CSI:MTSU
Thank you to those of you who have expressed interest in FIRE’s CSI: MTSU forensic science camp. After a hiatus, in part due to Covid and in part due to a change in the institute’s leadership, we have decided to postpone camp this summer (2023) to give campers the full experience they deserve from CSI: MTSU camp. The good news is that there will be other exciting opportunities soon, including a forensic science day in the fall that will involve hands-on learning activities, guest speakers, and a chance to meet peers with similar interests. Also, we will re-launch our William M. Bass Legends in Forensic Science Lectureship under a new name that honors the previous director of FIRE, Dr. Hugh Berryman. The new name will be the William M. Bass and Hugh Berryman Legends in Forensic Science Lectureship Series. Stay tuned for the announcement of our guest speaker, and stay up-to-date on all of FIRE’s upcoming events by joining our email list at csimtsu.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, click here.
Because some students may age-out of attending the next summer camp, we have other wonderful opportunities for interested MTSU-enrolled students. We have a Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery Team (FASR Team) comprised of students who assist forensic anthropologists with real crime scenes that they may be called on to assist. There is an application and selection process to be a team member. You can find out more information here.
There is also a Middle Tennessee Forensic Science Society (MTFSS). The society holds monthly meetings, includes guest speakers, and holds other events. Many of these students are also members of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and attend the annual AAFS conference each February. Find out more about MTFSS here.
CSI Camp
Attendees will participate in lab activities and mock criminal investigations in order to learn about forensic science. The camp allows students to explore many unique career possibilities in forensic science by providing a 'real life' reason to tackle higher level math and science courses, develop skills in teamwork, learn to observe and interpret details, and hone critical thinking and presentation skills. The participants work in groups and present their findings to family, friends, and judges on the last afternoon of the camp.
CSI:MTSU is a DAY camp that is designed for students entering the 9th grade through rising college freshman. The cost of the camp is $250.00 per participant. This includes all camp activities, labs, lunch and snacks, and a t-shirt.
CSI:MTSU
- allows students to explore many unique career possibilities in forensic science
- provides a 'real life' reason to tackle higher level math and science courses
- develops skills in team work, seeing and understanding details, critical thinking, and presentations
The student investigators are presented with a re-creation of an actual crime scene. They are divided into several teams, and a forensic professional directs and coaches the students as they use math and science to solve the crime.
More CSI:MTSU 2019 camp photos
Each student is trained in the fundamental processes of collecting evidence including DNA, fingerprints, hair and fibers, simulated blood spatter, and shoe prints. Additionally, they learn how to process the evidence, conduct interviews, and formulate theories while working within a team environment.
During the last afternoon of the camp, teams make a presentation detailing their theories of the crime and the conclusions that are reached. Team conclusions will be critiqued by a panel of judges. Parents are welcome to come to the last camp session.
"This camp was a great opportunity for me to steal a glimpse into various forensic careers and see all the exciting things they do each and every day. I have been considering a job in forensics, and this camp let me step into their shoes for a week and experience it first-hand. I would like to thank you so much for allowing me to attend the CSI camp. It was a rewarding experience that I will never forget." ~Former Camper