Kathy Mirakovits
About Us -- Kathy Mirakovits
Kathy Mirakovits is an educator from Kalamazoo, Michigan who designs curriculum, conducts workshops, and has taught high school forensic science, advanced physics, and other science courses. Kathy retired from teaching high school students to focus her attention on training teachers who wish to bring forensic science into their classrooms. Additionally, she is a part time instructor in the physics department at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She has developed and is now teaching a forensic science course for the college.
Since 2000, Kathy Mirakovits has conducted outstanding workshops across the United States for teachers interested in learning forensic science and its application in science education. Kathy has developed numerous innovative forensic educational kits and materials for use in the classroom.
See Kathy in action on YouTube!
Kathy has been honored to receive awards recognizing her leadership as an educator including:
-- Western Michigan University - Mallinson Institute for Science Education Distinguished Alumni Award - 2018.
-- Western Michigan University - College of Arts and Sciences Pillar Award for Learner Centered Excellence. - 2018.
-- Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Finalist - 2013 and 2007.
-- American Association of Physics Teachers, Michigan Section - Distinguished Service to Physics Education Award - 2011.
-- Radio Shack National Teacher Award - 2003.
Kathy received training in forensic science by attending forensic science workshops sponsored by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, four weeks of forensic science training at the Connecticut State Crime Lab, and completed the basic bloodstain analysis course for certification. She is a member of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA).
Forensic Science: The Basics, Fourth Edition is fully updated, building on the popularity of the prior editions. New topics added to this edition include coverage of the formation and work of the NIST Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSACs), new sections on forensic palynology (pollen & spores), forensic taphonomy, the opioid crisis, forensic genetics and genealogy, recent COVID-19 fraud schemes perpetrated by cybercriminals, and a wholly new chapter, Forensic Psychology. Additionally, many chapters have case studies that tie in the chapter content to an actual criminal case.
The Basics of Investigating Forensic Science: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition presents foundational concepts in forensic science through hands-on laboratory techniques and engaging exercises. The second edition is fully updated to include extensive full-color photos and diagrams to reflect current best-practices focusing on laboratory procedure, techniques and interpretation of results. This lab manual is an excellent companion to the textbook but it can also stand alone as a lab manual for beginning forensic science lab courses. The labs are divided into five units: Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation, Patterns and Impressions, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Physics.
Teachers may request an examination copy of both the textbook and the lab manual through the publisher via the following links: