Lockerby and Laurentian form partnership for forensic program

Students in the Science and Technology Education Program (STEP) at Lockerby Composite School are benefiting from a new partnership with Laurentian University. Lockerby Composite School has signed an agreement of collaboration with the Forensic Science Department to support its forensic program.

Laurentian University will offer forensic lectures, field trips, tours, mentorships and labs to students. Students will be able to apply their knowledge using state-of-the-art equipment at the university. They will also network with experts in the field, including professors and graduates, and learn more about career and research opportunities.

“Inquiry-based learning motivates students and provides context for the curriculum,” says Lockerby Composite School Principal Heather Gaffney. “When students make the connection between the classroom and the world in which they live, learning becomes that much more relevant.”

"We are extremely pleased to be able to share our expertise with the students in Lockerby’s Forensic Science program,” said Dr. Scott Fairgrieve, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Forensic Science at Laurentian University.  “This agreement is an excellent example of how the University works with the community in order to provide students in Northern Ontario with unique educational opportunities."

“This agreement formalizes a long-standing partnership between Lockerby Composite School and Laurentian University,” adds Principal Gaffney. “Over the years, a number of our students have been mentored by science professors and achieved tremendous success in their chosen fields. We look forward to building on these achievements.”

“Laurentian University has one of the highest retention rates among Ontario universities with their local grade 12 students. About two thirds choose to stay and study in Sudbury,” said John Isbister, Acting Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Laurentian University. “We are very proud of this achievement and strive to do even better by strengthening every year our engagement in local and regional high schools.”

Lockerby Composite School introduced the Grade 12 forensic biology and forensic chemistry courses to its popular Science Technology Education Program (STEP) six years ago. The forensic courses introduce students to concepts such as DNA analysis, arson investigation, blood spatter, autopsy, criminal profiling, hair and fiber analysis, facial sculpting, forensic botany and forensic entomology.

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Media Contacts:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board,
(705) 674-3171, ext. 7217 or [email protected]

Guylaine Tousignant, Media Relations Officer, Laurentian University
(705) 675-1151, ext. 3406 or [email protected]