High School Students Learn About Forensic Science at Quinnipiac

HAMDEN – Forty-three New Britain High School students-turned-sleuths learned about forensic science on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel Campus on Friday, Oct. 20.

They participated in activities made popular by television shows such as “CSI,” “NCIS” and “Bones.”

“This is definitely something I’m interested in,” said New Britain sophomore Analisa Jones. “I like to watch crime shows. I like forensics because you get to figure things out. It’s the behind-the-scenes aspect.”

Jones and her classmates, members of New Britain’s Academy of Health & Sciences, participated in hands-on forensic anthropology activities led by QU’s Lisa Kaplan, professor of biology, Diane Langlan-Wortz, visiting instructor of criminal justice, and Jaime Ullinger, professor and director of anthropology.

For example, the students analyzed clothing fibers and learned crime scene profiling techniques to narrow down a suspect pool. Ullinger’s activities included learning about bones and assembling, estimating the age and evaluating trauma such as gunshot wounds and broken bones on a skeleton.

“The students love it,” Ullinger said. “Certainly, there is an aspect of, ‘I’ve seen this on TV, how does it actually work?’ And, of course, we learn that it works a lot differently than it does on TV.”
Hilary Bristol, who teaches biomedical science at New Britain High, said her students’ visit to QU provided invaluable experience.

“It’s hands-on learning and allows them to see that what they’re actually learning in high school is going to carry on into college,” Bristol said. “A lot of times you think what you learned in high school you’re never going to use again. Forensics grabs their attention. It’s real-world stuff and it’s something they are always curious about. They are all interested in a career in health care. Forensics combines anatomy, physiology and the science of investigation to come up with a possible solution to a crime.”

The visit, which included lunch and a tour of Quinnipiac, certainly left an impression on New Britain junior Adelina Avdic.

“I love forensics, because I like to investigate and dig deeper into things, and we got to experience stuff we’ve never done before,” she said. “We were all so excited when we found out we were going to go to the Quinnipiac campus. I think it’s exciting to see the college life and to see what we could all be doing if we follow this career path.”