Jaimee-Lee Baggetta, Bachelor of Science: Forensic Biology and Toxicology

Meet free thinker Jaimee-Lee and discover what she loved about studying at Murdoch. 

From a young age I’ve been entertained by crime and investigative TV shows, so it’s no surprise I’ve ended up in forensics at Murdoch. I think of myself as more logical than creative, and I enjoy learning about how and why things work and then being able to provide results. I think this is why I’m so suited to science.

A big thing for me that I’ve appreciated throughout my studies has definitely been the hands-on learning. I helped set up the Whitby Falls Farm camp for the Master of Forensic Science students – including burying ‘evidence’ to be dug up later – and I also completed a research project focused on water filtration systems to test if minute levels of DNA has passed through.

In my final year I was accepted to be a part of the Cold Case Review team, where we studied material relating to real-life cases. It was exciting and rewarding to use the knowledge I had gained so far, and to take part in the kind of work I want to do after graduation. I formed friendships with people from the group, and it was nice working closely with like-minded people.

There’s such a wide variety of people and personalities, both staff and students,  it feels very inclusive at Murdoch. I moved to Perth from Bunbury for my degree, which was challenging as a 20-year-old who’d never lived out of home, but I’ve found it’s always possible to make friends with people in your classes, which makes study more enjoyable and encourages you to go to class. There are also a large range of clubs to join, and throughout the year Murdoch hosts events to help you meet people and encourage you to make the most of your university experience.

I feel lucky to have been a science student here as most of my units included a weekly laboratory class. Being given this hands-on learning and provided with valuable experience, plus I feel using all the equipment and substances I wouldn’t normally have access to has really improved my education. The staff have had a massive impact on my journey at university too, and there are those I really look up to as mentors and I respect how knowledgeable they are in the field of forensics.

With the resources I’ve been able to access, the helpful teaching staff I’ve learned under, and the overall learning experience I’ve had – I’d recommend Murdoch University to others.

As for the future, I am hoping to travel for a bit before taking on a role in the police force, working my way into the forensics team.