Forensic science has long been uncharted territory for black students in the United States. Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) may change that trend, thanks to its infant Forensic Science program and its recently completed Forensic Science Laboratory. The new program and lab are attracting more students to the university and are igniting a love for science.
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Biology professor Dr. Christian Clement and student Diaminika Moss tour the new SUNO Forensic Science Lab. (Credit: SUNO)
SUNO is the first university to offer an undergraduate Forensic Science degree program in the state of Louisiana, and one of only four HBCUs nationwide to do so. Barely three years in existence, the program is earning global recognition, attracting 75 students
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Students and faculty are already reaping the benefits of additional work and study space. The lab is adorned with a rare blend of welcoming, ergonomic furniture and boasts a wide variety of high-tech gadgetry and equipment, including a DNA sequencer, inverted microscopes, a scanning electron microscope, and numerous kits for evidence collection and drug analysis. Specific areas have been reserved for disciplines such as Drugs & Toxicology, DNA Analysis, Forensic Biology, and Forensic Microscopy. There is also an area for collecting and processing evidence.
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An evidence testing kit, one of many new pieces of equipment available to students and faculty in the new SUNO Forensic Science Lab. (Credit: SUNO)
SUNO’s Forensic Science program signifies a “new dawn” for the university, and for the city of New Orleans, says Ngai Smith, a SUNO alumnus who returned to the school and is working to be among the first to complete the program. Moreover, “The lab provides us with an opportunity to practice the forensic techniques and procedures that we learn in the classroom,” he says. “As more students become familiar with the role that Forensic Science plays in the criminal justice system, SUNO will become a leader in educating and training students for a career in forensic
Throughout my educational journey, my interest and attention was always captivated by classes which had even the slightest tendency towards Forensic Psychology. Yet, my passion remained unconscious until I took a class of Criminal Law in Business, class which seemed to hold the answer for the consuming question “What am I going to study at University?” From there, I began putting the puzzle pieces together, determined to find the source of the spark- Law, Criminology, Forensic Science all seemed to bring me closer to the right one for me: Forensic Psychology. Reading the first few lines of the field description was enough to assure me that there is no other subject could fascinate, intrigue and motivate me to give by best to apart from this. I became infatuated with the evidence that evil in a human being can be so incandescent, transparent and mischievous that it could bring down any barrier of normality. I became absorbed by its power to grow into the mind and punish the
As I make my way through the college experience, it is crucial that I take advantage of all opportunities available to me, especially within my desired field. Therefore, as a criminal justice major I would be most interested in becoming involved in activities such as when Lt. Ross Dillingham visited a victimology class. Lieutenant Ross Dillingham had the students look through unsolved homicide cases and provide their input. The students were able to review autopsy reports, crime scene photographs, police reports, and witness accounts that allowed them to have firsthand experience with the criminal justice system. Considering my desired career choice, a homicide detective or a forensic analysis, an experience such as this one would greatly benefit me. I would be able to learn the importance of thorough investigation and the need for accurate police reports.
Lee has also worked on so many famous cases such as the JonBenét Ramsey murder, the Helle Crafts woodchipper murder, the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases, the post-9/11 forensic investigation, the Washington, DC sniper shootings and to reinvestigate the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Which surprisingly most people aren’t aware of. One of Dr. Lee’s teams discovered a new method to extract DNA from evidentiary samples, a technique to enhance bloody fingerprints, images and procedures for estimating the volume of blood found at a crime scene, and a method to develop footprints. Being such an inspiration for many people the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven was conceived by Dr. Lee and other forensic scientists in the early 1990s. His internationally renowned reputation as one of the world’s leading forensic scientists coupled with the University of New Haven’s 35 year history as one of the foremost academic forensic programs in the country was the catalyst for the creation of the
As human overpopulation increases, there will be a lack of resources and basic necessities that will become scarcer elevating crime rates. The broad field of forensics has numerous jobs that specialize in a specific duty. It provides and analyzes evidence in laboratories or offices that helps both state and local police departments solve crimes. As technology advances it also aids in the advancement of forensics. Forensic Science Technicians are required to have a variety of distinctive skills to assist in criminal investigations.
The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory was developed to provide the highest quality of professional forensic services to the State of Louisiana. The commitment of the agency includes applying sound scientific principles in all analyses, being responsive to our customers, conducting our operations in a fair and objective manner, and being a leader in advancing forensic science. The mission of the laboratory is to assist all of the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Louisiana in the investigation of criminal activity (Office of Public Safety Services, 2015). The agency is also committed to providing accurate and timely scientific analysis of items of physical evidence and reporting the results of those analyses to appropriate entities in the criminal justice community.
Tashanna N Garcia is currently enrolled in the Masters of Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Forensic Science, program at Saint Leo University. Tashanna comes from a military background where she served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Her military training was essential to her transition into law enforcement, where she spent the last ten years working for two police departments as a patrol officer and then for the Alabama Department of Public Safety as a Traffic Homicide Investigator for the State Troopers. Tashanna hopes to return to the law enforcement field in an administrative capacity and has a passion for forensic disciplines. Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Tashanna N Garcia,
Science plays a major role in the story line of NBC’s police-procedural drama, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; more specifically, forensic science. From beginning to end, the characters depend on the use and their understanding of forensic science to uncover the mysteries of each examined case. The advancements in technology along with the psychological approach used by detectives to solve each case make the serious and critical role that science plays more than evident to the audience.
In all of the United States, and maybe all of the world, there is no greater forensic team. Solving seemingly impossible cases, and cases that are not as they seem, the team baffles other leading labs and stuns juries. There is no case that is too difficult for this extraordinary team to solve, no challenge too great.
After further research I learned that a forensic scientist needs a degree in a natural science such as biology, chemistry, or in forensic science, or biochemistry. When applying to colleges most did not offer or have a major in biochemistry, but all had general chemistry and biology. Central State was a school that did not have biochemistry, but after further research I learned that there was something for me here. I learned that the school offered a major in chemistry, and after completion of the chemistry courses I could minor in forensic science. However, with a chemistry degree I would be qualified to work in any crime laboratory in the United States. Many undergraduates will get a degree in a natural science and go on to get a master’s in forensic
Will need to have majored or taken courses in some of the following: forensic science, biology, forensic biology, anatomy, and/or chemistry
I recognized contamination of any exhibit handled by the FIU is a major issue to all investigations, and could create court issues concerning FIU training, policy and procedure, as well as member credibility when testifying in court. I immediately investigated the causes of potential DNA exhibit contamination in relation to the collection, processing and retention of evidence. I worked collaboratively with subject matter experts to review all reports, processes, training, products and facilities to ensure best practice and supplies were being utilized, and if not, to make necessary improvements.
The definition of forensic science is any scientific research, method, or theory used to analyze evidence in an attempt to solve legal cases (Cho). In recent years, there has been growing public interest in forensic science, arguably because of the numerous television programs that glamorize its practices. This phenomenon is part of what is known as the CSI effect, or the process through which devoted fans of popular crime dramas develop unrealistic notions of forensic science methods, practices, and their applications in real life cases (Mancini 544; Stevens 37; Ley, Jankowski, and Brewer 52). The CSI effect has had more negative impacts on forensic science and society than positive impacts, especially in regards to what goes on in the
However, the specific career as a forensic scientist contrasts other careers in the biotechnology field, because it will be highly competitive in the future. To set myself apart from others as a apply for a job, I want to be sure that I enter a college with a prestigious forensic science program. This is one of the many reasons I plan to apply Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Virginia Commonwealth University, and University of Maryland College Park. Receiving an uppermost education in my college major will allow me to be more enriched in knowledge and skill than many others in the field. In turn, I will have an advantage when applying for jobs as a forensic
Now, having officially hit our half way mark in forensics, I have come to the realization that we were able to accomplish a lot this year, but I personally wish that I could have managed my time better this semester. We were able to work in pairs and research the history regarding the origin of forensics and how it has evolved to be the field that it is today. We were also able to explore more in depth about certain parts of the field, like for instance one of the first labs that we did was the hair analysis. In this lab we were able to see that there are certain characteristics of a hair strand that can help differentiate the typed of species from which the hair strand comes from. Not only that, but from this lab we learned that DNA can be collected from a strand of hair if and only if the root is present. From here
Forensic science is a broad term that refers to the use of science or technology in a court room environment. Forensic science plays an important role in modern popular culture; the police procedural is highly dependent upon cutting-edge forensic science. Moreover, many people are aware of the impact of DNA testing on the modern criminal justice landscape. However, forensic science actually predates many modern scientific advances; almost as long as there have been controversies, there has been some type of forensic science.