Students will get hands-on training in forensic science during the program.

LARGO – The National Forensic Science Technology Center is taking forensic science students out of the classroom for a unique, hands-on learning opportunity.

The Largo-based NFSTC provides forensic services including training, consulting, technology evaluation to the justice, forensic science and defense communities. The company is opening its  training facility for 14 students at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg for a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two institutions.

“NFSTC has an international reputation in forensic science,” USFSP adjunct professor Max Houck said. “The USFSP students are lucky enough NFSTC is a bay area facility that will provide global capabilities within driving distance.”

During the course, Field Forensics, students will attend weekly three-hour sessions led by NFSTC’s subject matter experts. Topics include the basics of identifying, collecting and packaging evidence, to the new and emerging forensic space of biometric intelligence and digital media exploitation. Students will have the opportunity to try techniques and get hands on experience to augment their understanding.

“This is training I wish I had before I set foot in my first laboratory,” Kevin Lothridge, NFSTC CEO, said. “It’s important to know on paper how things are supposed to work. Our goal is to guide these students to use their classroom knowledge for practical, real-world solutions.”

NFSTC is committed to supporting quality education and training, and has worked with universities before through development of curriculum at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg College, University of Central Florida and University of Florida. The facility also hosts a two-week biometric and forensics internship to college ROTC cadets each summer.

USFSP students will arrive at NFSTC Fridays in the spring 2017 semester.

For information about NFSTC, go to facebook.com.

National Forensic Science Technology Center | USFSP | Largo | Forensic Science | Crime Scene | TB Reporter

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