Forensic Scientist and Historian Join ASMS as New Instructors

ASMS is excited to welcome several new teachers next year. Let’s meet two of them!

 

Ms. Cathryne Smith will join ASMS as an Interdisciplinary STEM Instructor, teaching courses in Biology and Math. One of these classes is Introduction to Forensic Science. Ms. Smith holds an MS in Forensic Science, is finishing her doctorate in the subject, and is the forensic science subject matter expert on a departmental advisory board for the University of South Alabama. About the new class, she says, “We’ll explore topics like crime scene investigation, DNA, toxicology, entomology, and evidence analysis through mock cases and real-world applications.” In her free time, Ms. Smith enjoys Broadway shows, horror movies, and true crime media.

 

Mr. Patrick Ward will serve as a History Instructor, teaching traditional courses such as AP Human Geography, Government, and Economics as well as electives like The New South and A Little Revolution. As a historian, his areas of interest are Alabama, the South, medicine, and smaller activist-centered histories. He is completing his dissertation and wrapping up his PhD at Auburn University. His hobbies include tabletop gaming and reading science fiction. Mr. Ward is an ASMS alum from the class of 2016. He will join Ms. Webb and Mrs. Id-Deen in the ranks of ASMS graduates who have gone on to become ASMS teachers.

 

Both new instructors look forward to meeting our students. Ms. Smith says, “I’m excited to work with curious, motivated students who enjoy asking questions and diving deeper into ideas. ASMS offers such a unique learning environment, and I’m especially excited to help build new opportunities in science through courses like Introduction to Forensic Science.” Mr. Ward says, “The unique combination of incredibly smart and curious students and an academic environment specifically built to foster that hard work is a dream come true for me as an educator.”