Fairmont State collaborates on NASA grant to support teacher training

Fairmont State Faculty collaborated with the West Virginia Science Teachers Association (WVSTA) on a NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA WVSGC) professional development grant called “Next Generation Science Standards: Forensic Science Professional Development.”

Dr. Deb Hemler, Interim Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, co-wrote the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium grantin collaboration with Dr. Mark Flood, Forensic Science Program Coordinator.  

Dr. Flood, and Ms. Kristy Henson, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, facilitated several sessions in Forensic Science at the West Virginia Science Teacher’s Association (WVSTA) conference at Stonewall Resort on October 25-27, 2018.  Over 20 middle and high school teachers throughout the state of West Virginia and 4 preservice teachers from Fairmont State participated in professional development sessions. Dr. Flood led a session in gel electrophoresis in collaboration with Dr. Angela McKeen, Notre Dame high school teacher, and also led blood analysis, and toolmark/shoeprint analysis trainings.  Ms. Henson led a session in determination of height, gender, and ancestry of skeletal remains. 

The Department of Natural Sciences will be donating several surplus compound microscopes, mikrosil toolmark casting material, and dental stone for shoe casting to schools statewide to support their Forensic Science education efforts. These dedicated Fairmont State faculty continue to support science education in West Virginia through their collaborations with other agencies like NASA WVSGC and WVSTA.

NASA West Virginia Space Grant ConsortiumDebra Hemler