Louis Stonehouse-Gusewski quickly found a passion for forensics during his studies and had the opportunity to undertake multiple industry placements. This included ten weeks with West Yorkshire Police, helping to build a database of footprints and shoes to help identify footwear marks left at crime scenes.
“My supervisor Claire Gwinnett was brilliant in helping us find placement opportunities. At West Yorkshire Police I got to see my project applied in real life, which was a good motivator. So that was great,” commented the 22-year-old from Wolverhampton.
Louis also spent time with Staffordshire Police exploring different fingerprint software for the quality assurance of fingerprints at crime scenes.
“It was a good experience because it can go on the CV then hopefully make me more employable. It doesn't seem as nerve wracking now as it did in year one to go out into somewhere professionally.”
Louis has graduated with a first class degree and praises the support of the staff on the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree.
He said: “The science can seem a bit intimidating at first, but we get coached through it. The tutors give us the tools and they help us through everything.
“If you just apply yourself, if you show enthusiasm and show interest in the course, the tutors will show you the same enthusiasm back.”
Louis said applying to Staffordshire through Clearing was the “best decision” he made after originally beginning a degree at a different university
He explained: “I was actually doing another degree somewhere else but it wasn't really for me, so I just wanted to do something else. I knew about the forensics course at Staffs and there was a good reputation for the forensics department here.
“I saw the Clearing position on the website and I decided to take a chance during the summer of that year. I pulled the trigger, and it was a good decision! It was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door.
“To be honest, I didn't think I'd do as well as I did. I'm quite surprised! But I did put in a lot of hard work. When I look back on it, I've come a long way.”
He added: “I would definitely recommend the course. It's been great.”
Discover your future with Clearing at Staffordshire University. Call 0800 590 830 or get an online offer at https://www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing