Brownwood News  – During the spring 2018 semester, Howard Payne University’s Dr. Derek L. Smith, associate professor of chemistry, conducted a forensic science workshop for 35 local elementary students at the Texas 4-H Conference Center at Lake Brownwood.

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The workshop was sponsored by the Andy Roddick Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational enrichment for low-income students.

The young investigators undertook blood droplet height-angle analysis as well as fingerprint collection and development with enhancement powders.

Dr. Smith praised the purpose of the Andy Roddick Foundation.

“These workshops provide an excellent opportunity for children of any social status – disadvantaged or not – to explore current fields of study and form a familiarity that can lead to future exploration and professional opportunities,” he said.

In past years, Dr. Pam Bryant, dean of HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, has presented workshops on astronomy and star viewing to similar groups with equal success.

“These opportunities are important for the participants and our faculty alike, as well as the larger community,” Dr. Bryant commented. “We are honored that education- and enrichment-based groups would invite us to participate.”

Drs. Smith and Bryant agree that the School of Science and Mathematics looks forward to leading another science-based, hands-on workshop next year and express thanks to the funding organizations and facilitators for their sponsorship.

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