Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE

Media Credit: Clinton Lynch Lauren Nimelstein biology senior discusses important upcoming events with members Hubert Obazei biology junior and Nicole Wallace master student in chemistry, during a forensic science club meeting monday morning.

Touring labs, listening to scientists and delving into the world of forensic microscopy are on the agenda for one student organization.

NT's Forensic Science Club offers science majors and enthusiasts the opportunity to turn the microscope on the art of fingerprinting and sample gathering.

"I'm in the club, and I'm a music major," said senior Josh Wueller, the club's official spokesman. "I had all my science credits from high school, but I still wanted to stay involved and learn about science, forensic science especially."

The club was created a few years ago following the debut of NT's forensic science program in 2005.

Many of the group's members are either biology or chemistry majors, and several have already received the forensic science certificate that can be earned through the program by completing courses in biological sciences, chemistry and criminal justice.

"The club helped me eventually get my certificate and then get my internship this past summer, which was a great experience," said Pedro Davila, a biology senior and club secretary. "I got to go to the lab and get hands-on experience. It was very interesting."

Most of the club's meetings welcome guest speakers who give members insight on the field.

"One meeting I remember was when a girl came in from the DPS who had just started in DNA analysis," said Lauren Nimelstein, a biology senior and club vice president. "She gave us advice about how difficult it is to get into the field."

Some meetings focus on specific departments in the forensic science field, including forensic microscopy, genetics and criminalistics. Members meet both on-campus and off, touring forensic labs and observing scientists.

"It's nothing like 'CSI'," Nimelstein said of the field. "There isn't one person going to the lab, then the crime scene, then to court in one day."

The club meets about three times each month in the Chemistry Building. The rooms vary and are updated on the club's Web site.

Forensic microscopologist Richard Ernest and forensic psychologist Richard Rogers will be speaking to the group Oct. 21 and Oct. 22.

"Anyone interested in forensics can come," Nimelstein said. "We want you, your friends and your family."

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