Fighting crime with science
Q&A with forensic scientist Ann Gordon
By Maureen Patzer
Lansing State Journal
February 23, 2007
She's appeared on Court TV and A&E and often testifies as an expert witness in court. But forensic scientist Ann Gordon does her most important work at the Michigan State Police crime lab, analyzing evidence, toxicology tests and bloodstain patterns.
"I never wanted a job where I'd being doing the same thing every day," Gordon says. "That's why this job is so cool."
Born and raised in Richmond, Mich., Gordon, 33, has an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry and a master's degree from Michigan State University in criminal justice and forensic science.
Gordon and her daughter live in the Lansing area.
GLWoman: What led you to this career?
Gordon: Growing up, we didn't have cable television, so I watched a lot of PBS. About 20 years ago, they were just starting to do shows about how they solved actual crimes. And I was the kid who played with worms and poked at deer entrails to see what was inside. It always intrigued me.
GLWoman: Do you ever have a "typical day?"
Gordon: No. There are multiple disciplines involved with this job, including analysis of drugs, processing evidence and DNA analysis. Many times we are also called to crime scenes to gather evidence. I'm also one of only four people in our lab who specialize in bloodstain pattern analysis. My days are never boring, although sometimes they can be tedious and stressful. This job calls for very high ethical standards. If I were on the other side, I know I'd want truth to prevail, so that's what I strive for.
GLWoman: Are there a lot of women in this field?
Gordon: In the lab, a lot of the civilians are women. At crime scenes, most of the officers and detectives are men. I'm not uncomfortable in that setting. When I was new, it was a bit intimidating, but I've been able to prove I can handle the job, so I don't give it a second thought.
GLWoman: Is there one crime scene that stands out in your mind?
Gordon: I generally remember every crime scene I've done. The most difficult cases involve young, innocent victims who have been exploited. The hardest part of this job is reconstructing a fearful situation and putting myself in the position of the victim and then in the position of the suspect. It can be distressing knowing how horrid that person must have felt and what they went through.
GLWoman: Do you watch crime shows like "CSI" or "Law and Order"?
Gordon: Actually, I do watch them. I want to see what's being put out there about my job. The bad thing about these shows is the public thinks crimes can be solved so quickly. In reality, it can take months to do a DNA analysis. In court, members of a jury have actually asked about something they've seen on television and I have to explain it doesn't happen that way.
GLWoman: Has this career changed your outlook on humanity?
Gordon: I'm more aware of the fact people are capable of looking completely normal and then flipping on a dime. Most of the people that get involved in these types of activities look like your next-door neighbor. It does make me very aware of how to conduct myself and protect myself. It doesn't make me fearful, just careful.
This publication is a product of the Custom Publishing department at the Lansing State Journal