All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State receives grant to fund Forensic Laboratory equipment

Fairmont State University has been awarded grant funding from West Virginia Science and Research, a division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The $12,806 award will support the purchase of a Forensic Comparison Microscope, a 3D Light Scanner, and hardware to run both pieces of equipment. 

The new equipment will be added to Fairmont State’s Forensic Science laboratory. These additions will engage students in hands-on learning through coursework and research opportunities while allowing faculty to extend the reach of their research. Both instruments will be incorporated into the summer Forensic Science and Analytical Chemistry (FACT) camp and forensic science exploration days. 

The new comparison microscope will be integrated into the Spring 2020 curriculum for courses such as Introduction to Forensic Science, and Trace Analysis and Microscopy, providing a more in-depth and accurate experience in a variety of ballistics laboratory activities. The 3D Scanner will be implemented immediately into courses including Introduction to Forensic Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Anthropology, and Osteology. Students will not only learn how to use the scanner and how it is used in the field, but will have the opportunity to practice and study using digital skeletons. 

Both pieces of equipment will advance student and faculty research efforts in programs beyond Forensic Science including Exercise Science, and Biology students. The proposal was developed by Kristy Henson, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science. 

“Having access to this equipment will allow us to enhance our laboratory experience and undergraduate research opportunities, giving us the ability to graduate competent students who have experience with relevant pieces of modern equipment used in the field of forensic science,” Henson stated.

This project is part of the Forensic Science Program’s mission of developing professional, ethical graduates whose competence in problem-solving, legal analysis and application, quantitative reasoning, investigation, and scientific laboratory procedure can be applied to immediate employment or advanced study.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.