PCPG Field Trip
Forensic Geophysics Field Experience (645 PDH mins.)
Important: Participants will need a laptop computer for Friday's data processing and interpretation component of this field experience.
Visit PCPG's Technology Overview page before registering. You will be required to affirm before check-out that you read, and can meet the minimum requirements for the self-installed Windows software, and will be able to access an external cloud-based software application (multi-platform), too. (Apple users should use an emulator for the Windows software.) If you need IT to prepare your laptop ahead of your arrival, relevant links are provided on the PCPG Technology Overview page. If your organization prohibits loading of this software, or access to the cloud-based platform, you may want to bring your personal laptop.
Best Western Plus Dutch Haus Inn & Suites
Heritage Room
150 E State Route 14
Columbiana, OH
Space limited to 25 enrollments.
DOWNLOAD AGENDA
Professional Development
Delaware and South Carolina: 60 mins. = 1 CEU
Pennsylvania: 50 mins. = 1 PDH
Texas: 60 mins. = 1 PDH
Attendance certificates will be distributed via email within 4 business days of event's conclusion. You must sign-in and sign-out to receive a digital certificate of attendance.
Presenters
Thomas E. (Tom) Jordan, PhD, PG
Researcher & Part-Time Faculty
Youngstown State University
Dept. of Physics Astronomy, GIS, Geology, & Environmental Sciences
Jeffrey C. (Jeff) Dick, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Applied Geology
Youngstown State University
Dept. of Physics Astronomy, GIS, Geology, & Environmental Sciences
Overview: This unique 1.5 day short course will provide attendees with hands on experiences regarding the setup, data collection, data processing work flows, and interpretation methods for geophysical devices commonly used by forensic scientists to detect clandestine graves and other near surface items that may be of interest to law enforcement officers and others.
The methodologies and training provided during this field experience are also commonly used by professional geologists and engineers to assist with the characterization of near surface features. Equipment provided during this field experience includes ground penetrating radar (GPR) devices from various manufacturers, an ultra-sensitive potassium gradiometer, and an electromagnetic induction (EMI) device. Field data will be collected at a historical cemetery and then at a clandestine grave research site. Participants will need a laptop computer for the data processing and interpretation component of this field experience. The GPR data we collect will be processed using a cloud-based software that will be made available for a limited time specifically for our attendees. The gradiometer and the EMI data will be processed using a Windows based software that has a 14-day free trial evaluation.
Who should attend: This event will provide a unique hands-on experience with a variety of geophysical devices and data processing software in a friendly, low stress, learning environment. Those that should consider attending this field experience include forensic scientists, law enforcement officers, geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists
Level: Those with no or little hands-on experience with these devices or with processing data will find this short course to be rewarding and are encouraged to attend.
Youngstown State University Body Farm video
(Graphic content seen in video not part of field trip.)
Schedule
Thursday, June 5, 2025—Day One (450 PDH mins.)
(weather appropriate gear with sunscreen/hat recommended)
8:00 -8:30 Arrivals, Registration, Morning Coffee, Networking
8:30-9:15 Opening Comments, Agenda Overview & Discussion
9:15-9:30 On-boarding front of hotel, departure for Firestone Park & Cemetery
9:45 Equipment Set-up, Data Collection Protocols, Data Collection
11:30-Noon Box Lunch Firestone Park & Cemetery Maple Grove Pavilion #3
Noon-1:30 Discussion on approach for data collection; debrief on preliminary cemetery results
1:30 Depart for Youngstown State University Body Farm & Preliminary Overview on What to expect
2:00-4:30 Data Collection @ Body Farm
4:30-5:00 Departure/Debrief/Discussion
5:00 Arrive at Best Western - Day One Concludes
6:00-7:30 Tentative Continental Drifters Networking event at nearby facility. Transportation on own. Complimentary beer/wine/soda and snacks and provided as part of your enrollment fee. Dinner on own.
Friday, June 6, 2025—Day Two (195 PDH mins.)
(Data processing requires laptop, pre-loaded with a Windows-only program, and able to access a website using web-based software)
8:00-8:30 Arrivals, Registration, Morning Coffee, Networking
8:30-Noon Data processing, data analysis, data interpretation (with 15 min. mid-morning break)
Noon Evaluations, Sign-Outs, Departures
About our presenters: Youngstown State University (YSU) professors Drs. Tom Jordan and Jeff Dick were the recent recipients of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in recognition for assisting the FBI in several criminal investigations and for their forensic geophysics research involving simulated clandestine burials. Dr. Jordan received his PhD in near surface geophysics from the University at Buffalo, teaches various upper level geology courses at YSU, and has nearly four decades of experience working in the environmental and natural resources sectors as a professional geologist. Dr. Dick is a professor emeritus and former Chair of the Geology Department at YSU. He received his PhD in engineering geology from Kent State University and was instrumental in the development of YSU’s simulated clandestine grave (aka body farm) research facility. Both Drs. Jordan and Dick take great pride in their innovative teaching methods that keep students from all life experiences engaged in the topics presented.
Hotel Room Rate: For the night of Wednesday, June 4th: $128++ and for the night of Thursday, June 5: $147++. To make your reservation, phone Best Western Plus Dutch Haus Inn & Suites by dialing 1 (866) 482-5050 and request the special rate for the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists.
Special rate cut-off date is May 6th, or when sold out. Be sure to ask for the cancellation policy tied to this rate.
