UW-Madison uses forensic science to make science exciting

Consulting detective Sherlock Holmes made a good many of his famous deductions by using all the sciences available during his fictional career in Victorian England.

If teleported to the 21st century, Holmes most assuredly would want to join the 90 soon-to-be 10th graders using the latest forensic science techniques to solve their own fictional mystery.

The three-week exercise, beginning Tuesday, June 24 through Friday, July 11, is part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s PEOPLE (Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence). This year, PEOPLE brings 300 middle and 325 high school students to campus from Milwaukee, Racine, Beloit, and Madison to engage in intensive learning experiences each summer. The program helps the university increase diversity and identify students with strong academic potential.

Studies conclusively show that college enrollment and graduation rates improve significantly through participation in pre-college programs like PEOPLE. Indeed, PEOPLE mystery organizer Majid Sarmadi, chair of the UW–Madison Department of Environment, Textiles and Design in the School of Human Ecology and professor in the graduate materials science program in the College of Engineering, says that he designed the unit to fully engage participants every step of the way.

“Kids watch a lot of high-action movies and video games. We want to get across the idea that science can be fun and relevant,” he says.

“The PEOPLE students will test DNA, blood samples, fiber sample, lipstick and more. Some experiments will use principles of light and color. By the end of the experiments it will be obvious that science almost guarantees that criminals will be caught,” he says.

The case begins June 24 with the discovery of a body — thanks to the participation of School of Human Ecology Dean Robin Douthitt. With the help of a UW–Madison Police and Security officer, PEOPLE students will gather evidence and conduct experiments during the subsequent three-week crime investigation.

The event will conclude with a mock trial — “PEOPLE’s Court,” says Sarmadi. There, a jury will weigh the evidence that investigators have uncovered and name the murderer.

“The university faculty participants really have gone out of their way to help us put this together,” says Sarmadi, himself a textile and polymer chemist. “I think this will show beyond any doubt how exciting and how much fun science can be.”

The initial investigation will start June 24 at 12:45 p.m. in 145 Human Ecology, 1300 Linden Drive. Subsequent experiments will travel to various campus locations, but always will be held between 1-3 p.m. For more information, contact Sarmadi at (608) 262-7492/513-2222/majidsar@wisc.edu.