UCO FSI Celebrates a Decade of Training Forensic Science Educators Across the Nation
Aug. 21, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) recently welcomed 30 middle and high school science teachers from across the country for its 10th annual High School Teachers Forensic Science Curriculum Training.
The training provided educators from Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Colorado with hands-on training and resources designed to bring real-world forensic science into their classrooms. Participants received instruction from UCO FSI faculty in crime scene investigation, fingerprints, digital forensics, criminal profiling, forensic anthropology, serology, DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, blood stain pattern analysis, firearms and toolmarks, trace evidence, wildlife forensics and law.
Additionally, the teachers received a comprehensive curriculum that included lesson plans, lectures and guidelines for hands-on activities.
“This workshop is the Forensic Science Institute’s way of giving back to public education by investing directly in teachers,” said Cait Porterfield, FSI instructor and coordinator of the training.
“By providing completely free, hands-on resources, we empower educators to bring dynamic, real-world science into their classrooms and inspire the next generation.”
Over the past 10 years, the UCO FSI training program has reached approximately 300 educators.
UCO FSI faculty members donate their time and expertise during the training, reinforcing UCO’s commitment to supporting educators and expanding access to high-quality forensic science education.
The UCO FSI is ranked among the nation's top institutions for forensic science and is the largest and most comprehensive forensic science education program. The institute has seen significant growth from its inception—from fewer than 100 students in 2009 to more than 1,000 forensic science majors.
With enrollment on the rise, the UCO FSI is planning to complete a new wing at the facility, including expanded chemistry teaching and research labs. The Oklahoma State Legislature allocated $10 million to support the expansion last year, funding now enhanced by the CPF.
The FSI offers four Bachelor of Science degrees, four Master of Science degrees in Forensic Science and a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Forensic Science. All graduate degrees are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
To learn more about the UCO FSI, visit www.uco.edu/fsi.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) recently welcomed 30 middle and high school science teachers from across the country for its 10th annual High School Teachers Forensic Science Curriculum Training. Participating teachers received hands-on training and resources designed to bring real-world forensic science into their classrooms
