The Departments of Biology and Environmental Science and of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences will host a Forensic Science Seminar on Friday, March 27, at 2:30 p.m. in Propst Hall 109.

The seminar, titled “What is Forensic Science and how does someone become a Forensic Scientist?”, will feature a presentation and Q&A with adjunct professor Dan Matteo and alumna Dr. Hannah Hynds. Together, they will offer insight into the field of forensic science, highlighting both academic preparation and practical, real-world applications.

Matteo, who teaches forensic science courses at Samford—including Crime Scene Analysis, Criminalistics and Questioned-Death Investigations—brings extensive experience in hands-on crime scene work and instruction. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in forensic science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Hynds, a graduate of Samford’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, currently serves as a research scientist in the forensic toxicology laboratory at UAB. Her work focuses on toxicological analyses of post-mortem samples from the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office, as well as clinical samples from hospitals. She earned her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Georgia.

This event offers students an opportunity to learn directly from professionals in the field, explore potential career paths and engage with experts through an interactive discussion.