Forensic Science Research Field School

BI 495/595 Summer 2025

Field School: Forensic Science Research (2 credits)

The FROST facility is 1 of 8 human decomposition facilities in the United States, located in the unique environment of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is a finite resource and we would like to make it available to those on Northern Michigan's Campus and beyond. We are looking for 16 driven and dedicated upper level undergraduate and graduate level students from around the world who have little experience with human decomposition and associated research but who do have a desire to learn. This course will be taught by cross-trained experts in the field of forensics and presents an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers or advisors. We will provide hands-on learning experiences through site visits, guest speakers, and practical projects relevant to forensic science. The course has the potential to have a high impact on a student's career as a forensic practitioner. There are a limited number of scholarships and housing available for international and study-away students.

Dates: May 19th - June 20th, 2025 (4 weeks)

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Forensic Sciences, Introduction to Criminal Justices, or a similar course.

Course Logistics: Class will take place 9am to 4pm MTWRF during the four week period. Students will have an hour for lunch each day. This course will include a mixture of classwork, fieldwork and lab work. Topics will include but are not limited to human taphonomy research and data collection, forensic anthropology analysis, forensic entomology, forensic soil, plant and microbial data collection, and field methods of human recovery. Students of this course will have the opportunity to present their research findings and experiences at the Center for Forensic Science Donor Banquet on June 20th, 2025.

Accommodations: more information to come

Transportation: The course is based at Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, Michigan. Students are responsible for transportation to NMU and for any personal travel around town. Transportation will be provided to the field site daily.

Equipment: Field gear will be provided through The Center for Forensic Sciences and NMU's Biology Department.

Field Conditions: The field school will take place in a range of outdoor conditions, and students should be prepared for summer heat, sun, rain, and insects. A list of required and recommended field clothing will be provided.

For more information about the NMU Field School in Forensic Sciences Research, please contact Dr. Hayden McKee-Zech via phone (906) 277-2148 or email at hmckeeze@nmu.edu