EVENTS

Murder at the Museum: A Crime Scene Investigation

A murder has taken place at the Marian Koshland Science Museum! How did the victim die? What events lead up to the victim's death? Who are the suspects? Who committed the crime?

These questions are what you will have to answer, as you take on the role of a crime scene investigator in this interactive public program.

At the start of the evening, you'll encounter a simulated crime scene and be introduced to the process of crime scene investigation. During the introduction, you will learn about the types of evidence collected at a crime scene and the forensics expert responsible for analyzing each type.

Your next task will then be to “solve” the crime. By posing questions to forensics experts, you will learn what the evidence can tell you about the simulated crime, as well as the scientific techniques that these experts use to investigate real crimes. For example, an expert in forensic analysis will be on hand to explain the role that DNA sequencing plays in modern crime scene investigations. You will have a chance to ask the experts any question that you like, but you'll only receive the results that the evidence can supply.

Were you able to solve the crime? At the end of the evening, you'll have an opportunity to reveal your findings to the other novice investigators and learn how an expert in crime scene forensics would have approached your task.

PARTICPANTS: Tom Mauriello is an accomplished educator, manager, author and public speaker in the field of criminology. Mauriello is currently employed with the U.S. Department of Defense and holds an adjunct academic position at the University of Maryland at College Park Crime Laboratory. He has also appeared in various media outlets as a forensic science consultant.

• Laura Ellsworth, Assistant Professor in Forensic Science at Prince George's Community College; previously worked as a crime scene technician for Baltimore County Police Department.
• Donna Gaughan, Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice at Prince George's Community College; previously worked as a Prince George's County police officer.
• Mary Beth Petrasek, Physician Assistant/Medicolegal investigator with the office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Washington, DC.
• Laura Tierney, expert latent print examiner, currently working for the Maryland State Police, Forensic Sciences Division.
• Charlotte Word, Ph.D., Laboratory Director at Orchid Cellmark, which specializes in forensic DNA profiling.

Wine, beer, soda, and light refreshments will be served.
*Must be over 21 to obtain alcoholic beverages; ID will be checked