Capstone Project Highlight Series: Annabelle Crescenzo ’21

Each year, a number of junior and senior class members choose to participate in the MFS Capstone Program. Designed to challenge students who wish to pursue advanced study in a particular field, the program asks participants to produce scholarly work by engaging in independent research and/or creative development under the guidance of an MFS faculty member. This series highlights recently completed projects of the 18 senior students in the program. 

How realistic is the crime portrayed in literature, television, and movies? Do the storylines follow true forensic science? These are the questions that Annabelle Crescenzo ’21 worked toward answering in the podcast she created for her capstone project: Forensics, Sherlock, and More. 

What started as a plan to write a research paper analyzing the forensic science within Sherlock Holmes adaptations morphed into a plan to create a podcast after being inspired by Sawbones, Annabelle’s favorite podcast which discusses medical “solutions” of all types throughout our history. Creating the podcast was a new challenge and a different take on a capstone that allowed for creativity and engagement with the Sherlock Holmes and forensic science communities around the world. With a listening audience that now includes people from 12 different countries, Forensics, Sherlock, and More “discovers the similarities and differences shared between the greatest detective [Sherlock Holmes] and modern analysts.” 

Annabelle’s friends and classmates Lauren Kam ’21 and Kayla Patel ’21 helped to make it a success by providing music for the introduction and conclusion of each episode and serving as podcast co-hosts. Read more about Annabelle’s project on her capstone page. Listen to her podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Anchor and follow the Forensic, Sherlock, and More Instagram for fun facts and podcast updates.