Forensic sCIENCE
Three-Week Summer Science Program
-Rise Global Education
-Admissions Sight
Forensics is an active and high-energy program. Hands-on, non-stop activities in this program include fingerprint casting, footprint molding and analysis, blood spatter examination using projectile physics, and much more. Students have the unique opportunity to investigate mock crime scenes, conduct mock autopsies, and even analyze insect activity on specimens to simulate real-world decomposition scenarios.
Students may explore how the latest DNA and genetic testing and technologies can be used by law enforcement and medical examiners to identify the perpetrator of a crime, how dentists can use dental records to identify unknown murder victims, and how bite marks can be used to identify the perpetrator. Cell biology, projectile physics surrounding blood splatter evidence, and anatomy all come into play in investigating crime scene evidence. Some days may begin with studies of Forensic Files–a dramatic video series on real-life crimes solved with forensic sciences. These videos help the students to become engaged in the topic and often set the mood for the day as well as introduce the day’s focus.
This is a competitive admissions summer research program designed for teens. Colleges look at how productively you spend your summers. Apply now! Want more time or more information? Join our mailing list.
June 22nd – July 10th, 2026
More About: Awards – Research Programs – Sample Week
Hands-on Activities
Sample activities include:
- Create facial reconstructions using oil-based clay and tissue measurements provided by forensic anthropologists to help identify missing persons and victims in cold cases
- Perform blood typing to determine compatibility and identify individuals
- Analyze hair follicles to examine DNA, structure, and other microscopic features used in forensic investigations
- Collect and compare finger and thumb impressions to understand how ridge patterns help confirm a person’s identity
- Perform mock autopsies using the same incision techniques practiced by forensic pathologists
- Examine each organ system in a lifesize model of the human body, learning how pathologists determine the cause of death through detailed observation and measurement
- Investigate blood splatter evidence using the laws of physics to arrive at crime scene conclusions to include in an official report
- Estimate a person’s height by measuring footprints and calculating stride length using established forensic formulas
Field Work
Students set up and investigate crime scenes in the field. They may use police tape to section off the crime scene, use flags to mark where evidence is found, and may use a grid to map the crime scene. In addition to physical evidence, students are on the lookout for impressions of footprints or use other tracking skills to track the movements of the perpetrator and their possible escape routes.
In one study conducted to ascertain the time of death, a piece of meat is left outdoors overnight. The students then return to the site to observe at different times over the next few days to investigate which insects are present and have laid eggs inside. Insect analysis is used by forensic scientists to identify how long a body has been dead and decaying.
Past Instructors:
Amber Paturzo
Amber Patzuro holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Forensic Science from Boston University School of Medicine. She was a member of the Boston University Forensic Science Society. She is currently a Forensic Scientist and Adjunct Professor in the Biology Department at Roger Williams University.
Dr. Rich Fox
Dr. Fox received forensic training at some of the finest scientific facilities in the country, including the Human Genome Project, the Human Remains I.D. Lab, Oak Ridge National Labs, and the McCrone School of Microscopy. He has assisted with the identification of remains from mass graves in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of a United Nations team. Dr. Fox is a member of the International Association for Forensic Identification. He has been selected for the Society for Science and the Public Fellows Program. Dr. Fox’s teaching assignments have included secondary schools in Las Vegas and Boston, the Johns Hopkins Center for Gifted Youth, and Tufts University. Dr. Fox was a 2012 Honoree of the Massachusetts Society for Biomedical Research.
Recognition for Dr. Fox’s past high school classes:
“Incredibly Popular” – WCVB Boston, Channel 5 News, Education Matters
“Wildly popular… Students are hooked” – WHDH Boston, Channel 7 News, Urban Landscape
Student Comments
‘The program was so enjoyable- the hands-on activities were interesting to do, such as the luminol and fingerprint dustings. Our teacher, Dr. Fox, was super helpful and had lots of cool stories and experiences in the field. I really enjoyed watching the decomposition of the pork roast, and seeing the different stages of flies on it.’
‘I loved this program! I think it was very informative, and Dr. Fox was definitely an expert in his field. He was always able to answer questions and even gave his own experiences about topics, which made the class a lot more interesting. Prior to this program, I was very confused about forensic science, but Dr. Fox helped me realize that I definitely want to pursue something in the forensic field.’
‘The program was really interesting, and it made me gain a general knowledge about forensic science. The activities that we did allowed me to gain experiences that I had only dreamed of. Dr. Fox is an amazing teacher who made every activity fun! We did many interesting things in the program, such as blood analysis, fingerprinting, and facial recognition.’
Investigate our one-week Forensics program, as well as True Crime!
Rising middle schooler? Try solving the mysteries of Crime Lab!
Note: This page represents our best expectations for the program. Activities and instructors are subject to change. In such cases, similar activities and a comparably qualified instructor will be sought.
Our Programs are Featured on the National Association for Gifted Children Website
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