Historical Does Not Mean Famous by Dory

Historical Does Not Mean Famous by Dory - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Generally when this question is asked the people who come to mind are the greats; these include Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Einstein, Plato and the like. However, I do not believe that to be a historical figure you must be famous. There are many underrated humans that have contributed to our history and forever changed the world as we know it. That is why I would invite Archibald Reiss to dinner.
Archibald Reiss is known to be the first person to bring Forensic Science into academics. He established the first program where Forensic Science and criminology could be studied at the University of Lausanne in 1909. This is particularly important to me because I am currently enrolled at the University of New Haven for Forensic Science and Chemistry. I feel like it would be fascinating to pick his brain and understand how he came about his love and appreciation for forensics. He studied chemistry while he was in school and was an expert in photography. He published two novels, one of which was on Forensic photograph and the other was titled “Handbook of Forensic Science I: Thefts and homicides.” By communicating his love for forensics through the establishment of the first academic Forensic Science program he has forever changed the realm of criminal justice.
I’d love to gain an appreciation and understanding of the origins of my academic discipline. Though clearly technology has revolutionized the study of Forensic Science, I wholeheartedly feel that you will never truly understand anything unless you know its origin. What was Forensic Science like in the early 1900s? What were the barriers that he faced, and what were some advantages? How many people were enrolled in the first Forensic Science class ever taught? These are some of the questions I would like to ask him. I think that Forensic Science is a pretty incredible thing. It allows you to connect the dots and provide solace for those who have lost loved ones in gruesome or brutal ways. I’ve always had a very science oriented brain, so being able to use the scientific knowledge that I have in a way that both helps those suffering and brings those in the wrong to justice is pretty incredible. I have Archibald Reiss to thank for this opportunity, so if given the chance I would be more than lucky to invite him to have dinner with me.