Viterbo chemistry major Emma Akemann conducted an experiment on the affects of fire on blood evidence with the help of the La Crosse Fire Department and Viterbo faculty members Ward Jones, Tammy Clark, and Lee Bushong April 12. Ackemann, who has the goal of becoming a forensic scientist, exposed various blood samples to the heat and smoke common in a house fire at the La Crosse Fire Department’s burn house. She’ll later test the samples to see if blood is detectable. The experiment was designed to simulate the conditions common in a murder/arson case.

See photos of the event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/viterbo_cm/albums/72157666538667520

For media coverage of the event:

• WXOW with video: http://www.wxow.com/story/31706713/2016/04/12/viterbo-student-focuses-on-fire-forensics
• La Crosse Tribune: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/viterbo-university-student-plays-with-blood-and-fire-for-science/article_1c663514-1e6a-51c4-8a11-6bb8a68d44df.html
• WKBT TV with video: http://www.news8000.com/news/viterbo-student-partners-with-fd-in-forensic-project/38990948