‘CSI: LIU,’ Forensic Biology is Focus of Free Conference
Set for March 1 at Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Mention the word forensics and most people will think of investigators from the CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) programs on television, gathering evidence at crime scenes and testing DNA samples in a lab. A conference at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus in downtown Brooklyn will focus on the “real world” of forensic biology.

Forensic biology is the application of biological knowledge and laboratory techniques to the analysis of evidence in criminal and civil investigations. It depends on a solid foundation of biology and chemistry. Speakers will give insight into this fascinating world as they discuss the use of DNA analysis and other techniques for examining crime scenes and analyzing evidence.

The Biology Department at the Brooklyn Campus is sponsoring the conference on forensic biology, "CSI: LIU," on Saturday, March 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Health Sciences Building, Room 107. The conference is free and open to the public but registration is required.

“It’s a very sexy topic now because of the TV programs,” said biology professor Carole Griffiths, who is coordinating the conference. “But it is very important to let people know more about the importance of biology in these investigations and what really happens, not the sexy stuff on TV.”

Presentations will include:

• "Introduction: Scientific Crime Scene Investigation," Lawrence Kobilinsky, chair, Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and president, Council of Forensic Science Educators.
  
  
• "The Real CSI – Life in the NYC DNA Lab," Joanna Schlesser-Perry, supervisor, Forensic Biology Laboratory at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City.
  
  
• "Forensics in the Field of Veterinary Medicine," Herbert Van Kruiningen, chair, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, and director, Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Connecticut.

Posted: February 20, 2008

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