Dr Hilary Hamnett

St Catherine’s College, 2003, Chemistry

I am a Forensic Toxicologist at Environmental Science and Research Ltd in New Zealand.

I came to Oxford from a comprehensive school in Northumberland. Although Oxford was a  daunting prospect, it was actually a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.

My Chemistry degree gave me a solid scientific foundation from which to move into Forensic Science. The plethora of TV shows such as CSI have turned Forensic Science into an enormously popular and competitive career path, but having a degree from Oxford has definitely given me the edge.

The worldwide reputation of Oxford has enabled me to work in my chosen career in both the UK and abroad, and after a brief stint in Australia, I currently work for the New Zealand government as a Forensic Toxicologist. A degree from Oxford can open all sorts of doors.

In my job I investigate crimes involving drugs and poisons; from suspicious deaths to driving under the influence, and drink-spiking cases.

The in-depth Chemistry knowledge I gained at Oxford is invaluable for interpreting the evidence, as are the abilities to think on my feet, problem solve and look at cases laterally.

Although taking the stand in court is never easy, the tutorial system at Oxford was excellent preparation. The benefit of being taught by world-leading academics is not just access to their knowledge and expertise, but also discovering that waffle in tutorials just doesn’t cut it – and the same goes in the witness box.