Wednesday, October 19, 2016

CV Alum Talks Forensic Biology

Alumnus Ben Cooley, a Forensic Biologist working for the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office, returned to CVHS on October 18 to speak with Mrs. King's and Mrs. Tremmel's PLTW – Principles of Biomedical Science, and Anatomy and Physiology classes.

Ben began his presentation by discussing his educational path and how it led to his first job with molecular diagnostics lab that had a primary focus on detecting the onset of pancreatic cancer and its recurrence.

One of the things Ben most enjoyed about his first job was that it was the same type of work that he would eventually find in forensics. Today, Ben is a Serologist and DNA expert for the ME's office and also teaches a graduate level serology class (the study of bodily fluids) at Duquesne University.

"My career choice was influenced by the original CSI series when I was in 6th grade," Ben revealed. "I was really struck by character Gil Grissom saying that his job was, in essence, to speak for the dead. To tell their story and get them justice -- so that's what I try to do."

Explaining that his job at the ME's office has two distinct roles: one as scientist, which he enjoys most because he is collecting and examining evidence. His other role is that of an expert witness.

"The forensic side allows me to examine and test the evidence and form opinions on my findings. I communicate those opinions to juries and then defend my hypotheses against attorneys' arguments. Defense attorney, prosecutor and judge -- I have to get everyone to understand what I did and how I did it to arrive at a cause or reason for death," Ben explained.

"Many jurists just don't have the level of understanding that they would need to understand the science involved, so I'm also like a teacher in that sense. I speak from the evidence. It's not my job to prove guilt or innocence. I merely speak to the evidence and the jury decides the case based on what I've provided them."

A special thanks to Ben for taking time out to visit his alma mater and talk to students about his career path.

Monday, October 17, 2016

CV Alum Pays Tribute in Washington, D.C.



Chartiers Valley alumnus, T.J. McConnell, and teammates from the Philadelphia 76ers paid tribute while in Washington, D.C. for a basketball game.

The team visited several historical sites in our nation’s capital, including Arlington Cemetery, where McConnell and two of his teammates participated in a wreath ceremony. At 4 pm, during the hourly changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, McConnell and his teammates presented a wreath on behalf of the Sixers. The ceremony was led by Staff Sergeant Ruth Hanks, the fourth woman in history to achieve the rank of Tomb sentinel.

Following the presentation of the wreath, McConnell and his teammates stood in salute as taps was played on the trumpet.


Read more…

CSN Philly: Sixers Pay Tribute During Tour of Washington, D.C. Historical Sites

NBA.com: D.C. Area Trip Helps Team Keep Perspective

NBA.com Photos: Sixers Visit Pentagon Memorial & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier