Forensic entomology is the study of insects related to humans. There are three areas associated with forensic entomology: urban entomology, stored products entomology, and mediocriminal entomology. This list concerns only the area of mediocriminology and the schools and organizations associated with it. Mediocriminology is the interaction of the criminal justice system and the use of insects for investigations pertaining to the deaths of humans. This is a growing science in which nations around the world are partaking in research to expand its applications. The following list of schools and organizations is not comprehensive due to the ever-changing nature of forensic entomology.
Schools
Texas A&M University Texas A&M University's Entomology Department announced the Forensic and Investigative Science Program November 23, 2007 as a means to prepare students to address and solve problems through the use of various techniques, including forensic entomology. This program offers the first B.S. in this field in Texas. The staff consists of several professors and lecturers, most notably Dr. Jeff Tomberlin, assistant professor since fall 2007 and member of the American Board of Forensic Entomology Certified Entomologists and University of Georgia graduate with a Ph.D. in entomology. Another noteworthy entomologist at Texas A&M is Adrienne Brundage, a lecturer since spring 2008 with an M.S. in organismal biology, with experience in many aspects of crime scene investigation as relating to entomology. The facilities for entomology at Texas A&M include the Heep Center, housing the Department of Entomology, the Entomology Research Laboratory, the Biological Control Facility, as well as the USDA Entomology Research Facility. The Science of Forensic Entomology course presents students with a closer look at insects as applied to forensics, with a focus on investigations, and their impact in the court of law. Applied Forensic Entomology is the corresponding lab to the previous class with hands-on application of practices involved in investigations of human and animals deaths.
Michigan State University Michigan State University offers an educational tour at a facility they call the "Bug House". The Bug House tours present audiences with information about bugs.
University of California, Davis Faculty and graduate students in the Entomology Department at UC Davis have contributed to local and national forensic investigations as well as general research and leadership in forensic entomology. The resources and services at the Bohart Museum of Entomology are also typically used in support of these activities. A minor degree program in forensic entomology is currently offered through the Department of Entomology. Professor-researcher Robert B. Kimsey is the current president-elect of the North American Forensic Entomology Association and regularly teaches ENT 158, Forensic Entomology, which is offered during the spring quarter.
Organizations
… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.
