UNLV course probes forensic science depths

Jen Lawson

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 | 11:07 a.m.

"C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation" has spawned yet another spinoff -- a four-year degree program in forensic science at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

And Daniel Holstein, the Metro Police senior crime scene analyst on whom the Las Vegas-set show's lead character, Gil Grissom, is based, teaches a fingerprint analysis class and is developing a course on crime scene investigation for next year.

"We're drawing upon the interest in Las Vegas" and CSI, said Jennifer Thompson, associate professor of anthropology and program chairwoman of the multidisciplinary studies committee. "Anything that can make science cool is fine by me."

Thompson was part of a task force in the fall of 2003 that explored whether such a program could be developed using existing courses already being offered at the university.

A curriculum was designed combining courses from three different colleges: biological sciences, urban affairs and liberal arts.

Students can pick one of three concentrations -- criminal justice for future crime scene analysts; scientific technology for students who want a career in a lab; and the human body for those interested in studying human remains.

Those completing the four-year program will graduate with a degree in multidisciplinary studies with a concentration in forensic science.

"We wanted it to be a rigorous program," she said. "We want to produce top quality students who have great career opportunities."

The program can prepare students for careers in Metro's criminalistics bureau, which includes the crime scene investigation section, forensic lab and photo lab. Metro currently employs 52 crime scene analysts. The other major law enforcement agencies and police departments in the valley also employ forensic science specialists.

The American Academy of Forensic Science lists several dozen job opportunities across the country, such as forensic geneticist, DNA analyst, firearms examiner, forensic anthropologist, criminalist and medical examiner.

When the program was first offered in fall 2004 about 20 students enrolled, Thompson said. She estimates the number has since doubled.

Classes are held in the state-of-the-art psychical anthropology teaching laboratory in Wright Hall, a set of new buildings which just opened this semester.

When Holstein attended UNLV in the 1980s, he cobbled together his own forensic science program by majoring in criminal justice and taking science courses he knew he'd need. He had his eyes on this career since he was a child, he said.

In addition to teaching at UNLV, Holstein has taught fingerprint analysis and crime scene investigation at the Community College of Southern Nevada.

The crime scene investigation course at UNLV is scheduled for fall of 2006.

"It's going to be very popular. All the students want to take it," he said. "I'm getting e-mails and I'm constantly being asked questions about it."

"C.S.I." has clearly boosted interest in crime scene analysis, Holstein said. He remains connected to the show: the writers often contact him to ensure the techniques the characters use are realistic, and he was also consulted in the development of the video game based on the show, released in 2003.

Other universities -- such as Baylor University, Syracuse University, University of Baltimore, Saint Louis University and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia -- have also developed forensic science majors or minors in recent years.

New graduate programs have been developed at the University of California at Davis, Duquesne University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Lt. Ted Lee, who is in charge of Metro's crime scene investigations section, said "C.S.I." has popularized forensic science just as "Dragnet" turned people on to police work.

"It's a growing field," he said, adding he thinks the forensic science program "will be good for the community and the university."

More information about the program can be obtained on UNLV's web site.