Local forensic scientist visits Lewes Elementary class

Lewes Elementary fourth-graders who are wrapping up their mystery novel unit had a special treat March 23, when Dr. Charla Marshall took the time to share her experience with real-life mysteries.

A Lewes Elementary parent, Marshall is a forensic scientist with Dover Air Force Base.

During her presentation students were able to engage in conversation with Marshall, learn about her forensic science career and hear about some of the unique cases she has encountered. Marshall works in the DNA lab at the base and leads a team of researchers. She shared information with students about what DNA is, how it can be found or extracted, and how everyone has a unique DNA sequence that helps the researchers identify people, some who even lived hundreds of years ago.

“What better way to wrap up our mystery unit than by learning about how real-life mysteries are often solved,” said Stacy Kotch-Jester, fourth-grade teacher at Lewes Elementary. “It was a great opportunity for our students to connect what we’ve talked about in the classroom, with someone who has firsthand experience working with a team to solve mysteries.”

Marshall also shared her experience working on two interesting cases involving a man named John Barber, who died of tuberculosis in Connecticut about 200 years ago, and one involving bones found of a man named Walter Washington who, through DNA testing, was determined to be a distant relative of George Washington.

“We are so grateful for the presentation Dr. Marshall gave to our fourth-graders at Lewes Elementary,” said Dr. Kim Corbidge, principal. “She truly helped bring the mystery unit to life and the kids thoroughly enjoyed her presentation!”