Staff Writer

Jackie Ricciardi/staff Augusta State chemistry professor, Stephanie Myers poses for a photo in her office on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. She will be starting a new forensic science program.

Augusta State University is creating a new chemistry track for students who want to become behind-the-scenes scientists.

The Department of Chemistry and Physics will debut a forensic science track in fall 2012, which can lead to jobs testing blood stains on clothes from crime scenes or determining types of drugs found in the bloodstream.

We are a very hands-on department, said Stephanie Myers, professor of chemistry and forensic science advisor. Students get lots of real lab experience. Theyre not watching someone else do it.

Students who sign up for the new track will still graduate with a chemistry degree but with a concentration in the forensic field. ASU Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Rychly said adding this track to the chemistry department compliments the goals of the merger with Georgia Health Sciences University - creating more options for students and producing more qualified graduates.

One of the things that were looking to as we move toward the new (university) is to build up the programs we already have and making them more robust, Rychly said. Its a win-win. Youre meeting the students needs and youre providing the community employable people.

Rychly said she expects other departments to add more tracks or programs within their field in the next few years. The expansion also provides a chance for collaboration between liberal arts and health sciences, like a possible medical humanities course in the works, she said.

Myers said the forensic track was born out of an interest from the students and opportunity after she received a certificate in forensic science from The University of Florida in 2010.

Students will take standard chemistry requirements their freshman and sophomore years and move toward more specialized forensic courses as upperclassmen.

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ASU creating new chemistry forensics study