Rape Exam
Information and Resources
How did this project come about?
The idea for this project germinated at the Montana Forensic Science Division. It grew out of a realization that nurses in Montana need to be trained to perform rape exams and yet there are very few resources available to accomplish this. After several years of trying to deliver traditional classroom programs, it became apparent that a technology-assisted training program that delivered consistent and readily available content was the ticket.
In 2006 the project director approached the Professional and Technical Communications Department of Montana Tech about pursuing a master's degree and developing an online training program as a graduate project. The Tech team quickly signed on, and with the support of the Montana Department of Justice and funding from the STOP Violence Against Women Program from the Montana Board of Crime Control this project officially grew legs.
The Project Director
Lori Hutchinson is a molecular biologist who spent the first 12 years of her career doing basic research. In 1996, she was hired by the Utah Bureau of Forensics Services as a criminalist in its DNA program. There she helped bring the latest DNA technology to the lab and analyzed hundreds of sexual assault cases in the process. She also participated in a multi-disciplinary task force that standardized Utah's sexual assault response protocols. In this role, she trained law enforcement officers, lawyers and medical personnel on using the Utah rape kit.
In 1999, Lori was hired by the Montana Forensic Science Division as a forensic scientist. In that capacity, she continued to work forensic cases, manage the DNA Section and became part of an ongoing effort to standardize Montana's rape exam procedures. In 2006, she entered the M.S. degree program in Technical Communications at Montana Tech of the University of Montana.
The Montana Tech Team
Dr. Pat Munday
Pat Munday is Professor of History and Philosophy at Montana Tech in Butte. Dr. Munday has been a keen supporter of this project since its inception, providing guidance in the grant writing process and now serving as chair of Lori Hutchinson's graduate committee. He has played a major role in keeping this project focused and on schedule.
Dr. Munday's favorite course is “Technology & Society” and most days his registered therapy animal RolyTheDog accompanies him at work. In 2006, he began an ambitious research project on the role of citizens and grassroots groups in shaping Superfund remedies in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. When not at work, you might find him fly-fishing on the Big Hole River, backpacking in the Pintler Wilderness, elk hunting along the Continental Divide, or cross-country skiing on trails at The Moulton.
Professor Chad Okrusch
Butte native Chad Okrusch is a professor in the Professional and Technical Communications Department at Montana Tech. He has been involved in web development since the inception of the Internet and was an early adopter and adapter of online education. He brings his expertise in web design and online curriculum development to this project. He serves on Lori Hutchinson's graduate committee and is the technical guru behind the training portion of this program. He has also provided guidance and oversight in the usability testing phase of this project.
Dr. Simon Hemingway
Simon Hemingway served as a a visiting professor in the Professional and Technical Communications Department at Montana Tech during the 2006-2007 school year. During this time he offered his talents in numerous ways to this project, including instruction in web design, video production and web hosting. He has a PhD in Communications from the University of Texas and specializes in web design, online marketing, video production and writing. His eclectic background in industry has taken him from "dot.com" to Hollywood.
Simon is currently creative services director at a marketing and public relations firm in Helena and consults in the same capacity to another firm in Houston, Texas. He also remains involved in the entertainment industry and has plans to produce a feature film in Montana from one of his scripts in the summer of 2008.
Karen VanDaveer, MN, RN
Karen VanDaveer is Director of Nursing at Montana Tech. She has been involved in the nursing field for 28 years and has 18 years of experience in nursing curriculum development. Karen serves on Lori Hutchinson's graduate committee and brings a much needed nursing perspective to this project. She has also been instrumental in arranging test subjects for the usability testing phase of the project.
Others to Thank
It's no exaggeration to say that this project would not exist without the support of the Montana Department of Justice, the Montana Board of Crime Control and the Montana Forensic Science Division. We would especially like to thank Bill Unger, Administrator of the Montana Forensic Science Division, not only for his support of this project but his ongoing help in administering the VAWA grant.
Here's how you can help support this project
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