Thank you Cindy Homer!

Cindy Homer

A special Maine Educational Talent Search thank you to Cindy Homer, Maine State Crime Lab and Adjunct Professor at the University of Maine Augusta.

Cindy presented to students on the vast field of forensic science and explored the varied educational paths individuals take to work in the field. There is no one education path to work in forensics, just a passion for solving puzzles and strong critical thinking skills. Students were interested in learning more about the actual day-to-day work as it compares to TV shows. Cindy dispelled the myth that you can solve a case in a 1-hourshow, but it is similar in that no two days or cases are alike.

Cindy shared there can be challenges in her work, but feels the importance of helping to solve crimes and exonerate innocent people creates a good balance. Cindy shares a passion for working in the lab and as an educator. Cindy shared that she loves teaching and encouraging students to pursue careers in the field of forensics. 

How Stuff Works – Science

FINALLY, SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

So… Now what? Hopefully, lots of time to play, and enjoy the sun! Still, if you’re at all like I am, there’s plenty of down time in the summer, particularly on the (hopefully rare) rainy summer days. In the past, METS has posted fun sites/articles to check out, and we’re hoping to keep doing that going forward.

Today’s site to check out is the How Stuff Works – Science site. If you’re at all interested in the world around you, there’s going to be something on this site worth checking out. From how many planets could actually host life, to why DNA evidence may be unreliable, there’s something on this site for everyone! If you’re more of a listener than a reader, How Stuff Works also has a popular series of podcasts, on a similarly wide number of topics.

Do you have a site or podcast that you go to all the time? Let us know in the comments!

Who invented the number zero?

Did you know that the number zero was invented? If so, did you know that it was independently invented by three different civilizations?

Without zero, many things we take for granted would be impossible, starting with whatever you’re using to read this post! Yes, computers and smart phones are built using math that would be impossible without the number zero.

To learn more, check out this article!