Nancy Geving

The "Applied Forensics - Whodunit?" project created by Geving at Saint Paul Central High School aims to improve student achievement in science through increased use of biotechnology. Researchers in biotechnology usually study the basic processes of life, diagnose illnesses, determine paternity, develop new treatments for diseases and identify DNA samples. Students in grades 10-12 specifically, will learn the techniques to perform experiments in biotechnology, create a DNA fingerprint and analyze a simulated crime scene. Through class and lab work, they will observe biochemical reactions, conduct molecule separations and use evidence to link a staged crime to potential suspects. The goal of the project is to expose students to the everyday work of biologists, forensic scientists and geneticists. According to Geving, by the end of the project, students will have developed a basic set of marketable skills, thus bridging the gap between book knowledge and applied learning. Geving resides in Lake Elmo.