Getting to know ... Jennifer Pilgrim
Dr Jennifer Pilgrim
Name: Jennifer Pilgrim
Title: Dr
Faculty/Division: MNHS
Department: Forensic Medicine
Campus: Southbank
How long have you worked at Monash?
Two years.
Where did you work prior to starting at the University?
I was a forensic toxicologist at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine during my PhD. Before that, I worked at a number of casual jobs (including Myer, Australian Geographic, New Zealand Natural – you name it) to make my way through my undergraduate years with some disposable income for travelling.
What do you like best about your role?
The variety and the opportunity to work with many different researchers in Australia and the world. I have longer ongoing projects and others that only take a few months so I’m always doing something different, from research on party drugs and heart disease through to alcohol and king hits.
Why did you choose your current career path?
I was always interested in forensics since I was little. I think a few of my primary school teachers were slightly concerned about the books I was reading in grade 3.
Since all of the CSI shows were only just coming on TV when I was finishing school, there was no set career path to work in forensics, so I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at Monash, which introduced me to the wonderful world of pharmacology.
I enjoyed my pharmacology subjects so much I followed on to do Honours in Forensic Pharmacology at the Department of Forensic Medicine, where I then undertook a PhD. I’ve been working in the department ever since.
First job?
The Australian Geographic Store – I know, awesome.
Worst job?
Working at a deli/café in Albert Park - I’m not made for working in a kitchen, so after three weeks of burning food, serving still-frozen food, slicing the tip of my thumb off in a meat slicer and having a near nervous breakdown, I decided the hospitality industry was not for me.
What research/projects are you currently working on and what does it involve?
I have a few projects at the moment. I’m working with a group from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden to develop an international evidence-based database of toxic concentrations of drugs.
I’m also working on some studies with the Victorian Department of Health, State Coroners Office and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, investigating the role of prescription opioids, doctor shopping, and alcohol in death.
What is your favourite place in the world and why?
Melbourne of course! I also love to travel and despite my best attempts to go to different places every year, I always seem to end up back in Europe - particularly Germany and Austria.
There’s so much history and culture there, the food is great (as is the beer!), I love the art galleries and music, and although I’m aware this is unusual for a sun-loving Australian, I also prefer the cold and snow to a beach resort holiday!
What is your favourite place to eat and why?
Either Dalmatinos in Port Melbourne or Saké in Southbank - both great places with amazing food.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Always be true to yourself.
Tell us something about yourself that your colleagues wouldn’t know?
I speak some French and German, I have Irish, Scottish and German heritage, and I’ve travelled across the globe as far as Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, Romania – but I’ll always come home to Melbourne.