Real-life 'CSI' for Lynwood SHS students

Real-life 'CSI' for Lynwood SHS students

7 Dec 2017

A group of Lynwood Senior High school students this week experienced first-hand what life is like as a forensic scientist, as part of a citizen science project led by ChemCentre.

The Year 10 students have been collecting fibres throughout the year for a ChemCentre custom-built database and search program, the first of its kind in Australia, and one of only two in the world.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Science Chris Tallentire joined the students, at ChemCentre’s forensic science laboratory, who got to process some of the collected fibres into the database under scientist supervision.

ChemCentre experts have been working with a group of 120 students to introduce them to forensic science, and instruct them on how to collect the fibres and the use of stereo microscopes.

Currently the fibres database holds more than 20,000 fibres, including fabric and carpet.

The fibres database is an important tool to assist in analysing evidence for criminal investigations.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to get a first-hand understanding of the world of forensic science," Mr Tallentire said.

"It is great to see the State's leading chemical and forensic science provider promoting chemistry-based education and training in WA."

In the last year, ChemCentre’s school and outreach program has engaged with more than 3000 students, as well as supporting tertiary science education through scholarships, guest lecturing and postgraduate student supervision

Postal address

ChemCentre
PO Box 1250
BENTLEY DC WA 6983

t: (08) 9422 9800
f: (08) 9422 9801
e: enquiries@chemcentre.wa.gov.au

ABN : 40 991 885 705

Street address

ChemCentre
Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar
Resources and Chemistry Precinct
Corner Manning Road and Townsing Drive
Bentley WA 6102

Reception: Level 2, South Wing, Building 500.

Deliveries: Ground floor - use Conlon Street entrance

ChemCentre