Students will explore forensic science on campus through laboratory investigations, crime scene reenactment and through documentary film. We will have the chance to enhance our lab skills surrounding forensics by visiting state crime labs and speaking with experts in the field of forensic science. We will investigate how bad forensic evidence can incriminate innocent people and lead to incarceration of innocent people. This will lead to learning about the Innocence Project which uses current legitimate forensic science to exonerate innocent people. Our goal during our time together is to improve our lab skills, gain knowledge of how multiple science disciplines are involved in forensics and apply our learning by using our experiential learning skills to set up labs for the community to participate in at our symposium.
Day 1
Our day began with several icebreaker activities designed to help everyone in the group get to know one another better and build a sense of collaboration. After the introductions, we learned about the Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to exonerating individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The organization works to free prisoners through DNA testing and other forms of post-conviction evidence. In addition to securing exonerations, the Innocence Project also advocates for reforms in the criminal justice system to help prevent wrongful convictions in the future. We then had the opportunity to connect over Zoom with Tebah Browne, a Forensic Policy Specialist at the Innocence Project who holds a Ph.D. in forensic science. She spoke about her work and explained how forensic science plays a critical role in reviewing evidence and helping overturn wrongful convictions. To deepen our understanding, we watched a portion of The Innocence Files, a 2020 true-crime documentary series that highlights real cases of wrongful convictions and the efforts of the Innocence Project to uncover the truth. Some key facts we learned included: · On average, it takes 10–15 years for a wrongfully convicted person to be exonerated. · Organizations like the Innocence Project rely heavily on advances in forensic science and DNA testing to revisit old cases. In the afternoon, students were divided into small groups to participate in a ballistics lab. During this activity, we collected and analyzed data in a way that mimics how forensic scientists investigate crime scenes. Using a case study, we applied geometry to measure angles and calculate factors such as the bullet’s impact angle, the distance of the shooter, and the possible height of the shooter. One of the most interesting takeaways from the lab was making a real-world connection to math. We saw firsthand how trigonometric functions—sine, cosine, and tangent—can be used in forensic investigations to reconstruct events at a crime scene. Overall, the day provided a fascinating look at how science, mathematics, and law intersect in the field of forensic science and in the pursuit of justice.
Day 2
Today we began class by watching the second episode of The Innocence Files. The episode finished the story of two men in Mississippi who were wrongfully convicted and each spent more than nine years in prison for crimes they did not commit. After the video, students worked in groups on a paper chromatography lab. In this activity, we tested different black ink pens to determine what colored pigments are actually present in the ink. Students observed that different black inks separated into different patterns of colors and discussed why this happens. Chromatography is a method used to separate and identify substances in a mixture. It uses two main parts: an adsorbent, which is the material that substances stick to, and an eluent, which is the liquid that moves the substances along. In our lab, the paper served as the adsorbent and water acted as the eluent. As the water traveled through the paper, it carried the ink pigments with it. Because the pigments have different molecular structures and polarities, they moved at different speeds, causing them to separate and reveal the different components that make up the ink. Tomorrow, we begin the day meeting with a member of the NH Forensics Team based in Concord, NH.
Day 3
During our full day of exploring forensic science, students learned how investigators use evidence to connect suspects to a crime scene. One important method we discussed was fiber analysis, which can help determine whether materials found at a scene match fiber from a suspect’s clothing or belongings. In the morning, students took part in a hands-on lab where they examined different types of fibers. They performed burn tests on six different fiber samples and then observed the results under a microscope. Using microscopes allowed them to see tiny details that help identify fibers, and they noticed that natural fibers are often easier to distinguish than synthetic ones. In the afternoon, students continued their forensic investigation with a footprint lab, where they created a shoe impression. They learned about another way investigators can link evidence to a suspect.
"I thought today was very interesting with the microscope and candle. The fabric came out very different especially depending on the fiber difference."
"I learned a lot more about forensic science today. I learned how different fibers react to fire differently and how that helps forensic investigators. I also learned how eye witnesses are not always reliable in court."
Day 4
We kicked off the stay by completing the Footprint Lab. Later in the morning, we welcomed a guest from the New Hampshire State Police Crime Lab, who spoke about her work and the role of forensic science in solving cases. She explained that her lab operates under the oversight of a governing body that ensures their work meets strict scientific standards and follows established protocols. She also shared that the lab helps train police officers on how to properly collect, package, and submit evidence for analysis. Students then took part in a practical activity where they practiced correctly packaging evidence into evidence bags—just like investigators in the field. In the afternoon, the group headed to a local escape room for a team challenge. The students bravely selected the most difficult room and came very close to escaping before time ran out!
Student reflections: “I really liked the speaker who came today. I loved learning all about how to pack evidence, and I also thought it was really interesting to learn about the different jobs in the lab. The amount of time and effort it takes to solve a crime or reach on conclusion with evidence is insane. I don’t think I would have the patience to go through such a slow process, which makes me appreciate the forensic scientists even more! “
“We had the opportunity to meet an actual Forensic Scientist who works for the state of New Hampshire. She gave a great presentation on how the Forensic Lab in Concord, New Hampshire is structured as well as mentioning how some states have multiple Forensic Labs or even counties having their own lab. I found it interesting how she started working as a police dispatcher before becoming a forensic scientist and how she grew up watching CSI which led to her choosing her career path. I really liked how she let us package fake evidence to see how evidence for actual cases would be processed.”
Day 5
We started the day by watching an episode of Night Stalker – Hunt for a Serial Killer. After a brief discussion, it became clear that students gained a stronger understanding of how crucial reliable evidence is when building a case. Next, students took part in a Fingerprint Lab. Each student practiced taking their own fingerprints and then examined them to identify the different patterns found on each finger. In the afternoon, students worked on developing their presentations for the Symposium Project and completed a reflection summarizing their experiences and learning from the week.
Credits:
Created with images by Microgen - "Data Forensic Science" • digicomphoto - "Hematological analysis with forensic test kit in a murder in a crime lab, conceptual image" • H_Ko - "Adult caucasian beauty woman chemist in protective glasses looking at microscope against chemistry lab background.,Medical analysis processing concept" • ungvar - "Magnifying glass and criminal fingerprint card, closeup criminalist studying" • standret - "Knive and blood is on the ground.,Detectives are collecting evidence in a crime scene near dead body" • digicomphoto - "Bullet cap next to a test bag in ballistic Laboratory, conceptual image"