Project Reflection |
This project was the first major project that we did in Biology. Before we actually began work for the project, we spent time learning about the role of physical evidence, especially DNA evidence, in the judicial system. This included recent advancements in the forensic sciences surrounding the different forms of physical evidence and how these advancements have improved the system's efficacy, enabling more people to be exonerated and less to be incarcerated. As part of this section of the project, we watched a
documentary about the West Memphis 3. The documentary told the story of these 3 boys who were falsely accused of murdering 3 younger boys. After the West Memphis 3 spent years in jail, improvements in DNA analysis were made and the boys were proved innocent. When we finished learning about the judicial system and started doing our own work, we were assigned to work in pairs and do all of the work pertaining to the project with that partner. Each pair was assigned to a different crime scene/case. There were 3 cases, and each case had their own unique forensic processes to go through in order to properly analyze the evidence. Throughout the project we also worked together as a class to learn about blood typing, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and DNA analysis via electrophoresis. My partner and I were assigned Case #2. Case #2. In Case #2, a bag of bones was found in the San Juan National Forest by a couple on a walk. By the end of the project, we had determined the victim was a boy named Nathon Herron between 5'2" and 5'5", male, who died 1-3 years ago. To solve the case, we learned about and eventually used several forensic techniques, including fingerprint analysis (via superglue fuming), forensic entomology (the use of information gathered from the scientific study of insects in criminal investigations), forensic odontology (the scientific study of teeth pertaining to criminal investigations), as well as blood typing and DNA analysis through PCR and electrophoresis. Although we used more forensic science in the case, these were the techniques I was responsible for, as partner #2. With each technique, we conducted labs using the technique and wrote evidence reports about what we had concluded about the case through the use of a single technique. With our knowledge of forensic entomology, we determined the time of death of the victim by understanding the relation between the age of the corpse and the species of insects found at the scene. Once we knew the general time frame of the crime, we identified 3 missing people who disappeared around the same time as the time of death, in the same area. Forensic odontology was useful in concluding the identity of the victim between these 3 possibilities, by comparing the teeth of the victim to the dental records of the 3 possible victims. We concluded the victim was a young man named Nathan Herron. Analysis of his mitochondrial DNA confirmed his identity based on hairs found with the skeletal remains. Fingerprint analysis was then used to determine the owner of a latent print (not readily visible) found at the scene and narrow down the suspects. Finally, we attempted to determine the identity of the killer through DNA analysis of the blood found underneath Nathan Herron's fingernails. We were unsuccessful. After we had gathered as much information as possible, we attempted to maintain a holistic perspective on the case and use the sum of the information gathered to determine the identity of the murderer. In Case #2, we were unsuccessful in identifying the culprit, although we narrowed our suspect list down to 2 choices. The forensic science that fascinated me most was DNA analysis. Genetics have always interested me and I think it is amazing that you can infer the characteristics of the individual just by analyzing the placement of genes in the double helix. During this project, I wish that I would have sought to learn more and go deeper in my understanding of DNA, as well as in the other sciences. However, I was still proud of the way I demonstrated my ability to scientifically write in all of my evidence reports. |