Students in Mrs. LaPorte’s 7th-grade science class recently welcomed special guests from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) for an engaging look at forensic science. Detective Sergeant First Class Erin Micciulla, assigned to the Investigations Branch of the New Jersey State Police, visited alongside NJSP forensic anthropologist Dr. Anna Delaney and graduate intern Camille Martin of New York University.
Detective Sergeant Micciulla, who is also the proud parent of a Manchester student, spoke with students about her path into law enforcement, sharing how she previously served as a State Trooper and worked in specialized investigative units before moving into her current role. She described the types of cases investigators handle and explained how teamwork, attention to detail, and science often play a critical role in solving investigations and helping families find answers.
Dr. Delaney introduced students to the field of biological anthropology and explained how forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to assist with investigations. She brought a variety of specimens for demonstration, including human bones and animal skulls, and showed students how experts can estimate age, identify remains, and determine different types of trauma by studying bones.
The visit gave students a unique opportunity to see how science is used in real-world investigations while highlighting potential career paths in science and law enforcement. It was also an inspiring opportunity for students to meet those working in science and law enforcement, helping them recognize that careers in STEM fields are attainable and impactful. It was an engaging experience that helped connect classroom learning to the important work being done in the field.
Thank you to the NJSP for bringing such an engaging and personalized presentation to our middle school students this week!