Students learn how to unravel crimes using forensics

DENTON, Texas-Whether a suspect someday spends his life in prison or gets released from jail could depend on the work of the 10 students inside Angie Ambers' molecular biology laboratory at the University of North Texas. The students are studying forensics-the application of science to understand potential criminal cases. During a recent afternoon, they worked in teams of two using laboratory equipment such as pipettes, microcentrifuge tubes and vortexers to carry out the procedure needed to separate semen from a woman's epithelial cells, a first step in unraveling a rape case. After the separation is complete, the DNA from each will be analyzed to produce profiles of the perpetrator and the victim, Ambers said.

It's all to help solve crimes and help families, students said. "DNA doesn't lie," student Kristina Raines said.

UNT has the only undergraduate program in Texas accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, a Colorado-based professional group that promotes research and education. UNT's five 2008 graduates all received job offers, with starting pay ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 a year, said Teresa Golden, associate professor and the program's director. But the students all plan to get graduate degrees.

"I think most of them are interested in becoming lab managers or working higher up in their positions," Golden said.

TV PORTRAYALS

The students and their professors chuckle at the TV image of forensic scientists often portrayed by glamorous women in heels and designer clothing.
Most forensic scientists are women. But they wear laboratory coats and, often, masks. What's more, unraveling evidence in a rape case or identifying chemicals in a fire can take days to weeks - not an hour, Golden said.

"I think it's kind of fun to watch," she said of the television portrayal. "It's a lot more work than it shows on TV, but it is entertaining."

Still, the actual job is intriguing. UNT graduate student Nicole Wallace, 31, said she wanted a career that wouldn't bore her, and investigating fires does the trick. By analyzing fire debris, she can determine whether an accelerant was used, she said. That would help a fire investigator determine whether a blaze was set or accidental. She received bachelor's degrees last year in chemistry and biochemistry and a forensic science certificate in biomedical criminalistics.

Gia Bowens, 36, said she wants to specialize in DNA analysis. She said she made good money as a computer programmer, "but I was never happy with it."

"This is what I wanted to do since I was 12 years old," Bowens said. "Just the idea of being able to help. I've always been fascinated with crime-type stories. I've always liked the science, too."

NOT MUCH DRAMA

The students don't see bodies, but they do see photos from crime scenes. Yet the field is more science than drama, involving computers, microscopes and chemicals in a just-the-facts approach toward evidence, Golden said.

Students majoring in biology, chemistry or biochemistry can apply to get into the program during their freshman year, Golden said. They need good references and at least B averages in science and math. The program has about 60 students but room for 100.

Once accepted, they will take such classes as forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic molecular biology and biomedical criminalistics, a course that will teach them how to analyze decomposing bodies and the condition of bones.

When they graduate, they will specialize in a particular area, such as arson, DNA or firearms analysis, Golden said. They can work for police departments, FBI laboratories and for private companies.

The field would be ideal for someone interested in science, and of course, "helping to solve cases," Golden said.

Truth vs. fiction

TV shows have glamorized forensic scientists. Here are some of things you might see and the truth

Scientists wearing designer clothes and shoes-Most actual researchers wear laboratory coats buttoned up to the neck and sneakers or other comfortable shoes. They're on their feet a lot.

Great makeup-Real scientists will often wear masks, goggles and gloves so they don't contaminate the evidence.

Evidence wrapped up quickly if not in an hour-The actual work takes days if not weeks.

The work done by one scientist on television will often be done by three to five scientists in reality, said Teresa Golden, UNT associate professor and the program's director.

(c) 2009, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.