VIslander scientist dreams of returning home to contribute
Those were the words of young VIslander, Ms Sophia K. V. Brathwaite, a forensic toxicologist.
Brathwaite, the daughter of Complaints Commissioner Sheila N. Brathwaite, holds a bachelor’s degree in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry from the Westchester University, Pennsylvania.
She, along with a group of friends, some in the same field as hers and others who are social workers, returned to the USA on August 29, 2016 after vacationing in the Virgin Islands. This news site briefly caught up with the group of women as they were about to depart the territory.
‘I can be very resourceful to my country’
Brathwaite spoke passionately about her desire to see her country expand to accommodate her expertise. “I am looking at seeing this materialise in about the next five years but only if it’s the mutual dream of the country and everyone cooperates,” she said.
“It’s always been my dream to contribute to the society where I am originally from. Being qualified and working in the field of forensic toxicology, I think I can be very resourceful to my country.”
Forensic toxicologists, according to crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org, are scientists who are responsible for testing bodily fluids and tissue samples during autopsies looking for the presence of chemicals. Toxicologists work in laboratories to perform tests on samples collected by crime scene investigators.
Their jobs involve testing for the presence of: gases (e.g., carbon monoxide); illicit drugs; prescription drugs; poisons; alcohol; metals; and other poisons when poisoning or drug overdoses are expected. Their work may help solve criminal cases, and they are often called in to testify in a court of law on the findings of their investigations.
Fulfilling vacation
Charlissa James, who is also a Virgin Islander living overseas and was part of the team, shared similar sentiments as Brathwaite. She said returning home to her family and people is something she always looks forward to.
James holds a degree in Social Work and Psychology but works as an office coordinator.
“Sometimes life gives you changes but I have worked in both, and with my education I definitely want to come back. So I am just building myself so I can come back and give back what Tortola did for me growing up here.”
James said she would love to return to work with young men and women especially in the prison system. “I specialise in working with teens and the prison system. I specialise in the criminal industry so I definitely want to help with crimes, justice and the full works of it.”
The other members of the vacationing team chose to speak about their first time experience in ‘Nature’s Little Secrets’.
For Charis J. Wynn, the experience was a unique one. “I have been to resorts but not to experience island life, so it was really nice coming here, to eat the cultural foods, go around the city and do things that are not resort style.”
Liz A. Elliott said, “I think of how nice and welcoming the people are here. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming and I totally appreciated it.”
Samantha R. Bashaw savoured her experience spending time on the beaches and in the sea, “I would definitely come back,” she said, as Ciena N. Bayard agreed.
Jodi A. Walsh, a Medical Social Worker who hails from Jamaica, was among the group on her maiden trip here and for her it just felt like home.
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24 Responses to “VIslander scientist dreams of returning home to contribute”
Perhaps, she could use this in conjunction with other areas of expertise?
Forensic Toxicology is not only involved in testing specimens collected at autopsy, but it spans antemortem testing as well. Eg. Drug facilitated sexual assaults, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, human performance testing (prisoners, athletes etc.). But yes, it definitely be used in conjunction with other disciplines of forensic science.