Workshops & Trainings - Center for Forensic Science

Upcoming 2026 Classes

April 13-15, 2026 - Forensic Digital Photography for Investigators

Join us for an extensive hands-on 3 day workshop designed for all law enforcement investigators that use a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) digital camera to document evidence at crime and accident scenes that may lead to the prosecution and conviction of offenders.

This workshop will prepare a crime or accident scene technician to (1) maximize the use of their digital camera to best document evidence under a variety of circumstances and conditions, and (2) to establish a system to protect digital image integrity and successfully manage potential courtroom challenges.  

May 14-15, 2026 - Death Investigation

Join us for a 16-hour interactive death investigation training. Attendees will be provided with instruction on how to conduct thorough and professional death investigations that follow national standards and legal requirements, including preserving evidence, and producing accurate and timely reports. 

May 18-22, 2026 - Human Remains Recovery

This 40-hour course is designed for persons who want to enhance their knowledge of forensic recovery techniques in an outdoor context. Lecture topics will include basic methods for locating and recovering clandestine skeletal remains, basic human osteology, and the role of the forensic anthropologist in medicolegal death investigations including an introduction to skeletal methods and taphonomic interpretation. 

July 8-10, 2026 - Postmortem Imagery Workshop

This three-day course provides instruction on craniofacial anatomy, the ways in which the face can be affected by death-related changes, decomposition, and other postmortem conditions, as well as drawing skills needed to render a high-quality postmortem facial image. 

July 20, 2026 - Basic Photography

This is a one-day (8 hours) of hands-on training for beginners to learn the camera settings and lighting techniques. 

July 27-31, 2026 Human Remains Recovery

This 40-hour course is designed for persons who want to enhance their knowledge of forensic recovery techniques in an outdoor context. Lecture topics will include basic methods for locating and recovering clandestine skeletal remains, basic human osteology, and the role of the forensic anthropologist in medicolegal death investigations including an introduction to skeletal methods and taphonomic interpretation. 

August 10, 2026 - Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigations

Join us for an 8-hour training to equip professionals with the skills to conduct comprehensive, compassionate infant death investigations using nationally recognized standards. Participants will learn to assess scenes and interviews to guide appropriate investigative steps, including determining when a doll or scene reenactment is warranted in accordance with National Association of Medical Examiners and Centers for Disease Control best practices. Emphasizing collaboration, the program highlights effective work within multidisciplinary teams and the use of trauma-informed principles to ensure investigative processes are thorough, respectful, and empathetic to all stakeholders involved.

Dates Coming Soon - Human vs Nonhuman Bone Identification

During this 1-day course participants will gain a working knowledge of normal human skeletal anatomy and learn the basics of human vs nonhuman bone comparisons. Participants will examine human skeletons from the Center for Forensic Science Donated Skeletal Collection and discuss both normal skeletal anatomy and common variations.

*These classes are intended for the law enforcement community, crime scene investigators and technicians 

Please direct questions to: Carley Leanes (906) 227-1144 or cleanes@nmu.edu

There are currently no upcoming workshops. Please contact frost@nmu.edu is you have any questions.

There are currently no scheduled workshops or summer programs, but this site is updated regularly. Please continue checking for updates.

If you have specific questions about workshops or summer programs, please e-mail us at: frost@nmu.edu.