Casey-Lee Bilsborough

This week we catch up with former student Casey-Lee Billsborough, who is now in her first year of a fascinating Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation degree at UCLAN.

Her story is a must read for anyone interested in a similar pathway. The former Standish Community High School pupil told us:

‘I attended Winstanley from 2021 – 2023 taking Criminology and Double Health and Social Care.

Whilst at college, I secured 2 unconditional offers here at UCLan which was my first-choice university. Currently, I am enrolled onto the forensic science and criminal investigation course which prepares you for becoming a CSI and helps you to understand the crucial tools that are needed to solve crimes by having practical based workshops and building on scientific knowledge and understanding of the collection and analysis of evidence.

I am currently, looking at a variety of different crime scene investigation techniques such as DNA recovery with the use of swabs, fingerprint lifting using magnetic flake powder, storing evidence, fingerprint elimination forms and footwear marks and photography. In October, I was accepted onto UCLan’s missing person unit. Within this unit, I look at previous missing person cases and look at the evidence that we have and then look for new lines of enquiry. I am undergoing training with Locate International where I will train to become an investigator for the unit and so will the other members who were successful in the application process for the unit.

Looking into the near future, I will hopefully be successful in securing a position to complete a year abroad at Keiser University in the United States. Here, I would be continuing my course and exploring the world and see what the future has in store for me over there. Once the year is completed, i will finish my degree at UCLan and then study for another year to receive a masters in DNA profiling. With these ambitious plans, it is my dream to become a CSI over in America and work my way up to become a crime scene manager.

Winstanley is a great place to begin your journey to higher education. The support systems, the teachers and the environment is brilliant and cannot be compared. Winstanley has the most amazing learning spaces, quiet spaces and social spaces that will equip you well for study at university or whatever path you choose to go down!

To anyone thinking of a similar career route to me, I would say enjoy every moment that you have learning about crime scenes and crime scene investigation. Crime scene courses and others of the sort are incredibly interesting, and you will always learn something new. Although learning to be a CSI can become challenging in certain areas and complex, it is definitely a very rewarding as you become one of the main reasons people have justice. Enjoy every second of it!’