She may have been left alone if Joran thought she was asleep/unconscious.
FSU's UCSI program requested for search of missing Alabama teenager
by Elodie Brisset
July 25, 2005
Members of Florida State University Panama City's Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (UCSI) program recently returned from Aruba where they helped in the search for missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway.
Assistance from the UCSI program, part of the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was requested on behalf of the Prime Minister of Aruba, The Texas EquuSearch Team (a non-profit volunteer-based organization dedicated to the search and recovery of missing persons), and other law enforcement officials.
A team of four experts all from Florida State's Panama City campus were carefully chosen based on skills and expertise for the search dive, according to Tom Kelley, criminologist and UCSI program director. The team was comprised of Dale Nute, a forensic scientist with over 40 years of experience, Mike Zinzser, diving safety officer and director of the Advance Science Diving Program, Mark Feulner, underwater archaeologist and technology specialist, and Dan Walsh, former Coast Guard Diver and dive engineer.
During their dives, the team used side-scan sonar, a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and cameras. The side-scan sonar -- originally created to detect shipwrecks -- is unique in that it uses ultrasonic waves to locate objects.
After four days and four different search sights no results were found. However, the team's efforts were successful in that they covered all the areas they were asked to, despite the constant currents and deep-water caverns.
"It was similar to diving into a washing machine," Kelley said.
The UCSI program is exclusive because it is the only academic-based program of its kind in the United States. Before the program was created, there was nothing comparable to this high caliber of underwater crime investigation on the university level.
Initially formed by Kelley, the program was recognized and funded by the Department of Defense and has been able to expand very rapidly within the past few years.
Students can minor in UCSI with their undergraduate degree from the College of Criminology as well as continue for their Masters degree. Students from all over the country are taking advantage of this academic program.
In addition, numerous fields are using forensic diving, such as biology and archaeology. One of the program's goals is to teach how to preserve data correctly.
Not only has the UCSI helped the case in Aruba, but they are also called out regularly for drowning or homicide victims in Tallahassee's surrounding counties. In 2004, team members assisted Escambia County by recovering vehicles and victims in Escambia Bay due to Hurricane Ivan and the I-10 bridge collapse.
All the procedures that were applied in Aruba are taught through the UCSI under an auxiliary program. Three 100-hour courses can be taken ranging from identifying hazardous material to becoming a public safety diving officer.
Since the program's establishment, there has been a 200 percent increase in enrollment. "The students should come well prepared physically and mentally, for the program is very demanding," Kelley said.
Through training exercises and surface tests, the students become skilled divers.
Scenarios such as terrorists taking over barges with toxins that could in turn affect thousands of people are just some of what the students prepare for.
For more information regarding FSU Panama City UCSI curriculum, contact Kelley at (850) 522-2054 or visit the school's website at www.FSUPC.com.