Real World Forensics Spotlighted at 4-H Connect Event

Just like the popular TV show, the 8th annual 4-H Tech Connect event brought CSI technology to life for Maui County 4-H members.

Sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) in partnership with the Maui County 4-H Youth Development Program and the Maui Police Department’s Forensic Team, this year’s
4-H Tech Connect challenged over 65 elementary, middle and high school members to investigate a crime scene using the latest forensic techniques.

In keeping with the event theme, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” the afternoon began with an all too real “kidnapping” intended to bring CSI problem-solving into sharp focus. MPD’s Police Evidence Specialist Anthony “Tony” Earles gave students an introduction to forensic science and pointers on collecting evidence then let the young Investigators explore the staged crime scene.

“The students really got into it,” said WIT STEMworks Director Isla Young. “They were able to use real world forensics to do fingerprint, hair & fiber, and footprint analysis.  They also got to watch a fascinating DNA presentation by CSI Earles.”

After collecting and analyzing, 4-Hers correctly determined that the evidence pointed to Suspect A. The kidnapped victim was successfully returned and the perpetrator arrested by MPD’s Detectives Bennett and Hamilton.

The whole experience inspired 4-Her Kami Echiverri to think about a forensics career.

“I love to help people around the world and CSI gives me that opportunity to do just that,” she said.
“I hope more girls can be as passionate about STEM.”

Since 2006, WIT’s annual Tech Connect has been helping to infuse science and technology into the Maui County 4-H experience in alignment with the national 4-H tech movement.

Press Release Article:
http://mauinow.com/2015/07/31/csi-maui-real-world-forensics-at-4-h-tech-connect-event/