Security, identification, forensics, and biometrics are words that have become commonplace since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Establishing one's identity and making sure that people are who they claim to be are concerns that are not going to disappear anytime soon, and in fact will probably only intensify. Human identification is an emerging technology that has been propelled into worldwide prominence.
For those not familiar with the terms, biometrics is the science that uses unique physical characteristics to identify subjects while forensic science focuses on the biology and chemistry of crime fighting using indicators such as blood, DNA, and hair strands.
While the use of fingerprints revolutionized law enforcement in the twentieth century, biometric systems that use retinal and iris scans, face recognition, and voice, cardiac, and neural signals are rapidly becoming the "fingerprints" of the near future. No longer are these identification methods only found in the realm of science fiction and high-tech movie spy thrillers. Current popular television shows highlight the use of forensic methods of solving crimes, and for better or worse, you may soon encounter these technologies when you go to the bank, conduct business on-line, or travel.
International leadership in human identification
is emerging from a source that may surprise you—West Virginia
University and the state of West Virginia. WVU's Forensic Identification
Program was established in December 1997 when the University
and the FBI signed an agreement that led the way for WVU to become
the first university in the world to offer a degree in forensic
and investigative science and biometric systems. WVU President
David C. Hardesty Jr. has noted that "It's been a natural
connection for the University and the FBI Center in nearby Clarksburg.
Since the FBI went from fingerprint cards to a computer system,
opportunities emerged for us in that specialty as well as in
face recognition and other areas."
Jason Pizatella, an intern with the WVU Research Office, recently discovered just how ready WVU is to lead in these exciting new fields. "What Jason found was WVU and the state are in a position to have a huge impact, especially in biometrics research," said Dr. Edwin Rood, director of research program development. "I cataloged all the assets WVU and the state of West Virginia currently have, or are proposing in the biometrics industry, compared with what other states and higher education institutions are doing. No doubt, we are on the cutting edge," stated Pizatella, a 20-year old junior from Fairmont whose major is political science. "Combining those assets with solid support from the state's congressional delegation, WVU could be a real force in biometrics, with facilities that advance, analyze, and research identification technology," Pizatella said.
Supporting the strength of WVU's leadership is the fact that the Forensic Identification Program is the fastest growing degree program on campus, with enrollment doubling from 200 students to 400 last fall. Michael Yura, director of the program, noted that "We had 51 students alone transfer into the program last summer after hearing what WVU has to offer. Biometrics has really been in the news since 9-11, and there are so many television shows now focusing on the importance of forensics in solving crimes. Top-notch students are clamoring to learn more about these growing opportunities." Because it is the first academic degree program to be offered in forensic identification, quite a few national publications have written about it, including Newsweek, USA Weekend, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Times. WVU's collaboration with the FBI also has sparked media interest. "The national exposure certainly has helped our program grow," Yura said.
To support the increased enrollment, a second Crime Scene House was recently opened. What used to be the Field Service Center for Technology Education on the Evansdale campus now helps students, their professors, and professionals interact to solve mock crimes—everything from murder to kidnapping. Two years ago, WVU's first Crime Scene House at 383 Oakland Street (adjacent to the new site) was developed to provide a place to practice latent fingerprint techniques and crime scene investigations. Both homes have the appearance of an actual family dwelling, complete with furniture, toiletries, and a well-stocked refrigerator. They are used as working laboratories where students use the skills they've acquired to find evidence and solve crimes.
According to Yura, "A good educational foundation combined with practical, hands-on experience are what make WVU's Forensic Identification Program so attractive. We equip our graduates with the skills necessary to land good jobs." And Yura doesn't foresee any slowdown: "Our society will, unfortunately, always have crime—and coupled now with greater focus on security measures at the national level, I think our program will remain popular for quite some time."
So, the next time you're watching Alias or CSI, remember that WVU is helping to create those cool gizmos used to identify the villains, and training the heroes how to use them.