This will be an introductory seminar to forensic science. We will begin by providing and overview of the field of forensic science. We will then discuss what happens when the ‘science’ is left out the picture by examining how mistakes made at the crime scene, or in the lab, can cause miscarriages of justice. Through this seminar, students will learn the importance of critically assessing scenarios, the importance of proper scientific analysis, and accurate presentation of evidence.
About the Speaker
Sumiko Polacco is sessional faculty and teaching support staff for Trent University’s Department of Forensic Science. She is a graduate of Trent University’s undergraduate Forensic Science program, and Environmental and Life Sciences Master’s program. Her graduate research focused on developing chemically reactive forensic blood substitutes. Her current research focuses on communicating forensic expert evidence in court. She also co-ordinates the Forensic Science Summer Camps, serves on the Education and Informatics Committee for the Canadian Society of Forensic Science, and is on the Board of Directors for the Peterborough Regional Science Fair. Adrian is a teaching support staff for Trent University’s Forensic Science Department, he designs and implements labs for students to learn hands-on skills from the material they learn in class. He is a two-time alumnus of Trent University, from both the Undergraduate and Graduate programs with a background in both Biology and Forensics. His research background involves theoretical populations dynamics with algal species as models. Adrian has also been sessional faculty for the Forensic Science Department for a few courses.
Presented by Trent University