Life Sciences Pre-Medical Illustration students gain real-world experience through forensic collaboration

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — 

A collaboration between Ferris State University’s Life Sciences Pre-Medical Illustration program and Northern Michigan University’s Center for Forensic Science is giving students hands-on opportunities to apply their artistic skills in real-world
forensic research. 

The Life Sciences Pre-Medical Illustration program combines art and science, preparing
students to create accurate visuals for medicine, research, forensic science, and
similar fields. 

Dr. Jane Harris, director of NMU’s Center for Forensic Science, said the partnership
grew naturally after Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration Program Chair Kevin
Brennan reached out following a news feature on the center.  

The Center Forensic Science is a research and training facility in the upper peninsula
where students and scientists study how the human body changes after death to help
law enforcement and advance forensic investigations. 

“It’s been fun to work with artists because they are trained in critique and collaboration,”
Harris said. “These students are doing the actual work of professional illustrators,
producing images that have real scientific applications.” 

“This gives students the opportunity to work with content experts on projects that
will be used as teaching aids,” Brennan said. “They develop the ability to work with
primary literature and produce visual materials appropriate for specific audiences,
whether that’s law enforcement or students in the field.” 

Former student Sharon Whinston described her experience working with the Center on
research focusing on the human hand. 

“I created illustrations focused on the anatomical variation of the hands to accompany
ongoing research that will be presented at the 2027 American Academy of Forensic Sciences,” Whinston said.
“Being part of this research and understanding the real-world applications of my work
was incredibly rewarding.” 

Whinston, who later transferred to pursue medical school, said the experience gave
her confidence in scientific research and helped her stand out in competitive programs. 

“This project was one of the most impactful experiences of my college education,”
she said. “It helped me get accepted into a competitive research program and clarified
my goal of becoming a physician specializing in forensic pathology.” 

Alum Grace Fowler said her collaboration with Harris showed her how medical illustration
can directly improve scientific communication.  

“Knowing that my illustrations would be used to help solve a real problem gave me
immense joy,” Fowler said. “We created sex estimation guides that field researchers
can use to determine characteristics of human skeletal remains more accurately.” 

For Harris, the work students produce speaks for itself. “These students are producing
work that makes a difference in both the scientific and criminal justice communities,”
she said. “It’s exciting to see them gain that real-world experience before graduation.” 

The collaboration continues to expand as both universities explore new research opportunities
based on student-specific interests. The partnership reflects Ferris State’s commitment
to career readiness through hands-on learning, helping students build the skills and
confidence to excel in medical and forensic science fields. 

Written by Kayla Benda