NATCHITOCHES –Northwestern State University hosted Tom Geir, a retired expert latent print examiner, as a guest speaker for students in the Forensic Laboratory Science program Oct. 1. The event was organized by Dr. Chad Thibodeaux, associate professor of chemistry and JOVE coordinator, who also oversees the Forensic Laboratory Science program. This field combines STEM expertise with the legal system, training students in drug chemistry and DNA analysis to prepare them for careers in crime laboratories at the local, state and federal levels.
Geir brings decades of experience in forensic investigations, having trained with the FBI and worked on thousands of cases, including burglaries and homicides. He has served as an expert witness in over 40 cases, sharing his expertise in courts across multiple jurisdictions.
During his visit, Gier highlighted key cases from his career and shared his experiences testifying in open court. For students, this provided a rare opportunity to gain insight into the courtroom aspect of forensic work, a critical component of their training that goes beyond laboratory analysis. His stories emphasized the importance of preparing for the real-world challenges they may encounter in their future careers.
Looking ahead, Gier expressed interest in collaborating with NSU on future workshops, including Forensic Death Investigation labs. He is also open to research projects involving AI and fingerprint identification and hopes to help establish a partnership with the Lake Charles crime lab. These collaborations promise to enrich the learning experience and strengthen professional connections for NSU students in the forensic sciences.
Forensic Laboratory Science is one of the four programs offered in the Department of Physical Science under the School of STEM and the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information about this program, contact Thibodeaux at thibodeauxc@nsula.edu or visit the department website at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-stem/physical-science/.