Fairmont State University has received a $5,000 grant to support the one-week Forensic and Analytic Chemistry Technology (FACT) summer camp for middle school students. This award was made possible by the West Virginia Science and Research, a division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), and the West Virginia Research Challenge Fund.

The free day camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15-19, 2020. Students will have introductory access to state-of-the-art forensic and chemistry technology. This high quality, low cost opportunity for middle school students is a great way to immerse students into the science field.

“We are thrilled that this grant will allow us to provide this hands-on camp free of charge for students in West Virginia, again,” Dr. Mark Flood, professor of Forensic Science, said. “Students who attend STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) out-of-school programs are better prepared to think critically, solve problems, and have a positive attitude toward STEM. This program offers a unique STEM experience that many students will not have access to during the academic year.”

Not only will students have the chance to realize they can become scientists but they will work with faculty members that specialize in forensic science and chemistry. Those who participate will also get to work with undergraduate students, allowing them the chance to see that they too can attend college one day.

Please contact Dr. Mark Flood, Forensic Science program coordinator at 304-367-4309 or mark.flood@fairmontstate.edu for more information about the FACT camp or the Forensic Science program at Fairmont State University.