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Fingerprinting Using Chemistry

One major focus of forensic science is source attribution, a key practice for addressing the age-old question of “Who dunnit?” Commonly seen in crime shows and courtrooms, fingerprint evidence is often used to match a person to a criminal activity. But how do you collect fingerprints when the crime scene isn’t a murder or a robbery—but a polluted environment—and the culprits aren’t individual people—but a leaking pipe? Come learn about the different fingerprinting approaches scientists use for source attribution, like chemical and isotopic profiling!

Presented by:

  • Holden Nelson, Graduate Student, IBIO, MSU
  • Yixi Qiu, Postdoctoral researcher, IBIO, MSU
  • James Moran, Associate Professor, IBIO/PSM, MSU
  • Karli Boer, Graduate Student, IBIO, MSU
  • Leah Dunlap, Graduate Student, IBIO, MSU
  • Sophia Burke, Undergraduate Student, MGI, MSU
  • Shannon Carraway, Technical Aide, PSM/MGI, MSU
  • Hasand Gandhi, Research Assistant, IBIO, MSU

Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Scientific Disciplines:

  • Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
  • STEAM Expo Days 149

For more information:

Read more about Fingerprinting Using Chemistry (external site)

Times and Locations

  • 4/5/2025 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202

  • 4/6/2025 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202

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