[476] CSI: MTSU DAYCAMP FOR AREA HIGH-SCHOOLERS RETURNS JUNE 16-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-494-8857 or lrollins@mtsu.edu

CSI: MTSU DAYCAMP FOR AREA HIGH-SCHOOLERS RETURNS JUNE 16-19

(MURFREESBORO)—For the third consecutive year, CSI: MTSU, a popular four-day program for students entering the 10th, 11th and 12th grades in Rutherford and surrounding counties, will return to the Murfreesboro campus June 16-19.
Co-sponsored by the MTSU College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning and the Forensic Institute for Research and Education, or FIRE, the camp’s goals are to allow students to explore many unique career possibilities in forensic science; to provide a “real-life” reasons to tackle higher-level math and science courses; and to develop skills in teamwork, seeing and understanding details, critical thinking and presentation skills.
Referring to the camp experience, Dr. Hugh Berryman, director of FIRE and the camp’s founder, said, “The student investigators will be presented with a re-creation of an actual crime scene. Each student is trained in the fundamental processes of collecting evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, hair and fibers, simulated blood spatter and shoe prints.”
During the last afternoon of the camp, each team will make a presentation detailing team members’ theories of the crime and the conclusions that are reached. A panel of forensic scientists will critique team conclusions. Parents are welcomed to come to the last camp session.
“There is a growing need for trained personnel to investigate and process crime scene evidence,” Berryman remarked.
• REGISTRATION: The cost to attend this unique camp, which will be conducted 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. each day, is $225 per student and includes snacks at breaks, lunch and a camp T-shirt. For more information or to register, call 615-898-2462 or send an e-mail to eshockle@mtsu.edu.
Also, to learn more about the local CSI camp from Berryman, MTSU anthropology professor, please listen to "MTSU on the Record," a 30-minute, public affairs radio program hosted by Gina Logue, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org) at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 7.

About FIRE

The Forensic Institute for Research and Education provides a central focus for interdisciplinary efforts at Middle Tennessee State University where educators and researchers form cooperatives dedicated to quality research, education and training in many diverse areas of forensic science. FIRE provides continuing education for the forensic and law enforcement community and brings a forensic focus to campus education. Partnering with industry, forensic laboratories and local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies is promoted with the aim of identifying and addressing meaningful research and educational needs.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: To request interviews with Dr. Hugh Berryman regarding the camp, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at 615-494-8857 or via e-mail at lrollins@mtsu.edu.