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

  • University of Utah Launches Utah 360 App

    The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, recently announced that it has partnered with digital engagement hub Pathify to launch a new app for the university community, according to a news release.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

  • concentric silhouettes of a human head

    How Physical Space Shapes the Mind: Designing for Better Learning Outcomes

    Research in environmental psychology and neuroscience increasingly suggests that the way a room is designed can influence memory, focus, or even a student's sense of belonging.

Digital Edition