CSI:MTSU camp allows high schoolers to investigate forensic science field [+VIDEO]

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University recently welcomed 35 high school students to campus to learn about forensic science at the CSI:MTSU camp.

The four-day camp involved lectures and demonstrations, and the chance to investigate and solve a mock crime scene.

A group of 35 rising ninth through 12th graders occupied the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building to learn about a range of methods employed in crime scene investigation like blood spatter analysis, DNA testing, and anthropology.

High school students work together to solve a mock crime scene June 5 during Middle Tennessee State University’s CSI:MTSU camp. Hosted June 3-6 by the Forensic Institute of Research and Education, campers learned about careers in forensic science through lectures and demonstrations, culminating in a mock crime scene investigation on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Middle Tennessee State University adjunct instructor and Murfreesboro Police Lt. James Abbott shows high school students attending the CSI:MTSU camp different blood spatter patterns during a blood spatter analysis demonstration on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hosted June 3-6 by MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education, the camp gave the young students an in-depth look at the forensic science career field. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)

The camp is hosted by MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education, or FIRE. Director Thomas Holland organizes the camp each summer and plans the mock crime scene himself, basing it on a historical crime scene.

Dr. Thomas "Tom" Holland, director, MTSU Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE) and a research professor in the College of Liberal Arts — **Dr. Tom Holland**

Intended to expose students to the forensic science career field, they receive instruction from representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Murfreesboro Police Department.

“We’re trying to introduce them to forensic science at a younger age,” said Holland. “So that when they get to college, if this is what their interest is they can hit the ground running.”

The highlight of the week for most students is the investigation of the mock crime scene. Students are split into teams and are given an equal amount of time to observe the scene, order evidence, and talk to “witnesses,” some of whom were MTSU theatre students. The teams compile information and present the results of the crime scene on the last day of camp.

They must follow real protocols throughout the investigation. Gloves and shoe covers are a necessity when entering the scene, or the evidence they find during the investigation will be voided during their presentation.

High school students examine a mock crime scene during the CSI:MTSU camp June 5 on the Middle Tennessee State University campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hosted June 3-6 by the Forensic Institute of Research and Education, the camp allowed students to learn about forensic science careers through demonstrations, lectures, and a mock crime scene. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Elauna Hicks, a May MTSU graduate who majored in anthropology and minored in forensic anthropology, came back as a guide for the camp. Not knowing the career path she wanted to take in college, Hicks attended the camp in high school. Attending the camp resulted in falling in love with the field and ultimately pursuing it at MTSU.

“I didn’t really know anything about forensics,” said Hicks, “It’s (the camp) where I sort of first saw how all these different jobs worked. I got more interested in the anthropology side.”

Here’s a short video recap of the event:

Some campers said they are uncertain of what they want to do in the future and are exploring all of their options. Others, like Chelsea Read, a senior at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, have always been fascinated by forensic science. Read has been interested in working with K-9’s and got the chance to see one in action at the camp.

“I always thought that I wanted to be (in) a K-9 unit since I love dogs, but I also love serving justice to all people,” said Read. “I’m so excited. We’re about to meet the dogs.”

MTSU Police Department K-9 officer Ace and handler Officer Joseph Dishner demonstrated Ace’s skills as an explosive detection dog. In each demonstration, Dishner asked two campers to hide an item they own in the grass. Afterwards, attendees were able to ask questions about K-9s and meet Ace.

Middle Tennessee State University Police Officer Joseph Dishner, handler of K-9 officer Ace, demonstrates a scent-detection exercise with Ace for high school students at the CSI:MTSU camp hosted by the Forensic Institute for Research and Education. From June 3-6, the group of high schoolers received an inside look at forensic science on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)

The June 3-6 camp concluded with each team presenting their findings on the mock crime scene, which was based on the Lizzie Borden case in 1892 in which Borden murdered her father and stepmother with a hatchet.

All spots for the 2025 session were filled, and some attendees have already asked to be put on a contact list once registration opens for the 2026 camp.

About FIRE

Founded in 2006 by nationally known and respected forensic anthropologist, Hugh Berryman, FIRE augments MTSU’s Forensic Science, Anthropology and Criminal Justice programs by providing integrative opportunities for students in different fields to engage in common projects.

One way this is done is through sponsorship of the Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery Team, which involves students in real-world forensic recoveries at the request of local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Other FIRE activities include a speaker series that brings internationally known forensic scientists and legal scholars to campus for the benefit of the public and the MTSU community. FIRE also hosts its annual summer camp CSI:MTSU for high school students.

— Jordan Reining (Jordan.Reining@mtsu.edu)