Academics

Forensic Science Club to showcase field, offer look at experts' tools

Penn State students participated in a forensic science project last year at Spruce Cottage. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Forensic Science Symposium and Chop Shop hosted by the Forensic Science Club will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, in Freeman Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center; and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, in Spruce and Pine cottages.

The symposium is designed for high school students interested in forensic science and current Penn State undergraduates who may be considering the forensic science major. Prospective graduate students and members of the general public who are interested in learning more about forensic science and the Penn State Forensic Science Program are also encouraged to attend.

The first day consists of presentations from professionals in the field of forensic science and criminal justice. This year’s speakers are Roger Mitchell, Washington D.C.’s chief medical examiner; Skip Palenik, president and senior research microscopist at Microtrace LLC; John Murdock, firearm and toolmark examiner of Contra Costa County Crime Lab; and returning graduate speakers Frank Wendt and Jenny Nolan. Attendees also will be given information about the program and the opportunity to tour the lab facilities. Continental breakfast and lunch also will be provided. The following day is the Chop Shop, a hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used by criminalists in the field.

For more information about the symposium and Chop Shop, and to register, email Trisha Tucholski (tmt5180@psu.edu) or Mahagani Thomas (mjt5356@psu.edu). 

The deadline to register for the Symposium and Chop Shop is April 6. For additional information about Penn State’s Forensic Science Program, visit http://forensics.psu.edu/.

 

Last Updated April 1, 2015