Forensic science magnet students visit IFRI

A group of students from the Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School (LEOMHS) visited FIU’s International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) last month where they learned about current research and toured the institute’s facilities.

Located in Downtown Miami, the magnet school offers a comprehensive educational plan in the areas of homeland security, law enforcement and forensic science. Through strategic university and community partnerships, the students at LEOMHS have unprecedented access to forensic science labs, mock courtrooms and computer simulation centers. Students in all tracks also have the opportunity to participate in dual enrollment with FIU.

The visit to IFRI was part of the school’s academy days program – a professional from each track visits the school once a year to make a presentation. This year, the students were invited to visit IFRI’s facilities at FIU for the forensic science academy day.

Beatrice Kallifatidis, coordinator for IFRI’s Forensic DNA Profiling Facility, gives LEOMHS students a tour of the facility.

The 53 students from the forensic science track received a campus tour, attended a lecture and got a first-hand look at the state-of-the-art equipment available to IFRI researchers. They also toured all three of the institute’s facilities – the Forensic DNA Profiling Facility, the Trace Evidence Analysis Facility and the Forensic and Analytical Toxicology Facility.

“The students that focus on forensic science courses get a preview of what the real forensic sciences are all about,” said IFRI Director, Jose R. Almirall. “We are happy to support the teachers and students of LEOMHS and welcome these future students into our academic programs.”

In collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Almirall assisted in curriculum development and future college placement for students. He is currently, vice chair of the school’s Board of Directors as well as a guest lecturer at LEOMHS.