True Crime, Cold Cases and the ‘CSI’ Effect: A Forensic Science Deep Dive

About this episode

This episode features Krystal Hans discussing the impact of forensic entomology on crime investigations and the influence of media portrayals of true crime.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Krystal Hans, director of forensic science and assistant professor of forensic entomology at Purdue University. As the only board-certified forensic entomologist in the Midwest, Krystal is a well-known expert in her field. And she’s digging into how insects affect crime investigations and cold cases. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the truth behind true crime on TV (think “Law & Order”) versus reality and how the “CSI” effect can impact the outcomes of real-life cases Discover more about forensic entomology, from Krystal’s early love of insects to the crucial job experts like her have when collecting evidence at crime scenes Hear more about Krystal’s roles leading Hans Lab, where she collects and analyzes insect evidence and mentors students, and Hans Forensics, where she consults on current investigations Gain knowledge about student experiences with real Indiana cold cases in Krystal’s popular forensic investigation class — which has grown to over 200 students — and how their contributions can change the trajectory of investigations Understand more about society’s fascination with true crime and the importance of…

People in this episode

Host: Purdue University

Guest: Krystal Hans

Topics covered

• forensic science
• true crime
• cold cases
• forensic entomology
• CSI effect
• student experiences

Keywords

• forensic science
• cold cases
• CSI effect
• forensic entomology
• true crime
• Purdue University
• Krystal Hans
• crime investigations
• evidence collection
• student experiences

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Purdue University

Books & works: Law & Order

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