My weird hobby is reading textbooks on forensic medicine and other forensic sciences. Like how to perform an autopsy, how to identify the cause of death, how to take and interpret fingerprints from different surfaces and such. I am a trained toxicologist but unfortunately only had basic training in forensic toxicology as part of my curriculum (and not working in that field now). 🙂
That is actually really interesting. Would you ever consider going into the field or will you remain all hobby? I'm studying basic forensics in my criminal law pathway in High-school but it is VERY surface level.
I'd love to but would need a lot more training to do so. Which I fear I won't get due to time and financial constraints - you know, being the bread winner of the family, full time job, a child... But on the other hand, I do love my current job and it earns me the money to buy all the expensive text books, so I won't complain. :D
After spending a bit more than a decade in academic research, I am now a regulatory toxicologist in biocides assessment at a national authority. Sounds boring but comes with much work in international committees which is fun (and oftentimes restores my faith in humanity) and we do some research and teaching, too. Plus, it is a nice job in terms of doing something for society, making the world a safer place... 🙂