Theresa Elizabeth Stotesbury

Symons Medal Winner

Ayr, Ontario

Forensic Science and Chemistry

What does winning the Symons Medal mean to you?
I am honoured to be a recipient of the Symons Medal. I leave Trent with a well-rounded education, and the support of wonderful professors and scientists. I cannot thank those who mentored me through my undergrad enough for helping me to develop as a young scientist.

What are your future goals?
Next year I will be pursuing a M.Sc. in Forensic Science through the University of Auckland in New Zealand. My current research opportunities are taking me to my first international conferences in the near future, including a presentation for the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (upon being awarded the Daniel Rhan Memorial Grant) and a tentative poster presentation for the International Symposium on Silicon. My ultimate goal is to find a career that will integrate chemistry and bloodstain pattern analysis. I believe this field holds high potential for innovative contributions to the forensic science community.

How will you make a difference with your Trent degree?
Life is an adventure, and my years at Trent have shown me that there are unexpected opportunities at every turn; you just have to be willing to take them! Utilizing a fine balance between academic and social commitments, I find myself leaving Trent University with a solid GPA, a one-of-a-kind research experience and a strong sense of leadership.

Why did you choose Trent?
I chose to study forensic science because it is a highly analytical discipline. I have always loved problem solving and critical thinking. It is also a newly developing field and has many research opportunities to participate in. I chose to come to Trent because of its excellent program and because of the opportunity to work closely with professors.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
At Trent the forensic science program allows students to meet local experts in the field while working closely with professors who give you the opportunity to actually participate in the research. The program’s theoretical and practical components are beneficial because they help better prepare us for our future work.

Extracurricular activities:
I’ve had the rewarding opportunity to complete an undergraduate thesis working in collaboration with the Chemistry and Forensic Science departments and the Ontario Provincial Police by applying my theoretical knowledge to the practical application of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) in the field.

Interests and passions:
I am passionate about my research and science. I’ve spent a great deal of time exploring the history of BPA and current research in the field. It is really interesting to see how the research has progressed over the past 115 years. Finding ways to apply science to forensic investigations is incredibly rewarding. BPA integrates theories of biology, chemistry, physics and math. The application of so many disciplines to one area of forensic analysis is very attractive to me. The research can be difficult at times, but in the end the benefit is much greater. My thesis work really sparked a passion for continuing education in the sciences.