FIELD WILDLIFE FORENSICS

Forensic Science represents the unique merging of scientific insight and the law. With increasing frequency, scientists from an ever-broadening spectrum of disciplines are being called upon to apply their knowledge, guidance and expertise to questions and issues arising within the criminal justice system and civil litigation arena. Marine biologists are no exception. Environmental catastrophes, marine mammal strandings, endangered/protected species issues, and maritime calamities are but a few of the types of incidents potentially requiring the forensic application of marine science.

Central to the sound application of marine science to forensic issues is an understanding of the unique procedures and requirements inherent in our legal system. Field Wildlife Forensics (FWF) provides a field-oriented introduction to the forensic science domain and the special rules and practices governing the utilization of science within the justice system. The unique teaching facilities of the Shoals Marine Laboratory and the close proximity of the maritime surroundings of the Isles of Shoals allow FWF students to actively participate in classroom lectures, practical field exercises, and hands-on laboratory sessions all targeted at providing a realistic introduction to the world of the forensic scientist.

FWF places a strong emphasis on functional learning. FWF participants receive comprehensive instruction in the recognition, documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence. FWF participants are also afforded the unique opportunity to develop practical incident response, scene management, and forensic teamwork skills via participation in realistic, marine-oriented crime scene exercises. Additionally, FWF participants receive hands-on instruction in forensic pathology procedures, forensic necropsy techniques and may participate in the necropsy of a variety of marine vertebrates. FWF participants are encouraged to bring interesting, unique, and challenging cases for inclusion in class discussions.

FWF is primarily designed for practicing marine biologists, veterinarians/veterinary pathologists, wildlife conservation officers, and stranding network personnel desiring a practical introduction to forensic science. FWF may also be appropriate for graduate and mature undergraduate students, majoring in the biologic, ecologic, environmental or marine sciences.

Faculty:

• Dr. Wayne D. Lord,
  Forensic Science Institute, Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma
  
• Dr. Robert D. Kenney, Graduate School of Oceanography, URI
• Dr. William C. Rodriguez, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
• Dr. Inga F. Sidor, Senior Veterinary Pathologist, UNH