McCrone Research Institute is a not-for-profit corporation, offering the highest quality microscopy and microanalytical education for fifty years. Through an NIJ grant, we are able to offer advanced training courses to forensic scientists free of charge. These week-long courses offer practical training in microscopy and the analysis of trace evidence. If you are a forensic scientist employed in a state or local crime lab, you may be eligible.

Course registration is now closed, but we encourage you to apply for the wait list. If you would like to be notified when the 2011 course dates become available, e-mail tnewman@mcri.org.

2010 NIJ Forensic Microscopy Training Program II Schedule

Below is a list of the current training courses scheduled. Eight seats are available in each course. All courses are five days long, running Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.

February 15-19: Forensic Microscopy

February 22-26: Forensic Microscopy

March 8-12: Forensic Microscopy

April 19-23: Forensic Microscopy

May 10-14: Forensic Microscopy

August 16-20: Forensic Microscopy

August 23-27: Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Glass

August 30-September 3: Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Paint and Polymers

September 20-24: Forensic Microscopy

October 11-15: Sample Preparation and Manipulation

October 18-22: Sample Preparation and Manipulation

November 1-5: Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Glass

November 29-December 3: Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Paint and Polymers

December 6-10: Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Human and Animal Hair

Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy: Course Outline
Sample Preparation and Manipulation: Course Outline
Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Human and Animal Hairs: Course Outline
Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Paint and Polymers: Course Outline
Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Glass: Course Outline

Prerequisite: The Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course serve as a prerequisite for the advanced courses. Students must complete the Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course or submit proof of competency to the director before an application to the advanced courses will be accepted. Sample Preparation and Manipulation has no prerequisite.

Applicant Requirements

1. Employed by a state or local forensic crime laboratory
2. Currently employed as a microscopist, trace/physical evidence analyst or directly related position
3. Have a desire to expand professional knowledge of microscopy in your educational and scientific goals
4. Complete pre-workshop readings and documentation as requested
5. Be willing to actively participate in classroom activities and discussions
6. Be willing to travel to attend training

Application Process

All interested parties must submit one application per student for approval. If you are accepted to the course, you will be notified via e-mail.

If the course you are interested in fills up before you can register, email tnewman@mcri.org to be added to the wait list. We do draw on the wait list when students have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

What Does “Free of Charge” Mean?

Your tuition, books, classroom supplies, meals, hotel, airfare, and other reasonable travel fees will be fully paid for through the National Institute of Justice grant. Your hotel accommodations, flight, shuttle to and from the airport, and transportation to and from McCrone Research Institute each day will be arranged for you and paid for. Lunch will be provided, and a per diem reimbursement will be provided for breakfast and dinner.

In compliance with Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify us of any special accommodations needed. If you have any special dietary considerations, please let us know as well.

Funding

McCrone Research Institute, a not-for-profit corporation, has received federal funds from the National Institute of Justice to provide advanced training to forensic scientists through the DNA Initiative: Advancing Criminal Justice Through DNA Technology. The project is funded under support of cooperative agreement 2009-DN-BX-K212.

To learn more about the DNA Initiative, visit the official website: http://www.dna.gov

More Information

Contact: Training coordinator, Therese Newman
Phone: 312-842-7100
Fax: 312-842-1078
E-mail: tnewman@mcri.org