Students learn about forensic science at Tamuq programme

High school students from around Qatar learned about the science and technologies behind crime scene investigation over five days as part of the Engineering Heroes: Qatar Special Investigators (QSI) academic enrichment programme hosted by Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq).The innovative Engineering Heroes STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) outreach programme focused on the forensic science and technology used by the Qatari police and Ministry of Interior to investigate crimes and protect the country, Tamuq said in a press statement.Texas A&M at Qatar, together with industry sponsor Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd (Oxy Qatar), presented Engineering Heroes, one of several STEM programmes aimed at motivating young Qataris to choose educational pathways for careers in fields related to STEM. Andrew H Kershaw, president and general manager of Oxy Qatar, said: “We are delighted with our continuing sponsorship with Texas A&M at Qatar to make STEM programmes available to the Qatari community. The STEM programmes are important to Qatar as well as to Occidental by preparing students as potential future workers and leaders in the energy sector.”Forensic science is the application of science and technology to collect, preserve and analyse evidence to be used in the course of a legal investigation. Participants in the camp learned the history of forensic analysis and how it evolved into today’s specialised career field.  The programme concluded with a competition in which the participants used their forensic knowledge to investigate a mock crime. Participant Nasser al-Qahtani said this mock investigation was one of the highlights of the week. “What I loved about this programme is how it is a very hands-on experience,” al-Qahtani said. “I especially enjoyed the last day as it combined all the activities that we learned throughout the week into a very fun and informative project.”QSI participant Haya al-Naimi said her previous experience with other programmes offered by Tamuq made her want to try other STEM programmes offered by the branch campus. “I definitely recommend other students join these programmes. If they have any doubts about what major to study, the programmes would provide them with the information needed and give them a deeper understanding of science and engineering,” al-Naimi said.Hala Almughanni has also participated in a previous Texas A&M at Qatar STEM programme, which she said opened her mind to different applications of science and engineering. “Engineering Heroes helped me develop my skills and I gained analytical, critical thinking, social and presentation skills.”Noor Omar said she would be able to take much of what she learned during the week’s activities back to school with her, thanks to the hands-on learning and world-class facilities and equipment available at Tamuq.Engineering Heroes was inspired by scientific research that is helping law enforcement solve crimes. The programme was developed and led by Benjamin Cieslinski, Dr Mohamed Gharib and Tala Katbeh of Texas A&M at Qatar’s Development, Engagement and Outreach office. Several participants, including Ahmed al-Thani, noted the skill with which the content of the programme was delivered. “I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and the people teaching it made it very exciting,” Ahmed said. Dr Cesar O Malave, dean of Tamuq, added: “We are proud of those students who invest in their futures by participating in programmes such as Engineering Heroes.”