Interview with Ms. Pallavi Malik, Forensic Professional, Biological Sciences

Hello, and welcome to the Forensics Digest Q & A Session. Today, we are privileged to have Ms. Pallavi Malik with us, an esteemed expert in the field of forensic science.

As an alumna of the prestigious National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS), Ms. Malik’s journey in forensic science commenced with a robust academic foundation. Her dedication to the field has led her to specialize in DNA analysis, forensic biology & serology, where she has made significant contributions through her research and professional expertise. During her stint as a forensic expert, she also acquired Masters in Mass Communication in Journalism and Advertising.

In her role as a forensic scientist, Ms. Malik plays a pivotal role in the analysis and interpretation of DNA evidence, aiding law enforcement agencies in solving complex cases and delivering justice. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy have earned her recognition as a trusted authority in her field.

Ms. Malik’s passion for education and mentorship is evident in her role as an Assistant Professor at Teerthankar Mahavir University, Moradabad and on her YouTube Channel, ForensixforU, where she imparts her knowledge to the next generation of forensic scientists. Her dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth underscores her commitment to advancing the field of forensic science. In her leisure hours, Ms. Malik finds solace and creativity through mandala art. You can explore her stunning creations on her Instagram page, SpectrumCreators.

Throughout her career, Ms. Malik has demonstrated a keen interest in both academic and research endeavors, contributing valuable insights to the ever-evolving landscape of forensic science. Her expertise extends beyond technical proficiency, encompassing a deep understanding of ethical considerations and the societal impact of forensic analysis.

She has also been selected as Assistant Forensic Officer(Civilian cadre) under Bureau of Investigation, Punjab Police and is awaiting formal appointment.

Without further ado, let us delve into our Q & A session and glean valuable insights from Ms. Pallavi Malik, a distinguished expert in the field of forensic science.

Ms. Arpita: What inspired you to pursue a career in forensic science, and how did your journey lead you to the current professional position?

Ms. Pallavi: I have always been a happy go lucky average scoring student, more inclined towards enjoying the process of learning and its application. I was a regular audience of the shows like Forensic Files, CSI, Murder Investigation Team, and the infamous CID (India). So, my inclination and interest in the investigative techniques were prominent from a very young age. During my bachelor’s degree in Botany (Hons), there was a very small topic that we were taught – The Forensic Palynology, which emphasized on how a very small pollen could help in solving crime and catching criminals. I had explicitly told my father that on day I would be pursuing a successful career in the field of Forensic Science. I have always been lucky to have a very supportive and encouraging family and so my father researched all the institutes that provided Masters in Forensic Science that ultimately led to me ending up in National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science and there have been no regrets and no looking back since then.

Ms. Arpita: Can you share your expertise in a specific area of forensic science that you find particularly fascinating or challenging?       

Ms. Pallavi: Over the past decade as a professional and academician in the Field of Forensic Science, I have gained extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise in the fields of Forensic Biology, Serology and DNA examination. I also have inclination towards Forensic Ballistics, Questioned Documents, Fingerprints, Explosives, Forensic Medicine, and Anthropology. The field that I find challenging in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology as Chemistry has always been a weak point since my school days.

Ms. Arpita: In what ways do you believe forensic science education has evolved over the years, and how do you contribute to staying updated with the latest advancements in the field?

Ms. Pallavi: Looking back at the time when I was a student of forensic science in the year 2009-11 and comparing it to the current scenario, I feel the level of competitiveness and content availability has increased exponentially. As a result, it has become difficult for the students and researchers of Forensic Science to filter the genuine and correct information and its sources. Also, during the time I was a student, the educators were basically the stalwarts in the different fields of Forensic Science who had worked on hundreds of real cases across the country and in the world. As a result, they used to teach more with their practical knowledge and experience rather than providing the knowledge available in the textbooks.

Ms. Arpita: As a professional in the field of Forensic Science, can you discuss about your experience in the various domains that you have gained over the years.

Ms. Pallavi: After pursuing my master’s in Forensic Science, I did a double master’s in Mass Communication, Advertising and Journalism, with an aim of becoming a leading Investigative Journalist in the crime beat. I started working for Delhi Press magazine named ALIVE in the year 2002 which catered to the various issues faced by our society. Buy destiny had different plans for me. I was selected for the post of Assistant Professor at Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad where I taught different subjects of Forensic Science for a period of 5 years. After I married and relocated to Chandigarh, I joined Punjab State FSL at the post of forensic professional and started my own you tube channel for providing forensic education on the virtual platform during the COVID 19 lockdown. I have also been selected as an Asst. Forensic Officer in Bureau of Investigation, Punjab Police and am awaiting my formal joining as a crime scene expert. Looking back at the last decade after my formal education was over, I can say that it has been an eventful journey with experience and exposure to the different aspects of Forensic Science and I have grown and evolved both professionally and personally due to the interactions with various people of this field.

Ms. Arpita: How was your experience working as and Asst. Professor at TMU Moradabad?

Ms. Pallavi: Being a teacher has been the most fulfilling job that I have taken up in my entire career so far. Being with the young minds keeps you young too and you are always updated about the latest advancements in the concerned field. Also, the queries that these fertile inquisitive minds put up in front of you drives you to keep upgrading and updating your knowledge. According to me, being an educator is a two-way learning process- you share your knowledge with the students and in turn they teach you to be up to date with the technology.

Ms. Arpita: What division did your work in at state FSL, Punjab? What were the nature of cases that you dealt with? What are the difficulties you faced during your tenure at the FSL?

Ms. Pallavi: I used to work in the DNA division at FSL, Punjab. In majority, sexual assault cases, especially POCSO cases, Human Identification cases and Murder/Homicide cases were encountered more frequently at the FSL.

The major difficulties we faced during the sample analysis was the poor handling of the exhibits, improper collection, and packaging of the biological samples by the authorised medical practitioner and improper sealing of the parcels. There were cases of sexual assault where the swabs and clothes were packed without proper drying and by the time they reached our lab, fungal growth and degradation was seen due to which no DNA could be extracted/detected. All this in turn reduces the conviction rate of the offenders.

Ms. Arpita: How crucial do you think interdisciplinary collaboration is in the field of forensic science, and do you suggest it should be actively encouraged among young aspirants of Forensic Science?

Ms. Pallavi: Forensic Science itself is an inter-disciplinary domain since it is based on the application of the basic principles of science and other fields of study to the process of investigation. And since the technology is advancing, the nature of crime is evolving and catching hold of the offenders is getting more and more difficult, it is indispensable to encourage and support more and more interdisciplinary collaborations and research in forensic science. The more concise and consolidated the information and data will be, the process of correlation and would become more easier and this will only be possible if we bring different domains and disciplines under a common canopy.

Ms. Arpita: Can you please share how can a person who is pursuing forensic science degree or who has recently graduated in forensic science get a job in the state or central forensic labs?

Ms. Pallavi: Since 2018, NFSU(erstwhile NICFS) has started conducting a national level aptitude test called FACT (for non-net qualified candidates) and FACT plus (for net- qualified candidates) in different domains of forensic science with the intention to create a centralised data base of all the candidates eligible for working in the laboratories. No work experience is required to appear for this exam and the candidates who qualify are called for an interview and then placed in the different Central Forensic Laboratories of the country. Although these jobs are contractual in nature, but this is a good way to get exposure and experience in the government institutions and ultimately make eligibility for permanent job opportunities in the UPSC and state PSCs. The qualified candidates are also called for assisting several state police organizations to assist them as crime scene experts so that they can provide scientific assistance in the process of investigation.

As far as state FSLs are concerned, almost all the states nowadays advertise for hiring candidates on contractual basis in different divisions of the FSLs. The salary package that are offered are no doubt lesser than that offered by the Central Government agencies, but still, the government lab experience ultimately creates further opportunities and eligibilities.

My only word of advice to the aspirants is that they should grab every opportunity that comes their way- be it small or big and make full use of the platform they receive to show case their capability and gain as much knowledge as possible. Ultimately hard work pays off- maybe late for some, but never absent for anyone.

Ms. Arpita: What advice would you give to students aspiring to pursue a career in forensic science, and what skills do you believe are essential for success in this field?

Ms. Pallavi: I remember our mentors always telling us that Forensic is the science of Common Sense and Common Sense is not so common. So, to all the young aspirants of Forensic Science, my only suggestion is that you have a very basic and elementary approach while trying to solve even the toughest problems.

My second advice would be to stay consistent. The key to success in Forensic field is being positive, consistent, never leaving a chance to learn, always trying something new and always making your presence felt.

Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Ms. Pallavi. It has been a pleasure engaging in this enlightening discussion. I am confident that our readers will find this conversation both engaging and inspiring. Your journey serves as a testament to the rewards of dedication and perseverance, motivating others to pursue their goals with passion and determination, while also embracing the joy that comes from the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.