Washburn University Celebrates National Forensic Science Week Sept. 19 - 23

      Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University in partnership with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) has a series of events planned Sept. 19 – 23 on the Washburn University campus to celebrate National Forensic Science Week.

      “National Forensic Science Week gives the forensic science disciplines across campus an opportunity to promote awareness, as well as the specific programming we offer at Washburn,” said Holly O’Neill, associate professor of chemistry, interim assistant dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and director for the forensic chemistry program for Washburn University.

       “Forensic science encompasses anthropology, biology, chemistry, computer science and forensic investigation. These are diverse and distinct areas that all have one thing in common – they use advanced knowledge and tools to ensure justice is served.”

       National Forensic Science Week is organized and promoted by the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations (CFSO), an association of forensic science professional organizations. The mission of the CFSO is to speak with a single forensic science voice in matters of mutual interest to its member organizations, to influence public policy at the national level and to make a compelling case for greater federal funding for public crime laboratories and medical examiner offices. National Forensic Science Week always falls on the third full week of September.

Forensic Science Week Events

All Week

Students can stop by the chemistry department in Stoffer Hall, room 312, every day for a surprise forensic treat.

Wednesday, Sept. 21

9 – 11:30 a.m., Vogel Room in the Memorial Union

Panel discussion with KBI scientists hosted by Washburn University

- Chemistry – Bianca Bailey

- Toxicology – Katelyn Harvey

- Trace – Ellen Welander

- Digital Evidence – Zachary Williams

- Latent Prints – Ashley Cook

- Biology/DNA – Katie Finzen

- Firearms – Jessica Voegeli

- Agent/Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) – Randi Johnson

Wednesday, Sept. 21

1:30 – 4:30 p.m., KBI Auditorium in the KBI Building (on the Washburn University campus)

Resume/CV Builder, One-on-One Sessions with KBI Scientists, hosted by the KBI

Several KBI scientists will work with students to assist in improving their resumes and other application materials, as well as answer any questions about employment, disciplines, etc. that the students may have. Students must sign up in advance for this opportunity.

            “One of the many advantages of studying forensic science at Washburn University is our campus is home to the KBI forensic science lab,” said Dr. Laura Stephenson, interim vice president of academic affairs for Washburn University. “This affords our students many opportunities, from events like this, to studying in state-of-the-art, interactive classrooms and laboratory spaces inside the KBI building. Our close relationship with the KBI also provides internship and employment opportunities.”

           The KBI forensic science lab opened on the Washburn University campus in November of 2015, housing the crime lab on one side of the building and Washburn University classrooms and labs on the other.

            Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 6,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn’s programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees.  The programs are offered through Washburn’s six primary academic units – the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Law and the Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

           All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech’s campus on Topeka’s west side or in the east Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.

         Washburn is ranked best public regional university in Kansas and 14^th best public regional university by U.S. News and World Report 2022-2023.

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