Since 2017, I have been a forensic analyst with The Loop, a forensic drug testing charity that offers community and event-based multi-agency safety testing.
In 2022, I joined the senior team and now assist with running the service.
Over the last 7 years I have analysed thousands of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, gaining familiarity with the legal status and pharmacology of dozens of compounds.
In addition, I presented forensic findings to police, paramedics and trustees which has given me extensive experience in conveying scientific terminology to a lay audience.

Keith Borer Consultants - Expert Witness

As a forensic toxicology consultant with Keith Borer Consultants for two years, I reported on drink/drug drive casework as well as drug valuations and usage patterns.
I authored and peer reviewed hundreds of expert witness statements on behalf of the defence for use in court. Having regularly given expert testimony both in person and online via video link, I am confident in presenting evidence and defending my work.
I gained extensive experience with private clients, solicitors and barristers. This exposed me those both who were both privately funded and legally aided and gave me familiarity with the various legal aid agencies - LAA, LSANI and SLAB.

During my postgraduate studies, I covered the forensic process from start to finish i.e. from crime scene to court. This honed the core principles of forensics: impartiality, continuity, honesty and integrity. Having mastered units such as 'Analytical Chemistry for Forensic Science and Toxicology' and 'The chemistry of drugs and explosives' I gained alcohol and drug technical defence skills as well as court room exposure.
Extensive study of legislation including that pertaining to drink and drug driving e.g. S4, S5 and S5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (England and Wales).

Independent expert based in Cambridge, UK

About

BSc (Hons) Pharmacology - University of Bath (2.1)

During my undergraduate studies, I gained expert knowledge regarding the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. Leveraging my studies of what dosages would cause an expected vs adverse effect as well as the metabolites produced has given me a strong foundation for expert testimony. This has allowed me to confidently explain complex drink/drug pharmacokinetics into a digestible format for all audiences.

Prior to giving evidence in a court room for the first time, I underwent a mock alcohol technical defence court testimony course. This involved a set of mock instructions, writing a witness statement and undergoing cross examination in a mock court room.

Dr Ann Priston (OBE) - Expert Witness Award

During my MSc programme, I had to complete DNA extraction and analysis of various items seized from a crime scene. The results were then written up in an expert witness statement which I defended under cross examination in a mock Crown Court. The panel examining me included Dr Ann Priston (OBE), Tracy Alexander (FKC) and Dr David Ballard.
Having the best performance of the cohort, I was awarded the Dr Ann Priston (OBE) best potential expert witness award.