Youngsters in grades seven through 12 will present their original projects in forensic science at the third annual MTSU Forensic Science Symposium, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, in the Student Union’s second-floor ballrooms.

Judges inspect a research poster presentation by local high-school students at the 2012 Forensic Science Symposium at MTSU. This year’s symposium is set for Saturday, May 3. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

The science fair, which is sponsored by MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education, is open to students in Tennessee and beyond and showcases the students’ original research in various fields of forensic science.

To help introduce the young students to the experience of research gathering and presentation, the event is organized in the form of a professional scientific meeting.

Students will present their original research in poster form to be judged on Saturday by community leaders in various fields of science and forensic science.

Students got their research underway earlier this year to submit their applications and abstracts by the March 31 deadlines. The presenters were notified of their acceptance earlier this month.

MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education, also known as FIRE, provides educational and training opportunities for law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, attorneys, social workers and other groups in forensic science and homeland security.

First-, second- and third-place finishers will receive cash awards. The first-place winner’s sponsoring teacher also will receive a special prize and recognition during the awards ceremony.

Abstracts of all accepted projects will be printed in the official “Forensic Science Symposium Proceedings Journal.”

For more information, contact the FIRE offices at 615-494-7713 or email symposium coordinator Tiffany Saul at fire@mtsu.edu.

— Gina E. Fann (gina.fann@mtsu.edu)