MSc Forensic ScienceOdelia Julia Rebello
My name is Odelia Rebello, and I am a proud alumna of the University of Strathclyde having completed my MSc in Forensic Science in 2023. Originally from Mumbai, India I completed my BSc in Life Sciences at Jai Hind College before making the move to Glasgow to purse my passion for forensic science. I currently work as a sterile services laboratory technician at Circle Health Group in Glasgow, and my time at Strathclyde continues to shape how I think and approach challenges in my professional life.
How did you make the decision to study at Strathclyde?
I took the time to research the faculty and speak to alumni, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive — something I completely understand now having experienced it first-hand. The course duration and location also played a role; I was specifically looking for a one-year master’s degree, and Glasgow was an easy choice given its reputation for having some of the friendliest people in the world — a reputation that is well-deserved.
What truly enriched that journey, though, was everything that happened beyond the textbooks. The expert speakers who came in and shared their real-world expertise gave me perspectives I simply could not have gained from a classroom alone. Every guest lecture was so interesting, engaging and felt like a window into the profession — raw, practical, and eye-opening. The class presentations and assignments pushed me to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently, and the diversity of the cohort made every interaction a learning experience in itself. Coming together with people from all over the world, each with their own academic backgrounds, cultures, and ways of thinking, broadened my perspective in ways I did not fully appreciate until after I graduated. On a practical level, I also gained hands-on experience with a wide range of instrumentation and laboratory techniques, as well as a solid grounding in ISO 17025 standards. It was the combination of all these things — the technical, the human, and the experiential — that made this programme genuinely transformative.
What aspects of the programme & your experience at Strathclyde did you find most valuable?
The most valuable thing I took from this programme was learning to think, analyse, and problem-solve like a forensic scientist — it fundamentally changed my way of thinking, and for the better. The highlight was undoubtedly the crime scene to courtroom exercise spanning both semesters, where I took on the role of crime scene photographer, processed evidence in the lab, created reports and ultimately presented my findings as an expert witness in a mock session at Glasgow Sheriff Court. I also had the opportunity to conduct blood spatter analysis, work with polarised light microscopy and FTIR for fibre examination, and complete a dissertation on blood detection on laundered fabrics using luminol, UV, and IR methods.
What have you been up to since graduating from your course?
I am pleased to say that I secured employment within five to six months of graduating. I am currently working as a Sterile Services Laboratory Technician at Circle Health Group in Glasgow, a role I have now held for over two years. While it has been a rewarding experience, I feel I have reached a point where I am ready to take the next step in my career and am actively exploring opportunities that align more closely with my forensic science background and long-term ambitions.
How did your university experience help prepare you for your current role?
My time at Strathclyde has shaped my professional approach in several meaningful ways. When a problem arises at work, my instinct is to establish the root cause, address it systematically, and put controls in place to prevent recurrence — a mindset I directly attribute to my forensic science training. My decontamination and laboratory training has also enabled me to work confidently and efficiently in a sterile environment, where precision and attention to detail are not optional but essential. The chain of custody and regulatory training I received directly translates to traceability and compliance protocols I follow at my current workplace. Beyond the technical, the group projects and collaborative work during my course significantly developed my teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, all of which I draw on every day.