University Park

'NOVA' to feature Penn State professor Shaler

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- PBS will air a new edition of its popular "NOVA" series, featuring Penn State alumnus and retired professor Robert Shaler, at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Shaler, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, is the founding director of the Penn State Forensic Science Program.

"NOVA: Forensics on Trial," looks at how virtual autopsies, 3-D fingerprints and digital crime scenes are making crime-solving into a more precise science, according to PBS. "There is a startling gap between the glamorous television world of 'CSI' and the gritty reality of the forensic crime lab," a program description reads. "With few established scientific standards, no central oversight and poor regulation of examiners, forensics in the U.S. is in a state of crisis. In 'Forensics on Trial,' NOVA investigates how modern forensics, including the analysis of fingerprints, bite marks, ballistics, hair and tool marks, can send innocent men and women to prison — and sometimes even to death row."

"NOVA" airs on WPSU-TV, Channel 3 in the University Park viewing area. For other areas, check local television listings. For more information go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/forensics-on-trial.html.

 

 

Retired Penn State professor Bob Shaler Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated October 16, 2012