The Marshall University Forensic Science Program has developed a training program to help state and local law enforcement agencies in death investigations across the state. 

William Gardner, instructor of forensic medicine and coroner for Cabell and Wayne counties, and Dr. Terry Fenger, chairman of the Marshall Forensic Science Program, developed a two-track program. 

The first track offers practical experience in fire, arson and explosion investigations. It was developed in cooperation with the city of Huntington and its mayor, fire chief and police department, along with the West Virginia Fire Marshal's Office and the State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, according to a news release. 

Students receive instruction and experience in the field and in laboratory methods for death and crime scene investigations. 

"We basically have two things going on," Gardner said. "The first track is to provide lab experience in forensic chemistry from the standpoint of using different instruments. It will also give students experience of learning how to investigate fire arson scenes." 

When the track is completed, the graduate could work in a crime lab as a forensic chemist or for an agency as a field investigator, Gardner said. 

"If the student goes to work in the lab, they will have the necessary training at that point. They will know how to get evidence to the lab," Gardner said. "If the student goes to work in the field, they will know what to look for, how to package them and how to submit them." 

The second track of the program allows students to help the Cabell and Wayne County Coroner's Office and local law enforcement agencies on-scene death investigations and in locating and recovering human remains. 

Marshall students have helped locate, recover and identify five individuals in the past year. 

"Our approach to forensic training allows master's level graduates to enter the work force with solid, practical training and knowledge of the forensic field," Gardner said in the news release. "We can offer no more realistic, practical experience than assisting coroners in real cases." 

The program is offered to first-year students in their second semester, Gardner said. All students are required to complete an internship. 

The Forensic Science Program has been operating since 1994. Its development began with graduate level courses offered to West Virginia State Police criminalists in 1992. 

The program offers a graduate level degree program and a broad-based learning experience in DNA technologies, bioterrorism, crime scene and death investigations, toxicology, fingerprints, ballistics, arson, explosives, digital image processing, microscopy, trace evidence and legal issues in forensic science. 

"This program will provide hands-on experience and course work in forensic science outside of regular courses," Gardner said. "This program will put these students ahead of other graduate students with master's degrees."

Story by Courtney Ross