Lindsay Bowerman
Gracie Shultzman observes as a forensics biologist tests drugs.
Recently, Chemistry Honors students had the unique opportunity to observe chemistry in a real-world setting. Having studied the theoretical foundations of the subject, they were able to apply concepts in a laboratory setting at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Services Forensics Lab. Students were introduced to the use of Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–vis) Spectroscopy, a specialized tool used to analyze various types of evidence like fibers, inks, and hair, which help to establish connections between crimes and suspects. The students watched a biologist perform a series of reactions to determine whether the compounds collected as evidence were illegal drugs. Gracie Shultzman, a Chemistry Honors student, remarks on the value of this experience, “I found it very interesting to observe how forensics could possibly play into my future career considerations, as I am interested in the field of genetics.” Additionally, students had the opportunity to see a gas chromatography (GC) machine in action, which analyzes data to separate compounds into their simplest forms—atoms—according to specific ratios, providing a detailed profile of the substances being investigated.