June 30, 2005, Findlay, Ohio – Forty-two high school students from as far away as Utah learned first-hand what it is like to be a crime scene investigator during The University of Findlay’s first forensic science, June 26-29.

During the camp, the students attended sessions on DNA analysis, ballistics, entomology and crime scene evaluation. According to Todd Beitzel, UF co-director of instructor of criminal justice, the students also tested fingerprints and had to evaluate a mock crime scene. “We set up several mock crime scenes that included everything that a real crime scene might have. The student worked in teams to evaluate the scene and put together an evidence portfolio with their findings,” Beitzel explained.

Beitzel added the University received significant interest in the camp from high school students from all over the country. “We had a waiting list with more than 50 people on it from all over the U.S. who wanted to attend the camp. Interest in the field of forensic science has increased thanks to television programs about crime scene investigation, but many kids are attracted to a career in forensic science because they love science,” Beitzel said.

The camp is part of The University of Findlay’s new forensic science program. Approximately 25 students will start in the fall as the University’s first class of forensic science majors. Students in the program will take a variety of criminal justice and science courses including entomology, chemistry and forensics science. Students can also specialize in a particular area like DNA/serology or chemistry/toxicology.