Already, two new lecture and laboratory courses are being developed, one an introduction to forensic science, and the other a very rigorous forensic chemistry course that emphasizes the latest problem-based learning methods and new analytical microscopy techniques. The curriculum focuses on evaluation and interpretation of forensic evidence, chemistry laboratory and instrumental analysis, and crime scene management, Rabalais said.
The demanding 127-hour curriculum combines numerous chemistry, biology and criminal justice courses. The curriculum, approved by the National Forensics Association, is modeled after a highly successful program at West Virginia University, Rabalais said.
“We have seen a lot of interest,” Rabalais said. Interest will develop further, he believes, as the university actively promotes the new major. To build interest, the department plans teacher workshops and a one-week summer “forensics camp” offering simple experiments similar to those used in law enforcement with the goal of inspiring students in sixth to eighth grades to pursue careers in the field.
Rabalais anticipates entrance into the program will become competitive as laboratory space limits the major to about 25 students. That will drive up the quality of students entering the program, and that’s a good thing, he said. “It’s not as easy as CSI.”
“Our goal is to train students to be accomplished scientists and investigators,” he said. “Our program is designed to help students become curious investigators who are skillful in assembling data and results into a coherent solution to a problem.”
Lamar will train forensic students in the application of modern instrumentation, techniques and methods, as well as ethical behavior. In addition to tried-and-true forensic techniques, Lamar’s researchers will seek to develop new forensic laboratory techniques and experiments that employ such cutting-edge technology as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared microscopy, and attenuated total reflectance microscopy.
Lamar’s Quesant Qscope AFM is capable of charting the surface of an object down to 10 angstroms — small enough to recognize the presence of individual atoms or molecules on virtually any surface. “We’re talking about analyzing a single line of a fingerprint, or just a part of that line,” Rabalais said. The technique opens up yet-un-thought-of-possibilities in forensics, he said.
The next room in the suite houses the department’s Fourier transform infrared microscope that is able to identify molecular structures through their vibration frequencies. Though it lacks the atomic-level precision of the AFM, at 1-micron resolution the tool adds new depth to analysis when the two are used in concert. The third piece in Rabalais’ analytical orchestra is the attenuated total reflectance microscope that uses infrared radiation to analyze opaque or thick materials.
The trio of instruments is a good beginning, but Rabalais intends to build further capability into the program. Already, the faculty has drafted a proposal to the National Science Foundation that would provide funding for the purchase of additional cutting-edge scientific equipment, incidentals and supplies.
To tap into experience in the field, Lamar’s chemistry faculty is creating a network of external advisors and contacts to provide students with numerous employment opportunities upon graduation. For seniors, practical experience can be gained through internships. The local Jefferson County Crime Laboratory has agreed to sponsor internships, Rabalais said.
Rabalais, who holds a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University and was a NATO postdoctoral fellow at the University of Upsalla, Sweden, describes Lamar’s chemistry faculty as “very eager, smart and capable.
“You don’t want to let that enthusiasm down,” he said. “You want to keep it high and keep it going.” Helping younger faculty build their own legacies of success is the goal, and mentoring by older, more experienced faculty in the development of grants and proposals is vital. Rabalais, who credits his success in part to good mentoring by senior faculty in his early career, has attracted more than $9 million in external support for his research, holds several patents, and is a frequent contributor to industry in a variety of fields.
When you don’t find Rabalais guiding a grant proposal or extracting knowledge from the minutest bit of matter, you likely find him astride one of the quarter horses he and his wife, Becky, own. “I’m basically a country boy who likes being outside and likes horses,” Rabalais said of his Cajun roots and upbringing in central Louisiana. That temperament factored into his decision to leave behind big-city congestion for Lumberton and a little peace and quiet.
With a new home amid the pines, a stocked fish pond and a few acres for equestrian pursuits, Rabalais enjoys spending time with his 11-year-old granddaughter, whose growing horse sensibilities are just as strong as her grandfather’s.
