Science in the Pursuit of Justice: Center for Pre-College Programs Helps Generate STEM Interest
At NJIT’s annual STEM Leadership Forum, teachers, administrators and curriculum builders for elementary thru high school students attended to find out more about why forensic science has inspired so many students to pursue STEM degrees, and how they can incorporate it into their teachings.
“It’s an altruistic field of study,” noted David Fisher, director of NJIT’s forensic science program and former expert criminalist with New York City’s Chief Medical Examiner. “Students want to do something meaningful. So if you can teach STEM in a meaningful way, it’s more likely you’re going to capture students’ attention and speak to them in a personal way.”
NJIT has been a leader in developing and refining the forensic science academic experience. The university’s undergraduate bachelor of science program was the first in the state, and has expanded to a collaboration between NJIT’s College of Science and Liberal Arts (CSLA) and Center for Pre College Programs (CPCP), known as the Forensic Science Initiative (FSI). Launched last year, FSI is a federally-backed program to develop a pathway to a STEM education for area high school students.
The success of forensic science in reaching prospective STEM students is evident. NJIT’s forensic science degree, which launched in 2019, now boasts both the third most students and highest percentage of female students (77%) of any degree program within the College of Science and Liberal Arts. This is part of the motivation for NJIT’s ramped up efforts to provide educators more tools to reach students, noted Jacqueline Cusack, executive director of the CPCP.
“Our work derives in part from your work,” Cusack said in her welcome remarks. “Take in as much as possible, and ask questions. We are here to support you.”
While the forum drew imagery and comparisons from contemporary crime show thrillers, its intent to bolster educators' inspirational repertoire was clear.
“We’re talking about forensic science, but what we're saying is really applicable no matter what curriculum you may be looking to develop,” said Barbara Weller, CPCP’s school engagement advisor and director of the FSI.
Weller detailed NJIT’s FSI program attributes and how the institution built the program to better serve the student: breaking down forensic science subjects into digestible, weekly programs; hands-on activities and field trip opportunities, like to the Customs and Border Protection lab located in Newark; and something as small as renaming “tutoring” to “personal academic training” to reduce the stigma of asking for help.
While much of the focus is on what and how the students will learn, Weller was enthusiastic about the effect new and exciting curriculum can have on inspiring teachers to be the best educators possible.
“In an era where we are having difficulty retaining teachers, that may be the spark that is helpful and beneficial across your entire curriculum.”
