4 minute read
Solving Crimes from the Classroom
Neumann University proves college-community partnerships work for everyone
BY DR. THOMAS DODDS
DETECTIVE JOE WALSH of the Aston Police Department came to Neumann University with a bold new idea: to build a new digital forensic lab on campus that leverages the synergy between the University Cybersecurity program and the local digital forensics community. This led to a collaboration between the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Aston Police Department, which blossomed into the first East Coast digital forensics crime lab at Neumann University, where students and detectives work side by side to solve crimes.
Students in the Neumann Cybersecurity program now have a truly unique opportunity. They can earn a cybersecurity forensics degree while gaining invaluable exposure to actual casework, not just under the guidance but together with seasoned forensic experts. This handson forensic internship is a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, equipping students with the technical skills, work ethic, and soft skills necessary for a successful digital forensic career. This dynamic approach allows students to apply their classroom knowledge, acquire practical skills, and gain a realistic insight into forensic careers, empowering them for future employment.
Through their collaboration with our students, the Aston police forensic team has already begun to shape the next generation of forensic scientists. Our students provide extra manpower, assisting with tasks that do not require highly specialized skills, thereby freeing up professional forensic experts to focus on more complex aspects of cases. For instance, five cyber students have dedicated their summer to full-time work in the lab, immersing themselves in the same tools and equipment used by cybersecurity professionals. In fact, with the pressing demand for qualified forensic scientists, the new forensic lab is already making a significant impact by inspiring and training students in the day-to-day activities of a forensic professional and hopefully inspiring them to pursue careers in forensic science. This initiative is not just about our students but about the positive change it brings to our community, making it safer and more secure.
This partnership between local police forensic groups, forensic professionals, and our students is a win-win situation, offering mutual benefits in terms of education, innovation, resources, and practical skillbuilding. For instance, two students recently assisted with investigating an attack on an older adult whose bank account was broken into and tracked the online presence of a robbery suspect. One of the first students involved in the program is currently considering a position in the forensic investigation group at a major drug company. The enthusiasm among students for this program is palpable, and with the collaboration of Detective Walsh, the University anticipates having at least four to five full-time internships available each semester.
Throughout their time in the program, students interact with experienced forensic professionals who can provide mentorship, career guidance, and insights into the field. The experience the students get in applying their skills in the cyber forensic lab sets them apart in opportunities ranging from the local police force to the FBI to technology firms and large corporations. The Neumann University forensic journey is not just about skill building but about providing a unique opportunity in the classroom and the real world to ensure our students are at the forefront of this exciting journey. This journey is not just about learning but about the promising career paths it unlocks for our students, filling them with hope and excitement for their future in the field.
Dr. Thomas Dodds is director of the Cybersecurity program at Neumann University.
