Forensic Entomology 8:00a-9:45a

Service Description

This lecture will provide an overview of the history and applications of forensic entomology, which is the use of insect evidence for investigations. The subfields of forensic entomology will be described, along with the categories of forensically relevant insects, and an emphasis on the proper collection and packaging of insect evidence. Participants will learn about the technician certification workshop, how to package and ship entomological evidence for analysis by a board-certified forensic entomologist and will understand what kind of information insect evidence can provide in death investigations. This material will be reinforced by providing several case examples that explain how insects were used to estimate the minimum time since death of decedents. Krystal Hans (Director of Forensic Science and an Assistant Professor of Forensic Entomology at Purdue University) & Randi Todorov (Washington County Medical Examiners Office)