Lydia M. de Castro
Welcome to
My Forensic Life
I always liked school – I was a very good student and received an excellent education in NYC’s public schools; so much so that I earned a place at the Bronx High School of Science.
My college experience was another story – my sisters and I were the first to go to college in our immediate family, and it took me awhile to figure out what I could achieve with my college degree. On the subway one day, I happened to notice someone carrying a school bag that said John Jay College. That was my aha moment – maybe this was the place that I could train to be the kind of scientist I wanted to be.
To finish my undergraduate degree, I needed an internship. I was incredibly fortunate to sign up for a comprehensive internship with NYC’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner, where I spent time in almost every part of the agency – I shadowed staff in units such as evidence, communications, and investigations, ending with the Forensic Biology laboratory.
After graduation, I went back to OCME as a volunteer in the FBio lab and managed to earn enough time to qualify for a job in the Forensic Toxicology laboratory. After a few years, I transferred to the Fbio laboratory where I spent most of my career, honing skills and receiving the type of on-the-job training and exposure to a wide range of cases and events beyond anything I could have imagined. My current roles as Laboratory Director and NYS Forensic Commission Member allow me to apply that knowledge to current cases and challenges.
For me, any work I perform gains greater meaning because of my coworkers. Case situations can bring about a range of emotions - joy, sorrow, surprise, anger, confusion - and different people may process those emotions differently. It is important to me to take the time to get to know the personalities of my staff - outgoing, inward, funny, serious - and meet people where they are so that they can bring their best selves to the tasks they perform each day.
I prepared this site to show and share what I have learned. If you are looking for mentoring, insight, a presentation, or a course on a range of topics, click below to check out my offerings.
If you don't see exactly what you want let's chat and see if we can figure it out together - just click below!
Lydia
About My Forensic Life
My name is Lydia M. de Castro
Forensic Science Consultant | Educator/Mentor
Forensic
Chemist
Analyzed post-mortem samples for alcohol, drugs, and toxins.
Public Educator
Over 60 presentations and outreach across legal, medical, and educational fields.
DNA Analyst & Supervisor
Worked on thousands of cases—including homicides, sexual assaults, and property crimes—and provided expert testimony in over 60 trials.
Professional Memberships
Fellow: AAFS Criminalistics section
Member: ASCLD
Lab Director
Leader
I am:
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present,
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kind,
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experienced,
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interested,
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encouraging,
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confident,
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proud,
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funny,
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thoughtful
Forensic
Policy
Development
Commission member:
New York State Commission on Forensic Science
Mass Fatality Response
Contributed to victim identification efforts after 9/11, the American Airline Flight 587 crash, Staten Island Ferry crash, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Writer
Shares observations and opinions across a range of subjects.
Chronicle
My Forensic life has been defined by the support I've received from family, educators, friends, mentors, and co-workers. Again and again, opportunities emerged that allowed me to use the science I love in service to others. As the profession has grown, it has carried me into unique situations, introduced me to extraordinary people, and guided my work in the lab, in the courtroom, and in service to the public.
Professional Offerings
Understand the science behind the evidence
I bring three decades of team‑based experience to life through lectures and stories that demystify forensic work. I also offer limited case‑consulting support, working with attorneys, clients, and other experts to make sense of the science and protocols in the materials they’re reviewing. Everyone gains a clearer sense of how evidence is analyzed—and what it can and can’t tell us.
Services include:
• Lectures — Clear, engaging sessions tailored to your audience
• Courses — Multi‑session learning experiences that build forensic literacy
• Case‑consulting support — Guidance to help attorneys and clients understand the science
Grow through guidance tailored to your path
I help forensic professionals, students, and educators find clarity in their next steps—whether they’re choosing a field of study, preparing for promotion, or building confidence in their day‑to‑day work. I create a supportive, non‑judgmental space where questions are welcome and honest conversations lead to real growth.
Services include:
• Career guidance — Support in navigating choices and next steps
• Mentorship and coaching — Encouragement and clarity through honest conversation
• Professional development — Help strengthening skills and confidence
Strengthen your laboratory or organization
I share practical insight from years of team‑based experience to help laboratories and organizations improve everyday operations. I work as an active participant in collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts, supporting teams as they maintain strong accreditation and quality systems. I also bring experience from mass‑fatality response, policy development, and cross‑sector collaboration, helping partners move forward with clarity and shared purpose.
Services include:
• Accreditation readiness — Support creating and maintaining strong quality‑system practices
• Oversight — Insight on best practices when receiving or providing oversight or guidance between laboratories and oversight entities
• Collaborative problem‑solving — Partnership on complex, multidisciplinary challenges
I maintain strict compliance with New York State, Westchester County, and NYC ethics rules. I do not accept work that conflicts with my official duties, involves matters pending before my agencies, or relies on government decisions. Post‑employment restrictions also limit the matters and agencies I may engage with. Full conflict‑of‑interest details are available at the link below.
