The Forensic Science Society prepares members for the real world

Wright State’s student organization, the Forensic Science Society believes they can help students reach employment goals. Formed in 2011 by Erin Berdanier, a graduate student, the organization gives members the opportunities, confidence and support to make a difference.

“Class work is great to learn concepts. However, employers are looking for people with experience not just ‘book work,’” Berdanier said.  “This organization helps give students more practical experience so that mistakes don’t happen in real cases.”

The club is open for students in any major who has an interest in going into the forensic field for their career such as a crime scene investigator, a DNA technician, a forensic accountant or forensic psychologist.  The group has two meetings a month in 050 Biological Sciences on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Once a semester they hold a mock crime scene that allows members to practice their skills solving crimes.  Every year they also attend the American Academy of Forensic Science conference.

“Last year it was in Atlanta, Georgia and we paid for five students to attend,” Berdanier said. “This year it will be in Washington, D.C. and we are raising money to help give out scholarships again this year.”

Berdanier explains that going to the conferences allows students to meet the people who write their textbooks, learn what is new in the field and make professional contacts all over the world.

“Students have to take the initiative to make themselves stand out in the crowd,” Berdanier said.  “Being a member of an organization such as this one is not only fun, but gives members that desperately needed ‘difference’ that people are looking for. It has helped get members into ‘name brand’ graduate schools and given members the opportunity to present at national conferences even though it has only been here at Wright State a year and a half.

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