I’ve wanted to change careers for a little while now. To dedicate my time to DNA, NIST research and debriefings with my subscribers. Deep dives regularly, monthly subscriptions, behind the scenes, small member-only livestreams and classes from trace DNA 101 to policy changes to systematic analyses of high profile court cases.
Carla told me to throw out my check list. I didn’t tell Carla about the check list I created for the ideal conditions for me to change careers. I’ve had a gut feeling my expertise is needed within forensic systems literacy and my current job creates challenges not only for me personally but for what I feel the public has been requesting when trying to understand DNA evidence, how the system processes it and how things get written on paper as “evidence”.
Carla told me to trust the universe and have faith. That it’s not a leap. Carla said she saw me doing something in an official capacity with a case, I was in a lab holding a test tube and writing something down. She said if I wait too long past the 1st quarter of 2026, I won’t be happy with the events unfolding or have the same opportunities before me. I must “act on this decision before the end of January for optimal rewards awaiting me” – that this career shift will lead me to the right places. It’s what will give me personal power. I can feel Carla is right.
I don’t know where this will lead. But my understanding and ability to audit and teach activity level propositions is something curriculums need. The system needs an independent forensics sector to house activity level propositions, trace DNA, and AI. The system needs people to write the material that may one day lead to real systematic and policy changes in criminal cases with trace DNA as anchors in death cases.
Carla says before April this will happen, and the career journey will make me happy. I cried. When does anyone get to do what they love full time? My Neurodivergent brain loves to analyze and unpack trace DNA, NIST research and system level architecture.
Carla says after April, I will.
Audrey
Hunt Valley, MD