Growing up, Katrina Williams loved animals. In fact, for as long as she could remember she wanted to be a veterinarian. Today, she is completing her thesis on 'The Prevalence of Narcotics in Bermuda' and expects to graduate from Anglia Polytechnic University in Cambridge, England in June with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science and Criminology.

So what changed her mind?

Two years into the zoology degree programme at Canada's University of Western Ontario, Miss Williams decided it was not for her. Unsure of what she really did want in terms of a career, she sought her mother's counsel, who set out a few options, one of which was forensic science.

"So I began investigating that, and decided it was what I wanted to do," the young woman says.

Miss Williams describes her chosen degree course as "giving the basic structure of criminalistics and crime scenes".

"You are given a total overview so that you can then go into any area of forensic science. For example, if you wanted to go into pathology following this degree you could go on to medical school, and then specialise further into pathology."

Miss Williams' studies have included such things as the examination of fibres and hairs, and scientific investigations of sexual crimes. Another facet has been Advanced Forensic Methodology, where students were divided into groups, given evidence provided by the "Police" relevant to representative cases of attempted rape, murder or drugs, and were then required to analyse and then present it to a mock court.

"It gave us insight into what we were actually going to get in the real world, and was quite stressful at times, but in the end once you saw it all come together it is really great," Miss Williams says.

She stresses that the role a forensic scientist is not to determine an accused's guilt or innocence, but simply to present scientific evidence in court.

As to which she wishes to follow in he chosen career, Miss Williams says she is still exploring her options.

"There are a few things I have thought about, and before returning to England I am going to talk to a few heads of departments here and find out where I can fit in. I am looking at the Police service as a civilian. Last summer I worked with its Forensic Support Unit, and I definitely enjoyed my time there."

Asked if she thought about remaining in Britain to gain career experience, Miss Williams said she had, but preferred to give Bermuda "first dibs".

"I would rather come back and serve my country for a while."

If serving her country has something of a Bermuda Regiment ring about it, it is not surprising, for in army terms the young woman's title is Officer Cadet Williams. During her Christmas break from university she has been doing clerical work in the Regiment's administrative offices.

"I have really, absolutely enjoyed it up here. Everyone has been so warm," she says.

While it has been her first association with the local Regiment, Ocdt Williams is certainly no stranger to army life. In Britain, she is an officer cadet in the University of Cambridge Officer Training Corps ? something she also investigated when contemplating a future career.

"I wasn't fascinated by the army originally, but I was starting to think about a career once I graduated ? where I would work, and what my options were. I thought about the military police in England and decided to check the internet. There I came across Cambridge University OTC and decided to e-mail the adjutant and set up an appointment solely to talk about it and see what was out there," Ocdt Williams says. "In talking to him, the next thing I knew I was signing papers to serve off and on for three years."

Army service is interspersed with her studies at Anglia Polytechnic University, with the latter always taking precedence. Nonetheless, she participates in camps around England on alternate weekends, and also attends drill/classes on Tuesdays, where such topics as section/platoon attacks and weapons training are studied. In fact, Ocdt Williams says she has experienced the same things found in Bermuda Regiment boot camps, including assault courses ? and yes, in all winds and weathers too.

One thing, however, is very different in England: the ratio of men to women is "about 50-50".

In terms of pursuing her army connection with the Bermuda Regiment when she returns home, Ocdt Williams says she will "think about it".

"Once I get my career established, if it fits into my lifestyle , then I think I would join the Regiment. I really have enjoyed being part of it from what I've seen here at Warwick Camp, and the camaraderie that goes with it," she says. "Women add a whole different dynamic to what is essentially an all-male organisation."

In fact, a senior officer has pointed out to the Ocdt Williams that she is the first female in more than fifteen years to set foot in the officers' mess, where she says she has been treated "in a neutral way".

Born in Britain, where her Bermudian mother was studying for her nursing degree, she returned home as an infant. When she was five years old the family moved to Barbados for some years, and on their return to Bermuda, she became a student first at Warwick Academy and then in the Saltus Graduate Year. Modestly, the soft-spoken young woman describes her academic record as "pretty good".

A self-described "tomboy type who is pretty sporty", and whose hobbies are football, theatre and travel, Miss Williams followed her local education with a year at the Word of Life Bible Institute in upstate New York before moving on to the University of Western Ontario.

"It was something I wanted to do for myself," she says of Word of Life. "My faith means a lot to me."

Now on the threshold of graduation from Anglia Polytechnic University, Katrina Williams looks back on the road she has travelled thus far, and pays tribute to her mother for her unfailing support and guidance.

"She has always been a mentor in my life," the only child says proudly. "She is my best friend, and I am very grateful to her for her support throughout my life."