'CSI' spurs interest in Weber State program

He laughs when the actors use the "blue light," which is similar to what real-life investigators call "alternative light." It is beamed on evidence that cannot be removed from the scene and can shine on evidence that light waves from other light sources conceal.

"They flash it at every scene (on TV). It's kind of funny," Pilkington said. "It's not dramatic enough, so they'll shine their blue light around it. They act like, 'Oh, I can see it so much better.' In reality, it's dark and you can't see at all."

The rays from blue lights absorb blood. Blue lights primarily are used to detect hair, fibers and body fluids, he said.

The sub-plots involving the personal lives of characters in TV land are much more exciting than you're likely to find in real life, too.

"We're a bunch of boring people. We're just science nerds," Pilkington said.

Gaskill makes sure his students know their careers will be different from the television program. Students in the criminalistics program, one of the undergraduate criminal justice programs at WSU, learn how to analyze hair, fiber, guns, blood and fingerprints. The first DNA class will be taught next semester.

In an upper-division, yearlong forensics course, he recently lectured for about two hours on differences between single- and double-action revolvers, the advantages and disadvantages of using semiautomatic and automatic weapons. The students will need to memorize dozens of different weapons and their features for an upcoming exam.

He showed students his own locked breach shotgun. "Next to my wife and children, this is my favorite thing in the world," he joked.

Although the topic may seem boring, he reminded his students they'll need to know about hunting rifles if they are investigating a poaching case. The more specific the soon-to-be investigators can pinpoint a gun by its type, year and model, the higher the chance of solving a crime, he said.

Raquel Adams entered the program before the television show. "I like to solve things. I like to solve mysteries. It's interesting to look at hair and know if it's animal or human," she said.

Adams, who will graduate next year, is a bit worried about finding a job. Gaskill tells his students there are plenty of jobs, but most are outside Utah. Utah, where the crime rate is generally low, only has a handful of crime labs. Salaries range from $35,000-$40,000 a year, Gaskill said.

Tezak, who will graduate in a year, is excited to leave Utah and launch her career: "It seems that this is something that could help other people."

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E-MAIL: lhancock@desnews.com