Sheldon was formerly a Medical Examiner with the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). He was a child prodigy who graduated college at eighteen, and by twenty-four he was a fully board-licensed surgeon. He had several years experience in the ER. After losing two patients, he abandoned surgery in favor of the medical examiner's office. At the start of season two, Hawkes has moved from the autopsy room out into the field.
Hawkes is a sympathetic soul who is willing to lend an ear to anyone who needs to talk.
While investigating the death of a diving instructor, Sheldon briefly becomes trapped underwater. Despite being injured and suffering from hypoxia, Sheldon is freed with the help of fellow CSI Danny Messer, who was diving with him. After they are safe, Hawkes admits that he envisioned coroner Sid Hammerback preparing to do an autopsy on him
