University of North Texas
Forensic Program Internship Application
Spring 2012
Students interested in internship opportunities in the forensic science field must fill out this form. The
completed application should be returned by mail or email to the UNT Forensic Science Program at the
address listed below. Students wishing to participate in the internship course must first be accepted into the
University of North Texas Forensic Science Program. Please read the Disclosures listed below before
filling out this application. Do not contact labs personally; all correspondence must be done through the
UNT Forensic Science Program Director. Please attach a Resume (also must include electronic copy of
resume, sent to forensic@unt.edu).
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________________________
Email Address: ______________________________________________________
Student ID Number: __________________________________________________
Major: _________________________________________________________
Forensic Courses Completed or Currently enrolled in (circle and list grade received):
_______CJUS 3330 (Intro to Criminalistics)
_______CJUS 4360 (Criminal Investigations)
_______CHEM 4631/4632 (Inst. Analysis w/lab)
_______BIOL 4590 (Forensic Molecular Biology)
_______BIOL 4240 (Forensic Microscopy)
_______CHEM 4351 (Forensic Chemistry)
_______BIOL 3331 (Biomed. Criminalistics)
_______CHEM/BIOL 4900 (Internship)
Internship Preferences (see attachment for descriptions):
(Put the number corresponding to the internship you want in the blanks below.)
1.) ___________________
2.) ___________________
3.) ___________________
Hours (per week) available for internship: _______________________________
All inquiries, application, and other correspondence concerning the forensic program at UNT must be sent
to the address listed below:
Deadline for Fall 2011 application: November 1st, 2011!
Forensic Science Program Director
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle, #305070
Denton, TX 76203
(940) 369-8458 (Voice)
(940) 565-4318 (FAX) email: forensic@unt.edu
DESCRIPTION OF INTERSHIPS
1. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC ENGINEERING LAB
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
The student will be expected to work in the lab, and in conjunction with licensed
engineers, carry out the necessary laboratory research and accompanying
literature research so as to allow preparation of articles for the various forensic
journals.
Includes research in the following areas:
A. Automotive emissions systems - what is the effect of current automotive
emissions technology on suicides caused by automobiles in closed garages?
B. Elevator deaths - why is it that despite exhaustive elevator codes (ANSI /
ASME A17.1), there are several deaths caused each year by elevator mishaps.
What is the common thread? What are the code provisions?
C. Infrared energy - what is the current technology used in Passive Infrared
Receivers (PIRs) and how effective are they at detecting infrared radiation. More
particularly, do they sense products of combustion, open flame, radiated heat? Are
they more or less sensitive than smoke detectors?
Activities include: collection and marking of evidence, chain of custody issues in
a forensics lab, familiarization with the various ASTM forensics standards,
training on a Hitachi S3000 SEM and EDAX / EDS unit, development of
electrical and mechanical skills as are used in a lab devoted to physical (as
opposed to biological) sciences.
Prerequisites: Junior standing in major, GEN CHEM I and II, ORG CHEM I and II, and
GEN BIOL I and II. Interview with company required for final acceptance.
Location: Denton, TX
Research Mentor: Mark Goodson, P.E.
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
2. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC TRACE ANALYSIS LAB
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
The student will be expected to work in an analytical lab that supports several
areas of forensic science including: origin and cause investigation; foreign object
identification; clandestine drug lab cleanup; fire arms inspection; and unknown
chemical exposure and/or contamination.
Includes research in the following areas:
1. Introduction to laboratory work areas, equipment, supplies, as well
as preparation of standards and supporting QC samples.
2. Sample preparation and observation of analytical methods that
support forensic case work within the laboratory.
3. Analyses including: wear metals, fire debris, and forensic
examination.
Ancillary skills that will be developed include: evidence receipt and handling,
chain of custody issues in a forensic laboratory, familiarization with various
ASTM and other applicable laboratory standards and methodologies, opportunity
for training and operation of analytical equipment including, but not limited to:
GC, ATR-FTIR, FAA, ICP, LC, and GC/MS.
Prerequisites: Junior standing in major, GEN CHEM I and II, ORG CHEM I and II, GEN
BIOL I and II, and CHEM 4631/4632. Interview with VP of Operations and lab
manager required for final acceptance.
Location: Arlington, TX
Research Mentor: Dr. Andrew Armstrong
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
3. PAPER RESEARCH PROJECT
CHEM 4900.711 (2 credit hours) and BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (1 credit hour)
Paper research covering in-depth forensic topic of choice. For those students who
are not able to work in an internship off campus.
Location: UNT Denton campus chemistry department
Research Mentor: Dr. Sushama Dandekar
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
4. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC CHEMISTRY/TOXICOLOGY
CHEM 4900.724 (2 credit hours) and BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (1 credit hour)
1. Be trained in the uses of biological mass spectrometry, including electrospray
ionization and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization.
2. Learn sample handling and processing techniques.
3. Aid in design of new tandem mass spectrometry techniques.
4. Be trained in the uses of 2-D gel electrophoresis for the separation of proteins and
peptides.
5. Learn analytical reporting techniques and proper data collection.
6. Participate in weekly discussions on Toxicological Chemistry.
7. Prepare a group presentation at the end of the internship outlining their results and
conclusions.
Location: UNT Denton campus chemistry department
Research Mentor: Dr. Guido Verbeck
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
5. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC CHEMISTRY/TOXICOLOGY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hour)
Research in trace analysis of toxic substances; will include training in operation of
various instruments: GC, GC-MS, HPLC, X-RAY and SEM.
1. Be trained in the uses gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and flame
ionization detectors. .
2. Learn sample handling and processing techniques.
3. Learn toxicology and equilibrium reactions of various organic compounds.
4. Learn analytical reporting techniques and proper data collection.
5. Prepare a group presentation at the end of the internship outlining their results and
conclusions. Also write a draft of research results towards publication.
Prerequisite(s): Quantitative Analysis CHEM 3451/3452
Location: UNT Denton campus chemistry department
Research Mentor: Dr. Teresa Golden
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
6. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC LABORATORY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
The student will be expected to work in a lab that supports several areas of
forensic science including; drug chemistry, biological samples, firearms and
ballistics, tool mark analysis, and latent prints.
The intern’s daily activities will include (in no particular order);
1. Establishing and maintaining chain of custody for materials submitted;
2. Daily training in general criminal forensic issues;
3. Performing Evidence Check-In and Inventory;
4. Serving as an aid to forensic scientists;
5. Participating in casework and completing weekly reading assignments over various
analyses;
6. Preparing samples for DNA outsourcing;
7. Participating in occasional crime scene searches.
Successful completion of the program must include;
1. Completion of a research project for publication in any of the criminal forensic
sciences journals. It is highly recommended that the student prepare several ideas
prior to beginning the internship.
2. Successful completion of several IFL training modules in various criminal forensic
science disciplines. The intern will be provided documentation of this training.
The student will leave the program with documented training in at least one of the
criminal forensic disciplines. The student will also gain valuable knowledge
concerning industry-related issues such as; the job market, clients, local law
enforcement jurisdictions, laws, accreditation, etc.
Prerequisites: The internship applicant must be a senior close to completing a B.S. in one of
the earth sciences or must be a current graduate student or must receive special permission
from Dr. Golden. Preference will be given to those with letter(s) of recommendation from
instructors in the Forensic Science Program. All interns will undergo a criminal background
check and be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. In addition, IFL requires all
members of its staff to sign a pre-authorization form for credit and driving record check.
Location: Euless, TX
Research Mentor: Dr. Ron Fazio
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
7. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC MICROSCOPY LABORATORY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
The student intern will be expected to work in a firearms & tool marks laboratory,
carry out the necessary assigned tasks, conduct laboratory research as assigned
and the accompanying literature research as assigned so as to allow preparation of
articles for the various forensic journals. Student interns will be expected to
participate actively in research and case analysis under the supervision of the
firearms examiner analysts whose dominant practices are in the field of forensic
firearms & tool marks examinations. There are ancillary skills that will be
developed, including:
Knowledge of Firearms & Tool Marks Laboratory Safety guidelines
Proper collection and marking of evidence
Chain of custody issues in a forensic Firearms & Tool Marks Laboratory
Knowledge of Firearms & Tool Marks Laboratory Procedures & Techniques
Development of firearms & tool marks related skills as are used in our laboratory
Prerequisites: The successful internship applicant will complete an application form
certifying junior standing and adequate progress in the first two years of basic science
courses, and will complete an interview with the laboratory director.
Location: Ft. Worth, TX
Research Mentor: Richard Ernst
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
8. RESEARCH IN NATURAL PRODUCTS LABORATORY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
The student intern will have a choice of either microbiology or chemistry
laboratory work. The student will be expected to work in an analytical lab that
certifies and test a wide range of products in the biological and chemical areas.
Included in the internship:
1. Introduction to laboratory work areas, equipment, supplies, as well
as preparation of standards and supporting QC samples.
2. Sample preparation and observation of analytical methods that
support work within the laboratory.
3. Analyses and method development related to samples including
extensive instrumental analysis work.
Ancillary skills that will be developed include: evidence receipt and handling,
familiarization with various ASTM and other applicable laboratory standards and
methodologies, opportunity for training and operation of analytical equipment
including, but not limited to: GC, FTIR, FAA, ICP, HPLC, and GC/MS.
Prerequisites: Must be of junior standing in the forensic program.
Location: Dallas, TX
Research Mentor: Dr. William Bryan
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
9. RESEARCH IN NATURAL PRODUCTS LABORATORY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
The student intern will have a choice of either microbiology or chemistry
laboratory work. The student will be expected to work in an analytical lab that
certifies and test a wide range of products in the biological and chemical areas.
Included in the internship:
1. Introduction to laboratory work areas, equipment, supplies, as well
as preparation of standards and supporting QC samples.
2. Sample preparation and observation of analytical methods that
support work within the laboratory.
3. Analyses and method development related to samples including
extensive instrumental analysis work.
Ancillary skills that will be developed include: evidence receipt and handling,
familiarization with various ASTM and other applicable laboratory standards and
methodologies, opportunity for training and operation of analytical equipment
including, but not limited to: GC, FTIR, FAA, ICP, HPLC, and GC/MS.
Prerequisites: Instrumental Analysis and Laboratory CHEM 4631/4632.
Location: Farmers Branch, TX
Research Mentor: Dr. Susanne Armand
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
10. RESEARCH WITH FORENSIC DOCUMENTS EXAMINER
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
Student will conduct research on new document examination techniques related to
the forensic field. Learn sample handling and processing techniques. Aid in
design of new instrumentation and mass spectrometry techniques. Learn
analytical reporting techniques and proper data collection. Participate in weekly
discussions on Forensic Topics. Prepare a group presentation at the end of the
internship outlining their results and conclusions
Prerequisites: Must be of sophomore standing in the forensic program.
Location: UNT Denton campus chemistry department
Research Mentor: Michael Weldon
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
11. RESEARCH IN DPS CRIME LABORATORY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
1. Develop a file system for the Firearms Examiners’ ammunition component
reference collection.
2. Participate in method and technique development for our new Blood Alcohol
GC.
3. Participate in new method development for the quantitation of controlled
substances.
4. Research extraction of the psychoactive ingredients from plants and sample
analysis.
5. Learn about and participate in the use, troubleshooting, and maintenance of
GC/Mass Spect.
6. Have the opportunity to learn more about our other instruments, their use and
maintenance.
7. Attend court with Forensic Scientists to see the Crime Laboratory’s role in the
judicial system.
8. Experience how quality assurance is practiced in a forensic setting.
9. Prepare reagents and solution and documentation of the Quality Control.
Prerequisites: Genetics, Quantitative Analysis, at least one CJUS course
Location: Tyler, TX
Research Mentor: Dr. Trey Cloud
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
12. RESEARCH IN DPS CRIME LABORATORY
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
Student intern at a local DPS crime lab.
Prerequisites: Genetics, Quantitative Analysis, at least one CJUS course
Location: Garland, TX
Research Mentor: Dr. Manual Valadez
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
13. RESEARCH IN CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hours)
1. Student will work in the collecting, preserving and cataloging of evidence.
2. Student will attend court with the Crime Scene Deputies and assist them in the
preparation of evidence to go with them to court.
3. Student will pick up and deliver evidence to the labs in the company of the
deputies.
4. Student will have her own assignments in our lab as determined by knowledge
and training.
5. Student will have a department-issued pager to respond to crime scenes.
6. Student will assist with the mobile crime scene unit as needed.
7. As we are primarily call-driven, student will respond to calls as needed with the
crime scene deputies.
We make every effort to give our Crime Scene Interns as much exposure to the
actual job of a crime scene deputy and as much hands-on experience as possible.
Prerequisites: The successful internship applicant will complete an application form
certifying junior standing and adequate progress in the first two years of basic science
courses, and will complete an interview.
Location: Various Counties and Cities in Metroplex, TX
For Denton County: Lt. Lin Jones
Research Mentor: Varies
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
14. RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
CHEM 4900.715 (2 credit hours) and BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (1 credit hour)
Research correlating tissue/blood and tissue/air partition coefficients, skin
permeations, blood/brain partitions, and toxicities of chemicals to various aquatic
organisms.
Prerequisites: GEN CHEM I and II, and ORG CHEM I and II
Location: UNT Denton campus chemistry department
Research Mentor: Dr. William Acree
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
15. RESEARCH IN SHOOTING INCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (3 credit hour)
Research topics are available in a number of areas associated with the analysis
and reconstruction of shooting incidents. These topics include, but are not limited
to:
1. Bullet deflection through inanimate objects
2. Bullet deflection through soft tissue and small bones
3. Elemental analysis of trace metals transferred by bullet passage through
various substrates
4. Blood spatter characteristics associated with gunshots
5. Forensic aspects of shot shell buffer material
6. Variables associated with 00 buckshot patterns
7. Cartridge case re-distribution at crime scenes
8. Bullet entry hole characteristics in elastic substrates
Research topics are also available in other areas of criminalistics:
1. The persistence of individual characteristics in tire treads through normal
wear
2. The identification of trace elements in footwear imprint residues
Prerequisites: Minimum requirements for the class include graduate status and a basic
knowledge of firearms (for the shooting reconstruction topics).
Location: UNT Denton campus, Criminal Justice Department
Research Mentor: Edward Hueske
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
16. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC SCIENCE/EDUCATION
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (1-3 credit hour)
Designing and testing new forensic curriculum for high school teachers and
students.
Prerequisite(s): CJUS 3330
Location: UNT and various school districts in the metroplex area
Research Mentor: Dr. Teresa Golden
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden
17. RESEARCH IN FORENSIC SCIENCE/EDUCATION
BIOL 4900.778/CHEM 4900.001 (1-3 credit hour)
Designing and setting up crime scenes and hosting CSI camps for ages 10-15.
Prerequisite(s): CJUS 3330
Location: Dallas, Texas
Research Mentor: Sharron Conrad
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Golden