Manassas Campus Forensic Science Camp Offers New Opportunities for Local High Schoolers
Blending criminology and science, the Manassas Campus hosted its inaugural Forensic Science Summer Camp from July 8-12. The criminology and science faculty at the Manassas Campus partnered with the Virginia State Police to design a hands-on, educational experience to engage 54 rising 9th to12th graders from across NOVA’s service area, challenging them to solve a murder mystery using various scientific and investigative techniques.
Under the guidance of crime scene investigators and special agents, campers kicked off the week by examining a staged crime scene. They collected and analyzed evidence in various labs, including biology, chemistry, geology and physics. Members of the campus’ science faculty provided instruction and experiments that included: the analysis of DNA, fibers, hair samples; human physiology; and impact studies. The CSIs and special agents applied the crucial forensics techniques of evidence collection to secure and document a crime scene as well as the basic skills of questioning suspects using polygraph examination.
Each group of campers had the opportunity to present their findings, identify their suspect and request an arrest warrant. The climax for campers was the opportunity to participate in the staged arrest of their fictional suspect, followed by the award of certificates to each camper by members of the Virginia State Police and NOVA-Manassas’ MSTB Team.
During the closing ceremony, Crime Scene Investigator Andrea Feldman, from the Prince William County Police Forensic Science Division-Crime Scene Unit, provided a review of the week’s activities with the campers and shared her insights and experiences on evidence collection and the critical role of lab analysis in solving crimes.
This inaugural camp was an unforgettable experience for all, providing campers with valuable forensic science knowledge and inspiring many local teens to consider a career in science and criminal justice.
Underpinned by the support of the following administrative leaders, the camp highlights NOVA’s commitment to educational excellence and community engagement: Dr. Raymond A. Burton, dean of MSTB and Dr. Cathleen Cogdill, associate dean of MSTB both expressed their enthusiasm to host more events of this type to ignite curiosity and foster a passion for science and investigation among current and prospective students.
The success of this unique camp was due to the collaborative efforts of the camp planning committee and many other campus faculty and staff who provided critical supportive services and resources.
Camp Planning Committee:
- Mr. Nasser Babakhani, Lab Coordinator, Chemistry
- Dr. Ahmed Benhusen, Professor of Chemistry
- Dr. Raymond A. Burton, Dean, Math, Science, Technologies & Business
- Dr. Caitlin Chazen, Professor of Geology
- Dr. Cathleen Cogdill, Associate Dean, Math, Science, Technologies & Business
- Dr. Victoria Hill-Megginson, Professor of Administration of Justice
- Ms. Paphapit (Lei) Rubis, Lab Coordinator, Biology
- Dr. Amany Saleh, Professor of Chemistry
- Ms. Karen Todd, Manassas Campus and Community Outreach
- Dr. Xin Zhou, Professor of Biology
- Dr. Elena Ziu, Adjunct Professor of Physics
Submitted by:
Karen Todd, MA-Campus and Community Outreach, KTodd@nvcc.edu