Pre-College STEM Forum Focuses on Forensic Science

Written by: Julie Jacobs
Published: Friday, October 18, 2019
Forensic science professor, David Fisher, addresses the crowd at Pre-College's STEM Forum.
David Fisher, director of NJIT's forensic science program, was the keynote speaker at the Center for Pre-College's STEM Forum.

NJIT’s Center for Pre-College Programs (CPCP) hosted its third annual STEM School Leadership Forum Oct. 3 on the university’s campus. The free networking event brings together superintendents and other education professionals to discuss how best to expand and enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instruction in secondary schools.

Following breakfast and welcome remarks from CPCP Executive Director Jacqueline Cusack, attendees heard from keynote speaker David Fisher, a former forensic scientist at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and now professor of practice and director of NJIT’s new forensic science program in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science — the only such program in New Jersey. Fisher noted that public fascination with forensic science has grown significantly, as seen from the popularity of television crime dramas such as “CSI.” He also pointed out that teaching forensic science to students is a great way to get them interested in STEM.

STEM subjects can be taught by using casework examples illustrating how science, technology, engineering and math are used to fight crime, exact justice and exonerate the innocent, he said.

“Students have been shown to respond favorably to STEM subjects and take a greater interest when these subjects are framed using forensic-themed lesson plans,” he added. “Having these types of STEM forums for educators is of utmost importance, so that forensic science faculty and practitioners can share with teachers experiments and content that can be used in the high school science curriculums.”

The forum also featured facilitated group brainstorming, discussion and planning around STEM.