Chris House

Background

About Chris House

After studying diligently through the completion of two degrees and setting up a laboratory for my third degree I was offered a role as a forensic scientist at the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) one of the largest forensic labs in North America. Throughout my school years I was involved in teaching self-defense, sat on the Police hiring board, and volunteered with and then ran the University Safe Walk program. A role in forensic sciences was a perfect merger of my safety and security extra-curricular activities and my technical prowess. Studying primarily focused on physiology made me well prepared for understanding the effects of drugs and poisons on the human body, in particular, the neurophysiological effects. I thoroughly enjoyed going to court and testifying, it was like teaching, which I also enjoyed. Giving presentations to various groups and adjusting the level of difficulty, from young students, police officers, medical professionals, or fellow scientists tested my ability to make sure my audience always understood but was never bored by my material. An avid statistician, I valued data-driven decision making. While employed in my various roles I endeavor to maintain my skills in analysis by attending various advanced statistic and data-analytics courses. I am proficient in the use of most drug testing platforms (GC, LC, MS, MS/MS, Exact-MS, FID, TCD, NPD), biological testing: microscopy (SEM, TEM, optical), DNA amplification and identification, cell culture, microbial molecular biology, and general laboratory techniques such as spectrometry, TLC, colour-testing, GLP and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment in these environments. I have always worked in an accredited facility with a complex and well established quality management system. In my final role I have been responsible for maintaining a quality management system impacting four laboratories nationally.