High school students analyze their dogs’ DNA, learn about forensics at FIU

What:

About 40 students in a forensic science program at Everglades High in Miramar will participate in an all-day workshop at Florida International University. The students will learn about the research that goes on at the International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) and various biology and chemistry labs at FIU. As part of the hands-on activities, the students were asked to swab their dogs’ mouths to obtain DNA samples. Students will analyze those samples and obtain a DNA “dog tag” of their pet. Such DNA profiling, a service that IFRI plans to eventually offer to the general public for a fee, has various applications, such as reuniting lost pets with their owners or helping breeders verify the lineage of their animals. Other activities throughout the day will include a demonstration by a dog handler with a detector dog and demonstrations and lectures involving different aspects of DNA and forensics, such as trace evidence and drug detection.

When:

Friday, April 18, 2008, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. At 12:30 p.m. there will be a K-9 detection demonstration and from 1:30-3 p.m. students will be analyzing their dogs’ DNA. Throughout the day, students also will be listening to various presentations, participating in demonstrations and touring labs.

Where:

FIU-University Park, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami. The students will be based out of Room 130 at the Wertheim Conservatory.

Why:

The popularity of shows such as “C.S.I.” have motivated many young people to explore careers in forensic science. IFRI is reaching out to these students to nurture that interest and provide the use of advanced facilities that the students would not normally have access to, said Dee Mills, professor of biology and director of the Forensic DNA Profiling Facility at IFRI. “Students, all of a sudden, see there’s something interesting to do with science,” Mills said. “This gives it more of a hands-on application.”

For More Information:

Contact Dee Mills at 305-793-6787

—FIU—

Media Contact
Madeline Baró at 305-348-2234 or mbaro@fiu.edu