Hands-On Experience

Learning by Doing

Our program encourages hands-on experiences. Our classes are structured for as much crime-scene realism as possible. For outdoor fieldwork, Hawaii weather is a bonus.

In the lab, our students get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical techniques and equipment. For example, the techniques in molecular biology and DNA identification are changing rapidly. In order to be successful, the student must understand the theory as well as be able to operate the equipment used in the analysis.

Students examine the evidence

Research

Our program encourages individual research. For example, currently Associate Professor Wilson Sullivan and several undergraduate students are working on a project in cooperation with the Dept. of the Medical Examiner, City and County of Honolulu Hawaii, using infrared photography to demonstrate bruising and fingerprints on skin.

National and International Meetings and Conferences

We typically take students to the annual meetings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and other important events. The A.A.F.S. conference is the most significant meeting for the forensic sciences in the United States, and, to a large extent, the world. Having our students' presentations accepted is significant, as there is no student section and all abstracts submitted must compete equally for space. Both undergraduate and graduate students have made presentations.

In 2005 we had 5 students making presentations:

  • Pamela Cadiente - DNA extraction of desiccated contact lens using the medium Chelex 100.
  • Bethany Fox- Mitochondrial DNA-based identifications of forensically important Sarcophagaidae and Calliphoridae (Diptera) in Hawaii
  • Lovelle Rimando - Mitochondrial DNA based identification of family Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae
  • Anthony Russo - The decomposition of a pig carcass in a Mesophytic biotope, Oahu, Hawaii
  • Nicole Stalter - Rearing of Chrysoma megacaphala (Diptera:Calliphoridae) at different population densities.

In 2006, we had 3 students making presentations:

  • Lynette Landon-Chellemi - Photography of abuse: Is there a best method
  • Sandra Pearson - Intraspecific competition in the blowfly Chrysomysa megacephala (Diptera:Calliphoridae) reared at different densities
  • Reupena Sheck - Comparison of early decomposition between domestic pig carcasses hanging and in contact with the ground on Oahu Island, Hawaii

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