October 4, 2005 Source: British Columbia Institute of Technology: http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100405330.shtml The science of crime: forensic science program to host 7th annual seminar BCIT’s Forensic Science Technology Program will host its 7th annual day-long seminar this Saturday, October 8, at the Burnaby Campus. The topic: Crime and Science 2005 – Terrorism and Mass Disasters. The cost is $85. Visit www.bcitforensics.ca for complete information. There’s a reason why many of us frequently tune our TVs to crime shows – we are fascinated by forensics. This weekend the general public has a chance to learn more about the science of crime, as BCIT’s Forensic Science Technology Program hosts its 7th annual Crime and Science seminar at the Burnaby Campus. The timely topic this year – Terrorism and Mass Disasters. Following mass disasters, such as recent hurricanes Katrina and Rita, during war time or after acts of terror, forensic investigators are on the front lines of the subsequent investigations, putting together pieces of a complex puzzle. This seminar will highlight the role of these professionals in mass disasters, and will include discussions on last year’s Asian tsunami, the continuing war crimes investigations in the former Yugoslavia, the World Trade Centre attacks of 2001, and terrorism in Canada. As well, participants will learn about the critical role forensic chemists play following terror strikes involving explosives, as they search for and identify trace chemical and physical evidence that can assist in identifying the perpetrators. Speakers include Brian Andrews, a forensic identification specialist and member of the RCMP; Mr. Andrews travelled to Thailand following the tsunami; Amy Mundorff, formerly a forensic anthropologist with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City; Dr. Alexander Beveridge, an expert on explosions and member of the Air India/Narita Task Force; Renne Kosalka, an anthropologist involved in the investigations in the former Yugoslavia; and Lloyd Plante, a national security expert with the RCMP. Registration can be completed online at www.bcitforensics.ca, the cost is $85 per person. The Forensic Science Technology Program offers a number of study options from online courses in forensic accounting, to certificates in economic or computer crime, to a Bachelor of Technology degree in Forensic Investigation. -30- For further information: Christine Watt, Forensic Science Technology
Tel. 604-412-7539
christine_watt@bcit.ca Allison Markin, Media Relations Manager
Tel. 604-432-8773
Cell 604-836-6700
allison_markin@bcit.ca | 