Sam Armen

What degree you are currently studying?
I just finished a Bachelors of Forensic Science (Honours) (started in 2014)

What is your major?
Applied Chemistry

What did you do before you started your course?
I had just finished highschool.

What motivated you to study this degree/major?
I found chemistry to be really fun and exciting in high school. When I saw that I could major in applied chemistry whilst also learning about forensic science (which I also found fascinating), it was a no-brainer.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?
I really enjoy the linking of chemistry with real world forensic scenarios. I love dactyloscopy - the study of fingerprints. My degree gave me a better understanding of fingerprints and the underlying chemical nature of fingerprint residue.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?
I had read a lot about UTS and how it was Australia's number one young university. I wanted to attend a university that was innovative and progressive. Additionally, UTS staff consists of many leading researchers in the fields of forensic science. Who better to learn from?

What is it like to study at UTS Science?
It has been great studying at UTS science. The hands on nature of all the laboratory classes allowed me to experience science at first hand at its core. Not only would I prepare various chemical compounds in the lab, I am also able to utilise high tech instruments myself to analyse these compounds- rather then just submit them and receive results a few days later.

UTS science allowed me to completely understand what it means to be a scientist.

What would you like to do once you complete your degree?
Continue working in the field of fingerprints, whether it is on the field in crime scene scenarios, or in the laboratory treating samples and interpreting evidence.