Claudia Aguacia

Claudia Delgado-Aguacia and Bournemouth University (BU) lecturer Ian Hanson in Seattle, USA at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences

I decided to apply to BU because I found the University had the most complete programme in forensic archaeology. Studying here gave me not just a good scientific foundation but also the skills to practice the procedures, methodologies and analysis involved in fieldwork. My lecturers were exceptional and I learnt a lot from their scientific knowledge and international experience. I met wonderful people and made some really good friends from several countries around the world.

How has your career progressed after BU?

I returned to Colombia, where I'm from originally, after I graduated. The experiences and skills I gained at BU are now fundamental in my work as a lecturer and researcher at different universities in the country. I'm also very proud of my involvement with the NGO AFFIC Foundation, an organisation I set up. We work for human rights protection and a fair access to justice through the application of forensic sciences and criminal investigation in Colombia. I am qualified to assist victims of forced disappearance and atrocity crimes and give high-level training to future forensic professionals.

What encouraged you to set up your own organisation?

Until 2005 Colombia had an inquisitive criminal system. After that year, with the adversarial system, the victims (relatives) of forced disappearance needed a private, independent and qualified organisation that helped them with case analysis, doing cross-examination to State reports, explaining the forensic process and to become an active part of each case in the court. At the same time, if someone with no economical resources was accused of a crime, they needed forensic support to get a fair trial in Colombia and no one helped them for free and with scientifically quality.

What does a typical day at work involve?

Sometimes I'm out doing fieldwork, while other days I'm analysing cases, talking with victims, or in the court as our expert witness. I also prepare reports, teach students, co-ordinate training and add to the Foundation's virtual library.

What are the best things about your job and what are the most difficult?

The best thing about my work is that I am able to assist with expertise to help people who need my scientific knowledge to protect their rights. I get a lot of satisfaction from giving training and lectures to other students. It's also great when someone shows an interest in the Foundation's work by checking the virtual library!

The most difficult thing is the sensitivity involved in certain cases, and making sure you respect a victim's pain and suffering.

What are your hopes for the future?

I'd like to begin a PhD in forensic and biological anthropology in the near future. Related to my work, I just wish to continue helping people in my country and to find the truth for thousands of missing persons in Colombia.