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Showcase Artifact 3

Introduction

     Throughout my experience as an Honors College student, I've had many chances to partake in extra opportunities that have furthered my knowledge and expertise as a forensic science student. Below are just a few of those opportunities including:

  1. An Honors class that revolved around genetics and molecular biology where I wrote a short research paper.

  2. An Honors Contract for my Cell Biology Lab where I gave a short video presentation about unethical behavior in forensic science.

  3. An Honors Contract for my Forensic Microscopy Lab where I performed an experiment about shoe print examination.

BIOL-S 323:
Honors Genetics & Molecular Biology Lab
(December 2022)

Genetics & Molecular Lab focused on the applied principles of genetics and molecular biology by observing organisms of increased complexity from viruses to fruit flies.

Some of the experiments I took part in include:​

  • Deletion Mapping- pinpoints the exact location where a deletion occurs on a chromosome. 

  • Mutagenesis- the genetic information of an organism is changed.

  • DNA Extraction- DNA is isolated from other cellular components (i.e. proteins, RNA, lipids, etc.)

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction- technique that makes multiple copies of specific DNA segments.

For my honors project, I decided to write a short research paper on the MAOA gene, also known as the serial killer gene. I discuss how the mutation occurs, what other factors play into its phenotype, and multiple studies that have looked into the MAOA gene.

Reflection (March 2025)

This project helped me to develop my abilities in finding and gathering lists of resources to find the answer to a hypothesis. I can use these abilities in my future career when new techniques and methods are introduced into the field by gathering reports and statistics on how accurate a new technique is and make an informed decision on whether or not to use it compared to older, but more proven, methods. My next step would be to research the topic more to see if there's any new information about the MAOA gene or if there are any steps towards counteracting the gene's expression.

BIOL-K 325: Cell Biology Lab
(April 2023)

Cell Biology Lab explored research models to study the fundamental processes of cell biology, including:

  • Cell Protein Composition

  • Cell Movement Proteins

  • Cell Differentiation

  • Organism Development​

For my Honors Contract, I created a short video representation about Fred Zain's forensic career. He worked for crime labs in West Virginia and Texas, and testified as an expert witness on almost 200 cases. However, he lied about his credentials as a forensic scientist and fabricated evidence to win convictions.

Reflection (March 2025)

This project helped me to learn the importance of honest work and how situations like Fred Zain's can be prevented in the future. I can use this knowledge to teach other FIS students about how being unbiased can prevent innocent people from being convicted and prevent the forensic science community from being blamed for one individual's mistakes. My next step would be to go into my future career armed with the knowledge of how to ethically perform my job.

FIS 30101: Forensic Microscopy Lab
(April 2024)

Forensic Microscopy Lecture and Lab taught the theory behind microscopic analysis and how to perform such analyses. Techniques included:

  • Using Compound Microscopes, Stereomicroscopes, and Polarizing Light Microscopes

  • Preparing and Examining Trace Evidence Such As:

    • Impressions

    • Glass

    • Hairs

    • Biological Materials

    • Fibers

For my Honors Contract, I performed an experiment on shoe print analysis. My lab report to the right explains shoe print examination, the results of the experiment, and the importance of those results. 

Reflection (March 2025)

This experiment helped further my knowledge about the trace analysis branch of forensic science. I can use this knowledge to branch outside my chosen discipline and open my eyes to other options. My next step would be to dive more into the various disciplines so that I can be a well-rounded forensic scientist.

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