Upper Peninsula Teaching & Learning Conference - 2026

In this 20-minute session, Instructor Crystal Keso will share her experience and lessons learned from implementing a high-impact experience in a Forensic Chemistry course. Forensic Chemistry is an upper-level course required for NMU Forensic Biochemistry majors. Instructor Keso teaches the DNA identity testing unit and has replaced a traditional lecture exam with a unit project assignment. The unit project requires students to select a topic of interest within the scope of DNA identity testing and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the field. Students work in collaborative groups, share information with peers, and engage in reflective writing. In this session, Instructor Keso will share how she aligned this experience with high-impact principles and the lessons she has learned over the past three years.