Alex Roman
Staff Reporter
The growing interest in forensic science, sparked by shows such as CSI, Law and Order, and Bones, have become a very popular field of study in colleges across the United States.
Even students in high school are enrolling in classes such as Fingerprinting and Intro. to Forensic Science.
Two McDaniel professors and about 60 science teachers from across the state gathered on April 2 for a MAST (Maryland Association of Science Teachers) meeting to discuss the future of forensic science in the school system.
McDaniel Professors Dr. Jeffrey D. Marx of the Physics department and Dr. Brian D. Wladkowski of the Chemistry department are mentoring high school science teachers in ways of incorporating “cool” forensic experiments into their everyday labs.
According to http://www.christianet.com, “Forensic science degrees have become popular from the entertainment industry’s growing production of many crime-solving television programs that dramatically use forensic evidence to convict criminals.”
These highly watched television series have spurred interest among the younger generation in crime-solving techniques portraying the “good guys” in white coats rather than blue uniforms.
More students are enrolling in universities that offer a forensic science degree than ever before and have a new found sense of admiration for the area of law enforcement.”
In addition to sharing their enthusiasm for forensics among the teaching community, Dr. Marx and Dr. Wladkowski direct a Forensic Science summer camp held here on campus.
During the five-week long sessions, campers participate in labs, group discussions, and field trips. Campers learn about fingerprinting, crime scene analysis, DNA, analysis of hair and fibers, as well as ballistics.
Dr. Marx said that usually ten to twelve students from a variety of different backgrounds and settings travel to Westminster; some students travel from as far as California. He noted that the highlight of the camp is when they visit the Maryland State Trooper Crime and Forensic Lab, as well as the Firing Range where they collect bullet casings and shells.
To students who are interested in a forensics career, Marx offers three words: “Science. Science. Science.”
He noted that students need a lot of science and an advanced degree to make it out in the field.
“Its hard to get those jobs because of the growing popularity,” he said. “Requirements and expectations have been raised.”
For more information about the In Forensic Science Camp visit the McDaniel College website.