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Research Opportunities

The forensic science program utilizes approximately 4,000-5000 square-feet of teaching and research labs with the latest instrumentation, technology, and safety equipment in Macewane Hall and Sinquefield Science and Engineering Center.

student shows faculty poster presentation

 

Recent Student Research Projects

  • Production of Ethanol in Infant Bottles During Storage, Kathryn Piette
  • How Presumptive Testing Affects DNA Profiles, Stella Henline and Jaila Robinson
  • Investigating Changes in Fingerprints After Water Submission, Lanae Headley 
professor hall works with student in lab

 

What Students are Saying

Our research project compares the DNA yield of two different brands of spin baskets used for DNA analysis. We completed the first three steps of the analysis process (sampling, extraction, and quantification) to determine the differences, if any, between the two spin baskets and how they perform in terms of collecting DNA. It's really great to be hands-on and experience the process that's done in DNA labs.

Rosslyn Garbarni and Hannah Hellmeier

Our research project compares the DNA extraction yield from saliva collected using multiple swab brands and types. We completed sampling, extraction, and quantification of saliva samples to determine whether any differences exist in the amount of DNA extracted between swab brands and types. Our research project has expanded to see if there is any effect of pH on extraction. It’s nice to have hands-on experience with DNA processing outside of class and to connect a more chemistry focus to the research.

Mara Foutz