Phoenix Public Library: Science in Focus – Planted at the Scene of the Crime

This talk will examine the use of plants and other organisms such as algae and fungi traditionally grouped with plants as evidence in criminal investigations. Starting with the wood grain of the ladder left at the Lindbergh residence and continuing into modern genetic techniques, we will review how plant evidence has in the past and can be expected in the future to help  solve crimes, prosecute the guilty, and free the innocent.

Ken Sweat is a teaching professor and Senior Global Futures Scientist in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at ASU West Valley, where he has worked since 2000. Dr. Sweat’s research has examined science education, the use of plants to remediate elemental pollution, the heat of chili peppers, and pollen. Dr. Sweat has also designed and taught classes for the university and the public on a diverse assortment of topics including climate change, forensic botany, the natural history of Arizona, cannabis, and fungal diversity.