Ben began his presentation by discussing his educational path and how it led to his first job with molecular diagnostics lab that had a primary focus on detecting the onset of pancreatic cancer and its recurrence.
One of the things Ben most enjoyed about his first job was that it was the same type of work that he would eventually find in forensics. Today, Ben is a Serologist and DNA expert for the ME's office and also teaches a graduate level serology class (the study of bodily fluids) at Duquesne University.
"My career choice was influenced by the original CSI series when I was in 6th grade," Ben revealed. "I was really struck by character Gil Grissom saying that his job was, in essence, to speak for the dead. To tell their story and get them justice -- so that's what I try to do."
Explaining that his job at the ME's office has two distinct roles: one as scientist, which he enjoys most because he is collecting and examining evidence. His other role is that of an expert witness.
"The forensic side allows me to examine and test the evidence and form opinions on my findings. I communicate those opinions to juries and then defend my hypotheses against attorneys' arguments. Defense attorney, prosecutor and judge -- I have to get everyone to understand what I did and how I did it to arrive at a cause or reason for death," Ben explained.
"Many jurists just don't have the level of understanding that they would need to understand the science involved, so I'm also like a teacher in that sense. I speak from the evidence. It's not my job to prove guilt or innocence. I merely speak to the evidence and the jury decides the case based on what I've provided them."
A special thanks to Ben for taking time out to visit his alma mater and talk to students about his career path.
