What secrets can a “crime scene” reveal if you know where to look? On Thursday, January 15th, VINSE welcomed 16 students from Giles County High School to our Forensics Lab for a hands-on investigation into the science behind solving mysteries.
During the program, students tackled a whodunnit-themed challenge using a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, FTIR, absorption, and photoluminescence. They also extracted chlorophyll from spinach, analyzed perfumes, and collected spectra. from different pieces of jewelry, learning how chemistry and physics help uncover hidden clues.
Special thanks to NanoGuides Chris Boyd, Jack Loken, Soren Smail, and Zach Wallace for their support in guiding students through forensic puzzles and hands-on scientific exploration, making the experience both educational and exciting.
Schools interested in bringing this interactive forensics program to their students can contact vinse@vanderbilt.edu for more information.