SSA helps students sharpen skills through after-school forensic science club

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  For students expressing a keen interest in the forensics career field, the Sonoran Science Academy's forensic science club here offers a nine-week program designed to establish a basic working knowledge in a potential future career for aspiring crime scene investigators.

The program, held every Thursday at 4 p.m., is open to all Sonoran Science Academy students who have a general interest in forensic science techniques.

The Sonoran Science Academy prepares students to achieve success in the high-tech community of the new millennium through a science and mathematics instructional program that includes high educational standards, a liberal arts foundation and well-rounded academics.

"Our students are taking several science courses during their middle and high school years and they don't always have a chance to see where it has been used in real life," said Mustafa Boyar, the academy's vice principal. "We want them to experience it and get excited so they are more eager to learn science."

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Burruss, a security forces craftsman for the 355th Security Forces Squadron, volunteers as an instructor for the program.

"My goal for this program is for students to gain an understanding and build confidence in the criminal justice system by creating an interest in police procedures for future generations," Sergeant Burruss explained. "I spend eight weeks teaching them the basics of evidence collection and processing. On the ninth week, they process a mock crime scene using the skills they've been taught."

During the program, students learn how to use all personal protective equipment as well as how to take crime scene photos and use items such as fingerprint powder, lifting tape, paper and plastic evidence collection bags, evidence tape, black lights and DNA collection swabs to properly obtain crime scene evidence.

"So far, everyone in the class has grasped the concepts well due to the high level of class participation," Sergeant Burruss said. "This program gives them a foundation to build off of and an opportunity to see if it is truly what they want to do."

The program also serves as a potential volunteer opportunity for others interested in passing on tidbits of their expertise to future detectives.

"Volunteers would need background in the subject matter and must undergo a criminal background check prior to participating with the students," Sergeant Burruss added. "Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community by educating young minds early to prepare for the future."

Sergeant Burruss' efforts have not gone unnoticed by Mr. Boyar and the academy's staff.

"We are really big on after-school extracurricular activities," Mr. Boyar said. "We are really happy one of our parents is helping us toward that. We appreciate his efforts. Clubs like forensic science will help us to achieve our mission."