Antoinette Campbell. (Photo provided by Campbell)

Forensic science isn’t just limited to DNA and crime scenes like what CSI depicts. Many more people are behind the scenes than a camera could ever reveal. 

Take Germantown neighbor Antoinette Campbell, for example. As a former forensic scientist working with the City of Philadelphia, she used to analyze drug evidence and determine the presence of substances. 

But, the media can sometimes invisibilize that work, limiting public perceptions of the field. And sometimes, hidden figures mean hidden professions, and Campbell knows that. But with her experience, she seeks to inform folks on what forensics is–wholly.

That expertise bubbles over the beaker into her community through the Association of Women in Forensics, which relies on demonstration to carry out its mission of educating the masses on the vastness of the field.

Since the organization’s establishment in 2010, Campbell has set off a chain reaction of excitement by providing networking opportunities and resources to women and girls in science through the Association of Women in Forensics and profitable events through the for-profit side, Women in Forensics.

While Campbell herself teaches forensic drug chemistry on drugs like heroin, MDMA, or prescription drugs, she invites colleagues to teach about other areas of the field. Other workshops run by some of her colleagues may explore forensic biology, DNA, or crime scene investigations.

Seeing Black women in a predominantly white male space is big, but seeing these women actively advocate for the exposure of inner-city youth to STEM interests is bigger to Campbell. It’s why she passes out lab goggles and magnifying glasses to anyone who will listen to make clear her hypothesis behind the association: that representation matters. 

“Growing up, I didn’t see any scientists, especially Black scientists,” Campbell explains. “STEM is a field that is not available enough in the city.” 

The accessibility of STEM and forensic science education should be a priority, especially considering that it is part of an industry that is disproportionately harder on the Black community and other people of color. 

While there are perceptions associated with forensics on television that Campbell says aren’t always as glamorous as people think, it’s still a crucial part of the judicial system. As a former forensic scientist analyzing drug chemistry, she’s had to testify as an expert witness in court proceedings, making her take the job seriously.

Her experience as a Black Philadelphian in a predominantly Black city only strengthens that dedication, which she says an outsider may not necessarily conceptualize as contributing to more systemic problems.

Campbell expresses the belief that diversity in courtrooms, police stations, and workplaces starts with intentional exposure to possibilities in those fields, which is where her organization comes in.

The Association of Women in Forensics creates space for STEM exploration and education in Philadelphia for youth in various ways, whether activity or affirmation.

Through Club Philly Forensics, Campbell enacts education through activity. The afterschool youth program aims to teach children about forensics with hands-on activities and experiments. Her Street Forensics clothing line advocates for education through affirmation, identifiable by the signature “Lady Justice” logo, which offers forensics and science merchandise and t-shirts. 

Campbell has revolutionized learning analytics, logistics, and science in a digestible and entertaining manner. It is more than just the results of a passion project; it’s a purpose. And seeing that she has established her life’s purpose in forensic research and analysis, there’s apparent space for Black men and women to find careers within the STEM industry. 

“Anytime you have a calling to do something but don’t know exactly how to do it or what it’s going to look like, you just have to go out and start doing things aligned with your goal,” said Campbell.

And that is her challenge: If you dream about it, go out and do it. 

Antoinette Campbell and the Association of Women in Forensics are the embodiment of Women and Girls in Science Day, reminding the masses why the support of women in STEM is essential to the exploration and innovation of the industry.  

For more information on events and how to get involved, visit their website (AWIFS.org), their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@womeninforensics), or TikTok (@streetforensics).