Advisor for CSI, curator of Crime Scene Insects visits Museum
September 7 , 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Emelia Cowans (919) 733-7450 x305
(RALEIGH) – M. Lee Goff, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus of Forensic Entomology at Chaminade University in Honolulu and author of "A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crimes," will give a special presentation at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences on one of the most fascinating areas of criminal investigation – forensic entomology. The free lecture, held Saturday, September 17 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium on the Museum's first floor, coincides with the closing weekend (September 16-18) of our traveling exhibit, CSI: Crime Scene Insects. Dr. Goff is also the Curator of the exhibit, as well as the real life inspiration behind the Gil Grissom character on the popular crime drama, "CSI."
Forensic entomology, or the use of insects such as flies, maggots and beetles to reveal vital details of a crime scene, has become increasingly popular over the last 15 years due in part to television shows, access to courtrooms and extensive media coverage of criminal activity. With such an unparalleled following, this particular facet of forensic science has opened the door for more students to pursue careers in various other forensic specialties.
Dr. Goff is one of the foremost experts in this field, having participated in over 250 homicide investigations in Hawaii and other parts of the world. Currently, he is a consultant in forensic entomology for the Medical Examiner, City and County of Honolulu, and is a founding member and past president of the American Board of Forensic Entomology. He has taught courses in Detection and Recovery of Human Remains at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, and as a result of his involvement in the recovery efforts at the World Trade Center in New York, he was invited to teach portions of the FBI's Terrorism and Mass Disaster Response course.
For more information about CSI: Crime Scene Insects or Dr. Goff's presentation, contact Emelia C. Cowans at 919-733-7450, ext. 305.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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