It’s been called “the CSI effect.” The popularity of television shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and its spin-offs, “Bones,” “Law & Order” and other police procedurals has resulted in a dramatic increase in interest in the field of forensic science among the college-going population. Western is among the universities eager to meet the growing demand, and has launched new programs in forensic anthropology and forensic science.

Well, the fictional characters of Gil Grissom and Temperance Brennan from those TV programs have nothing on the man brought in to lead Western’s multidisciplinary program in forensic science – which includes courses in biology, chemistry and physics, as well as anthropology, applied criminology, clinical laboratory science and psychology. He is longtime FBI special agent Mark R. Wilson, one of the nation’s foremost experts in the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Wilson, who worked with the FBI for 23 years before retiring last June, developed and successfully implemented the use of human mitochondrial DNA typing on evidence obtained from criminal casework, especially involving human bones and hair. He was the first person to testify about results of this type of DNA analysis in the United States and Canada.

Wilson most recently helped establish and manage the new chemical biological sciences unit of the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Va. The unit houses a new research effort dedicated to integrating traditional forensic examinations with the emerging threats of biological, chemical and radiological agents. Wilson started the unit’s research efforts into the forensic characterization of microbial evidence. He also has served as chair of the Scientific Working Group on Microbial Genetics and Forensics, an association of scientists devoted to expanding forensic capabilities targeting biological threats.

“There is genuine interest at Western in extending the opportunities for student development and continued professional development in forensic science,” Wilson said. “The technical capabilities of forensic science are following significant advances in the basic sciences. Particularly strong areas for rapid growth are DNA analysis, genomics, high-resolution image processing, and elemental and isotopic chemical analysis. I’m looking forward to working with students and faculty in these and other related areas.”

Although popular TV shows and books have increased overall awareness about forensic science, it is important to realize that they are fictional entertainment, Wilson said. “The real world of a forensic scientist is no more like ‘CSI’ or ‘Bones’ than the real world of a doctor is like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ or the real world of an attorney is like ‘Boston Legal.’ Forensic scientists do our most important work in the laboratory and in the courtroom,” he said. “Fully understanding the analytical results obtained in the laboratory and how to properly interpret them in a particular context is the foundation of forensic science.”