Inter/Micro has recently been named as the “Best Kept Secret in Forensic Science”. Read more:

The Best Kept Secret in Forensic Science

Every knowledgeable forensic science professional knows about the Promega, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners meetings, but few seem to be aware of the InterMicro* meeting and the associated post meeting hands-on workshops. Unfortunately, the proof is the lack of forensic scientist attendees at this important meeting for trace evidence analysts and all those working with microscopic evidence.

What other venue allows a forensic scientist to interact with professionals from various industries of microscopical interest, world-class scientists from other countries, and microscopists of all varieties (light, electron, and spectroscopical) ?

These contacts can be useful resources and references for casework or obtaining standards not obtainable by other means.

Where else does one learn about the source of lycopodium spores in a vaginal wash from a sexual assault case, a technique used by a fictional character in a detective story useful in separating traces of soil on the pants of a victim leading to the confession by the suspect, how Raman, FTIR, or SEM support the identification of microscopic particles by the light microscope in fields ranging from anthropology to zoology, and state-of-the-art use of Raman, FTIR, SEM, and TEM for microscopic evidence?

The hands-on-the-microscope workshops offered after InterMicro are conducted by nationally or internationally recognized scientists in their respective microscopical areas of interest. After one InterMicro meeting, you might learn from the countrys leading paper-fiber expert, the next year receive an introduction to crystallography, indoor dust or mold. Each year different topics are covered. The lessons learned could be useful for unusual trace evidence found at indoor scenes (linking a body to a location) or for trying to identify a crime scene location.

Forensic scientists in trace evidence, DNA, and any section where microscopic evidence needs to be collected or identified should plan on attending InterMicro.

Wayne Moorehead
RSM, CA

copied with permission from the California Association of Criminalists