CSI: Knox Middle School | Crime

SALISBURY - Rowan Regional Medical Center (RRMC) in partnership with Knox Middle School and Horizon’s Unlimited will be offering Knox middle students the opportunity to attend the “Summer Forensics Intelligence Academy” to be held at Horizons Unlimited from July 23 through July 26.

Horizon’s Director Lisa Wear and Horizon’s Specialist Anne Ellis will be leading the weeklong academy focusing on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiative.
 
“I am very excited that our middle school students are being offered this opportunity to attend such a unique and educational academy,” states Dr. Judy Grissom, Superintendent for the Rowan-Salisbury School System. “Rowan Regional Medical Center continues to be an invaluable partner with our school system and this academy is just one example of their continued support for education.  Because of this support, our students will walk away from this week with a greater appreciation and understanding of STEM in action.”
 
The academy is designed to be an intriguing mix of laboratory and field experiences that afford students a unique opportunity to engage in scenario-based training and expert investigative techniques. This program is designed to inform and motivate students to pursue one of the many STEM career opportunities in forensic science.
 
The academy was created as an extension to the STEM recognition program that began last school year at Knox Middle School through a partnership with RRMC. Each quarter during the school year, two students from each grade level were selected and given the Rowan Regional Medical Center Presidential Award for demonstrating excellence with the STEM initiative.  Students were required to meet the following criteria to be selected for this recognition:
 
 

• 95% or better achievement in science classes
• 93% or better achievement in all classes
• Teacher recommendation
• Exhibited a natural curiosity and interest in STEM related initiatives
• 95% or better in attendance
• Zero behavioral referrals

Each student that was awarded this recognition received a certificate, a cash prize, and an opportunity to attend the “Summer Forensics and Intelligence Academy” at no cost to the student and funded by RRMC. There are currently 18 students enrolled for the academy.
 
“Our collaboration with Knox Middle School and their STEM program is a natural fit for Rowan Regional, and is a great investment for us and the community,” said Dari Caldwell, President of Rowan Regional. “We feel it’s important to support programs that bolster the education of the youth in our community who may one day become leaders in STEM-related careers.”

During the academy, students will work collaboratively with medical professionals from RRMC, SBI Crime Scene Search Specialists, and Science Specialists at Horizons Unlimited to develop deeper content knowledge, gain workforce experience, and develop stronger critical thinking and problem solving skills while working in Evidence Response Teams (ERTs).
 
Students will use authentic crime scene testing and assessment techniques to evaluate the total body of available information, including:  retinal scans, lifting and identification of latent prints, dental identification, pathology, nationality and sex determination, blood typing, DNA analysis, facial approximation imagery, and evaluation of trace evidence.
 
Students will visit Rowan Regional Medical Center for laboratory experiences facilitated by Clinical Pathologists, Rachel Ross, MD and James Cervin, MD. SBI Special Agent and Crime Scene Search Specialist, Cesar Gutierrez, will also provide insight into forensic careers by sharing his expertise and experiences in the field.
  
Students will search, collect, and analyze significant evidence, and use the Eight-Step Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) process to evaluate and interpret data to solve a long-sought criminal case.
 
“Students will be immersed in the intrigue, inner workings, and next generation laboratory techniques used in forensic science to solve complex crimes.” says Lisa Wear, Director of Horizons Unlimited. “A series of intricate examination techniques and testing methods will lead students to the identification of unidentified skeletal remains and associated trace evidences. This is an exciting experience that middle school students will never forget.”
 
During the upcoming new school year, Horizons Unlimited will be offering a STEM program designed for all fifth graders in Rowan and Davie counties.  The program titled, “CSI Body of Evidence” provides content that is inline with the new state essential standards for science.