March 8, 2005

Purdue forensic science opportunities detailed at seminar

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Forensic science has stepped into the limelight thanks to several popular television shows and high-profile court cases, and that has increased interest in forensics classes at Purdue University.

Purdue has several opportunities for current and future crime scene investigators that will be discussed during a seminar entitled Forensic Science at Purdue. The seminar will take place from 1:30-5 p.m. on March 20 in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall.

"We want to let people know what we're doing at Purdue and get into a couple of areas of forensic science that will really get people interested," said Ralph Williams, a professor of entomology.

David Tate, a course instructor and Purdue health sciences clinical education director, will talk about the current and proposed undergraduate program in forensic science, as well as graduate opportunities. He'll also discuss training workshops for forensics professionals.

The seminar agenda also includes presentations about forensic imaging, using insects at a crime scene and several case studies. Patrick Jones, a trained forensic photographer, will discuss imaging techniques and the latest technological advances in the field.

"Proper imaging is essential for the documentation and collection of evidence at a crime scene," Williams said.

Williams also will take the stage to discuss how insects are used to determine time of death and connect a perpetrator to a crime scene. Marissa Fusco, a graduate student in entomology, will use case studies to show how insects have been used in other ways in criminal investigations.

Forensic Science at Purdue is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Ralph Williams, (765) 494-4560, rew@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

To the News Service home page