I remind myself of the job's importance and how it helps victims.

"DNA test reveals prisoner's innocence." You've probably read headlines like this, but what does it mean? We asked Gary Molina, a forensic scientist who tests DNA for the Texas Department of Public Safety. ["Forensic" means related to the legal system.] Because of Gary and others like him, the justice system has convicted many guilty people to jail and freed some innocent ones. These days, scientists are more important in solving crimes than ever before.

DNA--Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the substance that makes up your genes--decides what you look like and more. This "blueprint for you" resides in the center, or nucleus, of almost every cell in your body. No two people (except identical twins) have exactly the same DNA.

Forensic scientists use DNA tests to identify a pattern or "profile" of DNA left at a crime scene. They can get it from blood, saliva, skin, hair--almost anything the criminal left behind. By comparing this "DNA fingerprint" with the DNA of a suspect, scientists can tell the likelihood of the suspect's being at the scene.

We interviewed Gary in his office and lab in downtown Austin. He shares the building with the famous Texas Rangers, and often assists on their cases. Posters line the hallway walls, describing how DNA helped solve some famous Texas crimes.

Despite the good DNA testing can do, it can be stressful. There's no room for mistakes. But when work seems hard, "I remind myself of the job's importance and how it helps victims," Gary says. If, like Gary, you enjoy science and want to fight crime, forensic science might be the job for you!


What exactly do you do?

My work falls into three categories. First, I test evidence DNA here in the lab. Then I write a report of the findings. Second, if the case goes to trial, I may testify about the results. Finally, sometimes, when a crime occurs in a small town that doesn't have its own lab, we go there in our mobile lab and take evidence at the actual crime scene. Usually, though, the investigators bring the evidence to us.


What's the coolest part of your job?

Helping to solve crimes.


What's your favorite part?

I get to combine two of my interests: public service and science.


How has your job changed over time?

New techniques have changed it a lot. In 1992 when I started, all we could do was identify blood type and some proteins from blood samples. Now, with DNA testing, we can get a lot more information and not just from blood.


How do people react when they learn what you do?

They're very interested and want to hear stories.

Tell me a story about something odd that happened at work. You can find unexpected items at crime scenes. In one case, the murder suspect was wearing jeans with a "not guilty" brand label on the back. But the jeans had the victim's blood on them, so it was pretty clear that the suspect was guilty. I keep a photo of that bloodstained brand because it's so bizarre. Tell me a story about solving some problem at work. I'm currently working on a case where the only evidence is a piece of chewed gum left at the crime scene. The problem is how to get the DNA out of it. I think I'll be able to do it by freezing the sample and then swabbing it to get some residue of spit left on the gum. Another time, we had to identify a skeleton. We did it by getting DNA from the center of one of the teeth.

How did you become a forensic scientist?

I was always interested in science. I liked my science classes in school, particularly the labs. I worked in a lab during college and then in a hospital lab afterwards. One day, I saw an ad for this position and got hired.


Where will the job of forensic scientist be ten years from now?

I think the public will know more about DNA testing. More people will enter the field and that'll increase competition for jobs. There probably won't be as many advances in DNA testing as there have been in the last ten years, but we'll be able to collect DNA from even more places than we can today.

What's the next step on your career path?

I like what I do now. Eventually, I'd like to move into management, though the competition for manager jobs is fierce.


What advice do you have for students entering high school?

Enjoy your science classes but don't focus only on science. And keep an open mind about what you want to do. What you end up doing--and loving--might be different from what you originally had in mind.

Keep an open mind about what you want to do.

What's the part you like least about your job?

Working on crime cases that involve kids.


What's your average stress level at work?

Being a forensic scientist is pretty stressful. There's always a lot going on, making it hard to focus on one task. And the unexpected always happens. In addition, forensic scientists are often overworked and underpaid. They may work in crowded conditions and often have to train new people.


Is your workload steady or does it fluctuate?

The work is fairly steady. Even when the number of new cases slacks off, there's always a backlog to test.


What disappointed you?

I guess the fact that forensic scientists often don't get credit for their work from the media and prosecutors. We get taken for granted.

What information do you need to keep up in your field and where do you get it?

I have to keep up with technological advances, like new equipment, so I read science journals. Also I need to know about new ways to approach cases and how to work with difficult samples. I usually learn that on the job--by trying it and by watching more experienced people. I also consult with others--coworkers in my lab, calling other labs and attending conferences.


What type of space do you work in?

Lab and shared office.


What's the dress code?

Usually casual; a suit when I'm testifying in court.


Do you usually work alone or with people?

I share space but have my own cases. When we work on investigations, though, we do it as a team.


What kinds of equipment do you work with?

I use lots of equipment and computers in my job.


What role does writing play in your work?

I write reports for prosecutors and investigators.


What role does public speaking play in your work?

In court (can't be too technical but must sound authoritative).


How do interpersonal skills come into play in your work?

Communicate with investigators and prosecutors; need to share equipment with coworkers. If you don't get along, your stress level goes up and concentration goes down. If you enjoy people, you like your job and do a better job.