Defiance College Digital Forensic Science Program Receives International Award

DEFIANCE, OH – An innovative project developed by Defiance College digital forensic science students and faculty recently received international recognition at the Reimagine Education Conference sponsored by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Selected to a shortlist of nominations from more than 800 applicants, “The FAGIN Project @ Defiance College: Authentic Service Learning” was presented at the conference by Tim Wedge, associate professor of practice in digital forensic science, and Dr. Tim Rickabaugh, interim vice president of academic affairs.

The project was selected by conference judges to receive the second place Silver Medal among all entries in the Ethical Leadership in Education category.

One of very few entries from small colleges, the project had compelling potential impact in the area of preventing human trafficking of children. The zero-cost prototype was developed as a DFS student project and utilizes facial recognition programs to identify potential matches between minors displayed on sex trade websites and those listed (and shown) on missing person lists.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

Featured

  • St. Lucie County, Fla., Breaks Ground on New K–8 School

    St. Lucie Public Schools in St. Lucie County, Fla., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K–8 school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., for the design of the upcoming Ft. Pierce K–8 School, which comprises six buildings covering 215,000 square feet.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.