After completing her first degree and before starting her Masters Degree, Anna carried out a summer placement with the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). Her role there involved investigating the failure of a diverse range of items from defective aircraft hatches to electronic components.

Following her Masters Degree, Anna was employed at the Lothian and Borders Police Forensic Science Laboratory, Edinburgh where she was trained in the examination of items for paint and glass residue and the presentation of scientific evidence for use in Police investigations.

Anna’s PhD involved the non-destructive analysis of materials such as hydroxyapatite (used for hip replacements) and cadmium sulphide in order to determine the structure and composition materials with depth. This required the use of a number of mathematical, computing and analytical techniques.

Anna joined Hawkins in 2005, specialising as a fire and explosion investigator, although she also investigates other incidents, such as paint spills and other damage incidents. She has carried out numerous forensic investigations, which have varied greatly in scale from relatively small domestic incidents to large warehouse fires.

Anna has, as part of her Masters Degree, completed the well renowned Bond Solon course relating to reporting and giving oral evidence in Court, which she has used in the course of her time here at Hawkins. Anna has also completed the Fire Protection Association course on Hot Works, a Confined Space Training course provided by Essential Health & Safety Ltd and a number of internal training courses. Since joining Hawkins, Anna has provided impartial advice to the Police, loss adjusters, lawyers and insurers.

Anna is currently a Principal Associate based in the Reigate office.