Follow the Evidence at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum with an Entire Day Dedicated to Forensic Sciences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 2, 2016

Follow the Evidence at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum with an Entire Day Dedicated to Forensic Sciences

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) will hold its annual scientific meeting in Las Vegas this February and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum in downtown Las Vegas is pleased to partner with the Academy to place the spotlight on forensic sciences at the Museum during two exciting events on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Families will get up close and personal with forensic scientists from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. during the “CSI Mini-Camp” at the Museum. Attendees will experience criminal investigation techniques such as bone identification, fingerprinting and DNA analysis with law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, evidence analysts, medical examiners, and many more. Event goers can also explore the connections between forensic sciences and the work done by paleontologists when following the clues of the past. The Museum’s “Live Paleo-Lab” will be open for visitors to interact with paleontological work being done on dinosaur and pre-historic mammal fossils excavated locally.  This family-friendly event is free thanks in part to the generous support of the Galleria Mall. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For adults, a second event, “Demystifying the Forensic Sciences,” will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21. The forensic showcase will be moderated by Dr. Bruce Goldberger, past president of AAFS and director of the UF Health Forensic Medicine. Dr. Goldberger will be joined by AAFS President-Elect John Gerns, Instructor, Criminal Justice/Forensic Science for Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas; Lisa Gavin, MD, MPH, Las Vegas Medical Examiner; Ken Melson, MS, JD, Adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C.; and Jose Almirall, PhD, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, who will discuss forensic science disciplines and how each contributes to solving crimes.  The showcase will be followed by a reception where ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet the scientists.

“At our annual scientific meeting each year, the Academy partners with a local institution to further the public’s understanding of forensic science. The Academy is honored to partner with the Museum this year to present a unique experience to raise awareness of this vitally important field,” said Goldberger.

Advance tickets for the Forensic Showcase are required. Tickets are $10. This event is not recommended for children. For ticket and location information, please visit www.lvnhm.org.

For more information on the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and the CSI Mini-Camp, visit Facebook, Twitter or www.lvnhm.org.

ABOUT THE LVNHM:
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum opened in 1991 and is a private, non–profit institution dedicated to educating children, adults, and families in the natural sciences, both past and present.  Through its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and the preservation of its collections, the Museum strives to instill an understanding and appreciation of the world’s wildlife, ecosystems, and cultures.  Please visit www.lvnhm.org <http://www.lvnhm.org> or call (702) 384–3466 for additional information.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a multi-disciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences.

Organized in 1948, AAFS serves a distinguished and diverse membership of over 6,000 forensic science professionals who are the focal point for public information when forensic science issues are addressed in the public domain. AAFS publishes the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences. For more information visit www.aafs.org.

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