| Workshop: The ABC’s of CSI - Forensic Science |
| Do you look away or watch in fascination as the latest episode of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) or Law and Order shows yet another blood spatter pattern and some gruesome and grizzly human remains? Do you ever wonder about the science behind the scenes? Forensic science encompasses the realms of DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, medical examination, fiber and trace evidence, and latent prints, to name a few. Hear from a panel of real, local forensic scientists and medical examiners discussing their experiences at crime scenes and the techniques they use to collect and analyze evidence. Speakers will include Annette Peer, Patricia Schechter Lough and Dr. Norman Sperber. ****Cautionary Note: This workshop may include presentation of graphic crime scene images. |
| Panelists |
| Annette Peer |
| Patricia Schechter Lough |
| Dr. Norman "Skip" Sperber |
Annette
Peer has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminalistics from
California State University at Long Beach. Ms. Peer has been employed
by the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Crime Lab for approximately
22 years. She was one of two Criminalists responsible for starting and
running the first forensic DNA laboratory in San Diego County. Ms. Peer
has been with the Forensic Biology (DNA) section of the SDPD crime lab
for fifteen years, and, prior to this, she worked in the serology and
drug analysis sections, as well as having served as a laboratory supervisor.
Ms. Peer was "on the scene" at the Danielle van Dam murder investigation
in Scripps Ranch and testified in the Westerfield trial. She also helped
solve two high profile cold cases: "Keever - Sellers" (the molestation
and murders of two young boys found dead in the South Bay area several
years ago), and the "Rickie Blake" case (the kidnapping, rape
and murder of a 14 year old girl). In her spare time, she loves to golf
and to run in the Light the Night 5K race alongside her furry little "daughter"
Chloe. |
Patricia
Schechter Lough has a M.S. degree in Biology from Cal State University
at San Bernardino. She performed cancer research at the VA Hospital in
Loma Linda for 4 years. In 1982, she was hired as a Deputy Sheriff/Criminalist
for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Crime Lab. In San Bernardino
she performed casework analysis in alcohol, drugs, toxicology (screening),
gunshot residue, serology (later DNA), and crime scene investigations.
She served as the first operations manager for their satellite laboratory,
and developed the quality assurance program for the Division. In 1998,
she was hired as a Supervising Criminalist with the San Diego Police Department
Crime Lab, where she supervised the Forensic Alcohol and Narcotics Unit.
In December 2004, she retired from the law enforcement aspect of her career
and now teaches graduate forensic science classes for National University.
|
Norman
“Skip” Sperber, D.D.S, began his forensic career
in the Toxicology department of the N.Y.C. Chief Medical Examiner’s
office in 1946. Since that time, he has served as a Dental officer in
the U.S. Navy for ten years (active and reserve duty), and has practiced
general dentistry for fifty years. With two other dentists, he established
the first state dental identification system in the U.S. (California)
and as a result of a U.S. Congressional appointment, he established the
first National Identification System (NCIC) in cooperation with the FBI.
He has testified to forensic evidence in over 215 trials, and has examined
evidence in the Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer cases. He has also spent
time at Ground Zero, helping to identify the victims of the 9/11 terrorist
attacks. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentistry, a Diplomate
of the American Board of Forensic Odontology, and, in 2000, along with
another dentist, became the first Distinguished Fellow from the dental
section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. |