MOREHEAD CITY \u2014<\/span><\/strong> County eighth-graders were immersed in forensic science Friday as they solved a mock missing persons\u2019 case at Carteret Community College.<\/p>\n The 80 middle school crime solvers rotated through four stations \u00ad\u00ad\u2014 DNA analysis, white powder analysis, blood typing and ink chromatography, which examines inks found on paper. The goal was to discover who abducted a victim.<\/p>\n CCC and N.C. BioNetwork, a department of the NC Community College System that promotes workforce development for biotechnology and science industries, sponsored the Middle School Forensics Day camp.<\/p>\n Morehead City Middle School counselor Sue Sippel said providing hands-on camps related to various industries is important for eighth-graders as they begin to make decisions regarding their future.<\/p>\n A student reviews DNA results from a mock crime scene during a forensics science camp Friday at Carteret Community College. (Cheryl Burke photo)<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so important that these kids have the hands-on experience with different career fields,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Law enforcement officers joined with CCC criminal justice, basic law enforcement and paralegal program representatives and career and technical education instructors to lead students through the various stations.<\/p>\n CCC career coach Bena Weires said the camp started with eighth-graders watching a film that set up the crime scene. The remainder of the day was spent using forensic techniques to analyze evidence and solve the crime.<\/p>\n \u201cWe love having the students on our campus to see what we offer,\u201d Ms. Weires said. \u201cPlus, we have actual law enforcement officers sharing their experiences with the students. The goal is to assist students with career decision making and increase their awareness of how science is used in all careers.\u201d<\/p>\n She added that county eighth-graders who attended the camp had indicated they had an interest in forensic science.<\/p>\n Morehead City Middle School eighth-grader Emily Sciortino was among those who signed up for the camp.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always been interested in forensics,\u201d she said. \u201cI think it\u2019s interesting and I want to be able to help people when there are crimes and other issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Beaufort Middle School eighth-grader Adrian Murray said he signed up because he has an interest in law enforcement.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought this class would be a way to get familiar with some of the processes,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to join the Federal Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol and Firearms.\u201d<\/p>\n Atlantic Beach Police Chief Jeff Harvey assists Morehead City Middle School eighth-graders, from left, Tahraizah Godette and Jada Tyrell with a mock blood typing exercise Friday during a forensics science camp at Carteret Community College. (Cheryl Burke photo)<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Atlantic Beach Police Chief Jeff Harvey, who taught the blood typing session, said he enjoys working with students.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good for us because it\u2019s a positive interaction,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we can show them what we do it\u2019s a stepping stone to get them on their way to a career. Who knows, we may be hiring one or two of these students in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Emerald Isle Police Chief Mike Panzarella agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe owe a lot of credit to the school system\u2019s CTE teachers who help get students pointed toward a career path,\u201d he said. \u201cSome of these kids may work in a lab at a state agency, or they may work with the FBI, ATF or Secret Service.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Contact Cheryl Burke at 252-726-7081, ext. 255; email Cheryl@thenewstimes.com<\/a>; or follow on Twitter @cherylccnt.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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