Forensic Investigation Club to hold footwear impression project

The University of Wisconsin Platteville's Forensic Investigation Club, the Huff Family Innovation Center and the Forensic Investigation program are teaming up for a hands-on event focused on creating footwear impressions for the Madison State Crime Lab.

"Gaining new footwear impressions is important to keep the footwear database up to date with new models, brands and outsole designs," explained sophomore Danielle Baier, president of UW-Platteville's Forensic Investigation Club. "When the footwear database is up to date, it can lead to more accurate search results and faster identification times."

Earlier this month, students visited the Madison State Crime Lab, where they learned from professionals who work in forensic science every day.

Three interactive stations will be set up for attendees to explore:

• Footwear impression station using powder.
• 3D scanning station to capture detailed outsole images.
• Substrate impression station demonstrating how different surfaces affect prints.

The event will take place at the Huff Family Innovation Center on Friday, October 24, from 5-7 p.m.