USJ Lecture Series: The Real World of Forensic Science

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. –  The Office of Alumni Relations at the University of Saint Joseph presents the Mercy Lecture Series (formerly Lunch & Learn) led by outstanding members of our faculty and professionals from our alumni community. On Wed., Feb. 5, Elaine M. Pagliaro'73, DAA '93, J.D., Forensic Consultant & Director, Grants & Research for the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science will present the Real World of Forsenic Science.

Pagliaro was honored as a recipient of USJ's prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993 and co-authored "The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What It Takes to Solve Crimes," with Dr. Henry Lee. The program begins with lunch at 11:00 a.m. followed by the presentation at 11:40 a.m. in Mercy Hall, Crystal Room, located on the University's West Hartford campus at 1678 Asylum Avenue. The community is cordially invited to join USJ alumni and friends at this event: 

• Admission is $25 per person; registration is strongly encouraged.
• Registration deadline is Fri., Feb. 1- contact Stephen Kumnick, manager of the Annual Fund & Alumni Relations, at 860.231.5323 or alumni@usj.edu.

 With the success of shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones and Criminal Minds viewers learn about the application of high-tech forensic science to criminal investigations. These accounts are based in the realities of forensic investigation, but provide a viewpoint that is meant to be more entertaining than factual. As a result, many people expect that all crimes involve physical evidence and any case can be solved using scientific techniques. The impact of these expectations on jury trials and other legal proceedings is very real and has been dubbed the "CSI effect." This presentation will examine both the myth and the reality of forensic science in such areas as DNA analysis, hair and fiber comparisons, firearms and fingerprint testing. Several famous and infamous cases will be used to examine the current status and future expectations of the application of the principles of chemistry, molecular biology and other physical sciences in this exciting field.