FORENSICS AND FOUR DIAMONDS

FORENSICS AND FOUR DIAMONDS

I found this archive from the Penn State University forensics website. The Forensic Science club is raising money for the 2012 THON. This is another important facet of why Penn State is a “perfect” fit for me. At my high school, I am co-chairman for a club called U.N.I.T.E. This is a service club the creates our school’s mini-THON. Throughout the years, mini-THON and the Four Diamonds Fund has played a big role outside my academic life. This year, my fellow members and I have canned, set up informational booths, raised money, and collaborated on unique ideas so that we can have a bigger and better mini-THON.
I really enjoy seeing these positive aspects about my future college!

(Click on the title, for URL)

Penn State: Eberly College of Science

As part of my forensics project, I concentrated on picking a school best fit for my academic desires. Penn State’s Eberly College of Science fit the bill quite nicely!
Here’s a concise overview of what the college program is all about:

Vision and Mission Statement

Main Content

Vision Statement

The Forensic Science Program at Penn State University will be the nation’s finest in the
integration of teaching, research and service.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Forensic Science Program at Penn State is to provide our students with a rich educational experience through a hands-on, practical approach to forensic science education that will enable those students to reach the highest levels of intellectual achievement and personal growth.  The Program will provide open, welcoming, creative and adaptable teaching and research environments for its students, staff and faculty.   The Program outcomes will have a positive impact on the global forensic science and law enforcement communities, and on society as a whole.

Overarching Goals

• Be an international leader in forensic science education.
• Produce graduates that become future leaders in forensic science.
• Enhance academic excellence through a balanced emphasis on teaching, research and service.
• Enhance the public’s awareness of science through forensic science education.

Forensic Science Program Values

Rigor – The faculty and staff of the forensic science program will create a rigorous and
challenging academic environment.

Dedication – The faculty and staff of the forensic science program will be dedicated to the
highest level of excellence and integrity.

Commitment – The faculty and staff of the forensic science program will be committed to
providing our customers (e.g., students and collaborators) with the highest level of service.

Respect – The faculty and staff of the forensic science program will respect and support one
another and their customers.

Ethical - The faculty and staff of the forensic science program will perform their duties in an
ethical manner at all times.

Accessibility – The faculty and staff of the forensic science program will be highly accessible to our customers and colleagues.
http://forensics.psu.edu/program/vision-and-mission-statement

STATE-OF-THE-ART!

Lancaster County coroner shows off state-of-art morgue

I am hoping to visit this before the grand opening, or shortly after; but I do not think they allow public tours?

Joseph Bell

   




Joseph Bell, a pioneer of forensic pathology known today for creating mastery techniques of the late 19th-early 20th century, a time where forensic pathology was not even consider of great value in solving crimes.

Virtual Autopsy Video

This week on Forensic Science blog…

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY!
This is a 3-Dimensional Virtual Autopsy Table.

Tox Video

                            This is a good summation of what forensic toxicology is all about. ENJOY!

Cause of Death: A Look into Forensic Pathology

 —Hey look, it’s Dr. G!


INTRO TO FORENSIC PATHOLOGY:

A forensic pathologist, otherwise known as a medical examiner, examines the bodies of people who have died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently. In the forensic science community, medical examinations are important because the human body is the largest and best piece of criminal evidence to analyze. Although some criminally involved deaths such as strangulation, gun shot, and blunt trauma may be visible to the naked eye, forensic pathologists look inside the body to fully analyze a death. Through the process of forensic autopsies, medical examiners are able to analyze organs, bones, and look at samples of tissue to identify cellular components that may have been affected by certain deaths.
So basically, crime labs always look to the medical examiners or forensic pathologists for initial clues into a case. What is so “above and beyond” about this area of forensics, is its criteria that has to be met when pursuing this type of career… A whopping 13 years of education after high school!

ARTICLE DISCUSSION:

In an article on PBS, Front Line: Death Investigation in America, I came across an article that gave an overview of what this type of career is like.
I found an interesting section that struck my attention:
“With roughly 500,000 deaths per year referred to a coroner or medical examiner for preliminary investigation, the National Association of Medical Examiners says twice that number of forensic pathologists is needed to provide competent service and ensure that pathologists are not performing more than the 250 to 350 autopsies per year its guidelines recommend.”

So what does this mean?
Well, it seems to me that there are not enough “forensic” pathologists in America for the number of autopsies that need performed. However, based off of the article, clinical pathologists (who work with living patients, in hospital settings) have much different work conditions. Although the academic requirements are the same (a minimum of 13 years of education and training after high school), medical examiners make between $150,000 - 180,000, which is only a percentage of what experienced clinical pathologists earn per year. Also,  Dr. Vincent DiMaio says that, “The salaries are not competitive and the facilities are often terrible when you compare them to working in a hospital setting.”
I thought this article was interesting because it altered my perception of forensic pathology. I still think being a medical examiner would be unique and quite a successful career, but I am astonished at the amount of people in America who do not feel the same way, or who don’t want to get involved in the field.
What DiMaio is saying is that TV shows and books are giving Americans false impressions about forensic pathology. He also believes that in medical school’s, young adults are not getting to experience the possible field of forensics through being a medical examiner, as they are in other medical specialties such as cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics (all working with living patients…which I think is the deal breaker for most people pursing careers in medicine and science). 
So, this week I wanted to end on a positive note about forensic pathology, even though my writing says otherwise. I think this job can be a little stressful and somewhat morbid, but, I believe it is one of the biggest advantages forensic scientists have into solving crimes, and determining CAUSE OF DEATH!