Forensic chemistry major introduced at York College of Pennsylvania
Posted August 19, 2004FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scene: Rows of long, high counters alternate workstations with computers, microscopes and analytical equipment of various shapes and sizes. The white walls project an austere aura as a result of the muted, fluorescent light cast from above. A low hum projects from one workstation where two individuals monitor the process through their safety goggles, periodically interrupting the sound of the equipment with faint and pensive commentary. The case may be puzzling, but the evidence always provides the clues.
While this may resemble a scene from the upcoming CBS drama, "CSI: NY," York College of Pennsylvania in York, Pa., plans to prepare students for experience in real life crime scene investigation with the introduction of its forensic chemistry major this fall.
The introduction of this new forensic chemistry concentration places York College on the front line of forensic science higher education. In June 2004, the National Institute of Justice and the Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Forensic Science (TWGED) published a report providing curricula guidelines for forensic science programs at educational institutions. The York College Forensic Chemistry Program meets or exceeds the guidelines established by TWGED.
York College expanded its existing forensic science studies, a chemistry or biology major with a minor in criminalistics, due to increased student interest and recent academic announcements, such as the TWGED report, urging institutions to prepare students for the highly technical demands of this growing field.
"Crime is on the rise. Labs are behind in their analysis of case evidence and need more chemists in the labs," explains Sherry Brown, Forensic Chemistry and Criminalistics Program Coordinator, of the rising need in forensic science.
Brown also indicates heightened student and public interest in the forensic science field resulting from high profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson trials and the World Trade Center bombing, as well as the television shows that romanticize the profession.
Brown, a former New Jersey State Police Crime Laboratory System forensic chemist and current forensic science consultant to attorneys, investigators and agencies, heads a team of experienced faculty members. Among those is chemistry coordinator Dr. Gregory Foy, whose instrumentation expertise will assist students with specialized computer programs and equipment and familiarize them with an array of chemistry analytical techniques. Dr. James Foresman will also utilize expertise in computer modeling to demonstrate solving a wide range of chemical problems.
In addition to training in first-rate chemistry laboratory facilities, students will complete coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, crime scene processing, criminalistics and forensic body fluids, among other areas. Research projects and real-world internship experience will also prepare graduates for job opportunities with organizations such as state police crime laboratories, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and private industry DNA laboratories.
York College of Pennsylvania, a private, liberal arts institution, offers baccalaureate and associate degrees in 70 majors and three master's degree programs in nursing, education and business administration. York College of Pennsylvania provides a holistic approach to education, in which academic opportunity is supported by social and recreational opportunities.
Pictured above: Dr. Bruce Smith, botany and general biology professor, demonstrates the Mideo System, a teaching tool. Forensic chemistry majors will view hair and fiber evidence using this tool.
