Forensic science is a field of study that uses scientific principlesand established laboratory procedures to identify and characterize evidence found at the site of a criminal investigation. This field of study has been popularized by the television series CSI but distorted because of time constraints and the demand of television to provide a story line that is always fast-moving, tense, and attention-grabbing. However, recent developments in basic research have led to new and exciting methods of criminal analysis. The most well-known and valuable new method applied to forensic evidence is that of human DNA identity testing. According to an article in Analytical Chemistry February 1, 2005, “forensic laboratory staffing, state and local laboratories in the northeastern United States, which has 51 million residents, employed only ~ 850 forensic scientists in 2001.” The authors of the report estimate that the number of scientists actually needed to staff this area of the country is double that level, given the backlog of unexamined cases and the increasing case submissions. They and others conclude that “an additional 10,000 new forensic scientists are needed nationwide over the next decade to address the expanding backlog” and to allow case examinations to be completed with a 30-day period.

The educational objectives of the forensic science program at Roberts Wesleyan College include:

1. showing students the importance of careful measurements in detecting chemical substances at a crime scene
2. teaching established crime scene investigation techniques to insure that physical evidence is handled properly to avoid contamination .
3. interpreting scientific data accurately and communicating this information in a clear and concise way by written reports and verbal communication.
4. training students in the proper use of chemical instrumentation and understanding the advantages and limitations of each instrument for use in a given analysis of forensic evidence.
5. giving students an understanding of the criminal justice system and how law enforcement officials will utilize the data collected in a forensic science laboratory.

Program Distinctives

Forensic science is a laboratory science where theory and practice are combined to prepare students for working in a laboratory. Small class sizes, excellent equipment and Roberts’ dedicated faculty offer a structured curriculum where students are challenged to “learn by doing.” The Division of Natural Science and Mathematics has been the recipient of three National Science Foundation matching grants and two Pittsburgh Analytical Society grants over the past fifteen years, providing over $100,000 in total funds for the purchase of a variety of laboratory equipment in addition to the Division’s equipment budget. Students also have the opportunity of working as laboratory assistants where they can help set up laboratory experiments and provide instruction on using laboratory equipment after having taken the laboratory courses themselves. Each year three students are selected as Smith Scholars to take a leadership role in tutoring students, preparing experiments, and becoming proficient in the use of a variety of laboratory instruments. New equipment is being added to provide additional experiences in human DNA identity testing.

The science laboratories provide chemical, biochemical, and biology instrumentation and computer interfaces for students to use in their laboratory work. Instruments include: (see chemistry web site)

Outcomes

Most forensic science employment occurs in a laboratory setting.  After completing the forensic science major, students will be prepared to enter a county, state or federal forensic science laboratory and be able to learn and follow the established procedures at a given laboratory for obtaining scientific data and be able to interpret the data in a careful and reproducible manner. Skills learned in the forensic science program can be applied to a variety of laboratory sciences.  Graduates of the program may also find employment with private companies that perform contract services in a variety of laboratory settings and human DNA identity testing.  Students may also pursue graduate programs in forensic science and criminal justice to receive additional training and expertise.

Faith and Learning

Personal honesty, integrity, and scientific objectivity are important characteristics required of a forensic scientist. In order to be hired by a forensic laboratory, drug tests, history of drug use, criminal history, driving record, credit history, past work performance, and medical or physical examination may be required of any applicant. As a Christian liberal arts college, the importance of personal integrity, honesty and truthfulness are emphasized to students both inside and outside the classroom. Christian character is also modeled by administration, faculty, and staff at the college.

Faculty

David Roll, Director of the Forensic Science program ., Professor of Organic Chemistry,
Biochemistry and Human Biology, Pre-Professional Health Advisor. Ph.D., University of Illinois.
Specialties: Organic and biological chemistry. In 1996 Dr. Roll received a 2-year, $94,000 NIH AREA
grant investigating new chemotherapeutic targets against Chlamydia bacteria. At Roberts since 1978.
E-mail: rolld@roberts.edu

Donna Alder, M.S., Associate Professor of Biology. B.S., Bethany Nazarene; M.S., University of Rochester.
Specialties: general biology, human and animal anatomy, and physiology. At RWC since 1983.
E-mail: alderd@roberts.edu

Cynthia Davis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy Advisor. PhD., Dartmouth College. Specialty: molecular genetics. At Roberts since 2004.
Email: davis_cynthia@roberts.edu

Jason Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy Advisor. PhD., Indiana University.
Specialties: bioanalytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental science. At Roberts since 2003.
Email:taylor_jason@roberts.edu

Peter LaCelle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology Division of Natural Science and Mathematics
E-mail:LaCelle_Peter@roberts.edu