You’ve seen us on TV, but the real world is a bit different. UVU Forensic Science students learn what it really takes to get the job done using cutting edge technology, a crime scene facility, and a dedicated forensic laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment.
The forensic laboratory trains students in theoretical and practical principles of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and other principles that are commonly conducted within a crime laboratory. Forensic students receive practical exposure and have the skills to serve the community to solve meaningful problems that impact society and individuals and bring justice to victims.
Our students are dedicated to serving the community. Your support provides the necessary resources they need to have a robust education to prepare for a career in criminal justice as well as helps them overcome financial barriers to graduation.
Learn more about our program by visiting the Forensic Science site.
Every gift is meaningful and appreciated. You are welcome to make a donation of any size to support the Forensic Science. If you'd like to create a legacy, please consider signing up for a monthly recurring gift that will have a lasting impact on future students. Together, we uplift, provide exceptional care, and inspire students to be their very best.
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Every gift is meaningful and appreciated. You are welcome to make a donation of any size to support our students. If you'd like to create a legacy, please consider signing up for a monthly recurring gift that will have a lasting impact on future students and educators. Together, we uplift, provide exceptional care, and inspire students to be their very best.
For more information on ways to establish a legacy gift, such as through a will, bequest, trust, annuity, or IRA rollover, please visit uvgift.org.
If you prefer to donate via check, please make checks payable to UVU Foundation and mail to the address below. Please list "Forensic Science" in the memo field.
UVU Foundation
800 W University Pkwy MS 111
Orem, UT 84058
By Braley Dodson daily Herald - | Apr 21, 2017
The home at 1138 S. 400 West in Orem has a nefarious reputation. It’s the location of break-ins, drug busts and homicides, to name a few.
Only none of it is real.
“It’s rare in a university setting that you can have a facility like this,” said Amie Houghton, an assistant professor of forensic science at Utah Valley University in Orem.
The home used to be office space for the university and is now a crime scene investigation house where forensic science students can learn how to document a crime scene. The home will also be used to train police officers and cadets.
The two-bedroom, one-bathroom house has cameras in every room so instructors can watch students process a crime scene via the video feed in the garage, which is still an office.
The official ribbon cutting and open house for the home was Friday morning, with different forensic techniques on display.
Before the use of the home, students had to document the scenes from a classroom. In the home, which has been filled with furniture and items to make it look like it’s a real domicile, they’re able to try their hands in a real-life situation.
“When we’re in a classroom, there’s nothing to search through,” Houghton said.
Now, they can rifle through drawers and boxes to find items.
The home looks lived-in, from pictures on display, to magazines by the bed, to clothes in the closet, to a chore chart in the kitchen and boxes of cereal on top of the non-functioning refrigerator.
The students will be able to investigate a variety of staged crimes there. There are even holes drilled into the walls to mimic bullet holes.
The students are excited to begin doing work in the home.
“This is what we geek out about,” said Sheree Cochran, a senior pursuing a degree in criminal justice at UVU.
For Sadie Lopez, a junior studying forensic science, it allows her learning to be more hands-on.
“I’m a very visual learner, so seeing how it works helps me,” Lopez said.
With her eye on growing the forensic science program, Houghton hopes the home will help do that.
“It is invaluable,” she said.
Photo courtesy Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald
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