human abuse.

This distinctive background created the foundations for my PhD, whereby I focused on elucidating the mechanisms of ‘maggot therapy’ – which utilises live fly larvae for the treatment of necrotic wounds. By exploiting the same species of maggots as encountered in forensic cases, chronic wounds are effectively debrided and disinfected, which in conjunction with other biotherapeutic effects, actively promotes healing.

Teaching

I am the Course Co-ordinator for the MSc Forensic Analysis degree, which I teach on alongside our undergraduate Forensic programs. My interests reflect my passion for unifying academic development with industry-standard professional training, and drawing from multi-disciplinary approaches to improve best practice.

Qualifications

• PhD in Medical Entomology, University of Nottingham
• MSc in Medical Parasitology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• PGCE in Adult Education, ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ
• BSc in Forensic Science, London South Bank University

Memberships

• Professional Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society
• Fellow of the Linnean Society
• Member of the European Association for Forensic Entomology
• Member of the UK Centre for Animal Law

External Roles

• Council Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Honorary Lecturer at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies

Research Interests

• Forensic and veterinary entomology
• Maggot therapy for wound control
• The links between human and animal abuse

Selected Publications

• Pickles, S.F., (2020). Pets at home? Considering animal forensics in the domestic setting. UK Journal of Animal Law, 4(1):37-41.
• Pickles, S.F., (2019). Response to animal welfare (sentencing) bill. Written evidence submitted by Forensic Access Ltd. (AWSB07), Public Bill Committee [online], available from:
• Pickles, S.F., (2018). Closing the circle: Forensic strategy in support of the ‘links’ between animal and human abuse. The Barrister, 76 (3):14-15.
• Pickles, S.F. and Pritchard, D.I., (2017). Endotoxin testing of a wound debridement device containing medicinal Lucilia sericata larvae. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 25(3): 498- 501.
• Pickles, S.F. and Pritchard, D.I., (2017). Quality control of a medicinal larval (Lucilia sericata) debridement device based on released gelatinase activity. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 31(2):200-206.
• Pritchard, D.I., ÄŒeÅ™ovský, V., Nigam, Y., Pickles, S.F., et al., (2016). TIME management by medicinal larvae. International Wound Journal, 13(4):475-484.

Contact Details

T: +44 (0)1234 400 400
E: samantha.pickles@beds.ac.uk

Other References