Summer Springboard

Forensic Science

ON THE CAMPUS OF YALE UNIVERSITY

EXPLORE FORENSIC SCIENCE THROUGH CRIME SCENES, CASE STUDIES, AND TEAM INVESTIGATIONS

THIS COURSE IS ONE WEEK LONG, AND YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR EXPERIENCE TO AS MANY AS SIX WEEKS BY ADDING ADDITIONAL ONE-WEEK COURSES.

Forensic Science @ Yale University

  • Gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in forensic science
  • Analyze crime scene evidence such as fingerprints, hair/fiber traces, blood spatter, and DNA
  • Collaborate in teams to solve crimes using case studies and scientific methods
  • Participate in a realistic crime scene simulation to apply investigative skills
  • Visit the world-renowned Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science on the University of New Haven’s Campus.
  • Visit a local crime lab and speak to both scientists and crime scene investigators.

Summer Springboard

Forensic Science

About This Course

A forensic science program for teens on a university campus in New Haven

Are you fascinated by detective work and intrigued by the idea of solving crimes? Forensic science is a dynamic field that applies scientific methods to collect and analyze evidence for use in the legal system. While forensics encompasses various specialties—such as accounting and psychiatry—this course will focus specifically on crime scene investigations and laboratory science.

Whether you’re interested in working at crime scenes or pursuing a career as a forensic pathologist, this course will help you develop keen observational and analytical skills while exploring key scientific principles. With forensic science rapidly growing in demand, students will gain insight into exciting career paths such as crime scene investigators, medical examiners, and lab technicians.

TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE

Hands-on Learning

This course offers a hands-on approach to learning forensic science, giving students the chance to apply scientific and investigative skills in real-world scenarios. Through interactive crime scene investigations, students will analyze evidence such as fingerprints, trace materials (hair and fiber), blood spatter, and DNA. By working in teams on case studies, they’ll develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities while putting their observational skills into action. This practical experience is designed to bring forensic science to life and prepare students for future careers in the field.

Career Exploration

This course offers valuable career exploration for students interested in the growing field of forensic science. From crime scene examiners and forensic pathologists to lab technicians and DNA analysts, students will learn about a wide range of career paths within the industry. Through hands-on activities and case-based learning, they’ll gain insight into what these roles involve and the education and skills required. This experience provides a strong foundation for those considering a future in law enforcement, medicine, or scientific research.

RESOURCES

Course Infosheet

Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.

Program Catalog

Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.

Campus Page

Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.

“Summer Springboard is a special place that has truly motivated, gave me knowledge, and the experience to help me understand myself better. In addition, to know what I desire in both my professional and personal path.”

-Genesis H. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Forensic Science

Meet Your Instructor

Brooke W. Kammrath Ph.D., ABC-GKE is a Professor of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and co-Executive Director of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science. In addition, she works as a consulting criminalist where she is a qualified expert in both state and federal courts. She received her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in 2013. She has a BA in Chemistry from Northwestern University (2000), a M.A. in Chemistry Education from New York University (2003), a M.S. in Forensic Science and a M.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College (2007 & 2010), and a M.Phil. in Criminal Justice from the Graduate Center (2011).

Professor Kammrath is certified with the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), is on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS), is the past-president of the New York Microscopical Society (NYMS), is a past member of the Governing Board of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS), and is a member of several professional organizations (including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists). She is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Forensic Sciences and Applied Spectroscopy Practica. Dr. Kammrath is the co-editor of the books Portable Spectroscopy and Spectrometry I and II with Richard Crocombe, PhD., and Pauline Leary, PhD. and Solving Problems With Microscopy: Real Life Examples in Forensic, Life and Chemical Sciences with John A. Reffner, PhD, and the co-author of the book Blood Traces with Peter R. DeForest and Peter A. Pizzola, PhD. She has also co-authored 2 laboratory manuals, 11 book chapters, 26 journal articles, 4 encyclopedia articles, and over 100 professional conference presentations.

BROOKE W. KAMMRATH Ph.D., ABC-GKE

“I had a great time at Summer Springboard and learned a lot in my academic course. It’s a fun balance of academics and excursions and college life experience.”

-Justin R. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Forensic Science

Dates & Tuition

2026 Dates
Session 3: June 28 – July 4, 2026
Session 6: July 19 – July 25, 2026

Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.

Tuition First Week
 Residential Tuition: $4,298*
 Commuter Tuition: $2,498*
Course Supplement: $250

*Each subsequent week, if combined with other one-week high school courses at Yale or Oxford: Residential Tuition: $3,298, Commuter Tuition: $1,998

Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.

Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.

Location
 City: New Haven
 State: Connecticut
Campus: Yale University

*Schedule is illustrative and is subject to change. Summer Springboard is operated independently of Yale University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not official positions, statements of advice, nor opinions of Yale University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Yale of any such views or statements.