Just Science: Recent Episodes
RTI International
Just Science is a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system. This podcast deals with a range of issues, including leadership in the crime lab, new technologies, sexual assault response, and broader challenges for science and public security. We cover every type of forensic discipline, including DNA, fingerprints, trace evidence, toxicology, controlled substances, crime scene investigation, and much more!
Some seasons of Just Science were developed by RTI International through the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, a program of the National Institute of Justice, United States Department of Justice and funded in part through cooperative agreement [2016-MU-BX-K110].
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Stacy Sechrist, community violence researcher at RTI International, Jesse Brey, criminal justice researcher and PhD student at Temple University, and Harrod Emmanuel Clay Jr., pastor and community-based advocate, to discuss findings from RTI’s Victim and Witness Participation research project, which is supported by the philanthropy Arnold Ventures.For individuals who have experienced or witnessed severe community violence, there is often hesitation to report the crime, participate in law enforcement interviews, or engage in court proceedings. To better understand these barriers, community violence researchers at RTI International and Temple University conducted interviews with individuals who had recently experienced incidents of severe community violence, and found that fear of retaliation, concerns about social consequences, and poor communication from law enforcement are among the most significant obstacles to victim and witness engagement in the criminal legal system. Listen along as Stacy, Jesse, and Pastor Clay describe the importance of giving victims and witnesses a voice after violent crime, common themes found across the research interviews, and important considerations for improving the legal system’s response to victim and witness participation. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.
In episode one of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month season, Just Science sat down with Jody West, the Forensic Science Manager for the Forensic Biology Section at the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, and Dr. Patricia Melton, a Senior Research Forensic Social Scientist at RTI International, to discuss resources aimed to help forensic science service providers (FSSPs) increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of sexual assault kit testing. Among FSSPs, there is variability in how they approach testing sexual assault kits; some conduct serology testing of samples before moving to DNA testing, while others forego initial serology testing for a Direct-to-DNA approach. Because each processing workflow has distinct costs and benefits, the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) has developed a no-cost tool that helps FSSPs decide on, and advocate for, an approach that is efficient and feasible considering their available resources and needs. Listen along as Jody and Dr. Melton describe the varied approaches to processing workflows in the field, the challenges that FSSPs face when transitioning from one workflow to another, and how the FTCOE’s Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool for Labor Expenditure Associated With Sexual Assault Kit Processing Workflows can foster important conversations about improving sexual assault kit testing workflows. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Chuck Heurich, Senior Physical Scientist with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and Dr. Jennifer Snippen, experienced medicolegal death investigator and consultant, to discuss recent updates to NIJ’s Guide for the Death Scene Investigator. Twenty-five years ago, NIJ released a guide to help medicolegal death investigators navigate complex scenes and cases; a document that has since evolved with the development of best practices and technological advancements. In 2024, a new version was released after a multi-disciplinary group of experts collaborated to make four major changes, including updates to documentation for death notifications to the office, procedures for child death investigations, partnering with law enforcement, and more. Listen along as Chuck and Dr. Snippen describe why the Death Investigation Guide was developed, how the newest updates came to be, and implications for day-to-day operations for medicolegal death investigators. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In the final episode of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Ashleigh Berg, Senior Forensic Investigator for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, to discuss a capital murder case, where a combination of a variety of forensic evidence types aided the resolution of the case. When a homicide occurs in a dynamic environment, like inside a moving vehicle that was involved in two car crashes, it can pose challenges for reconstructing the timeline of events and differentiating incident-related evidence from post-incident artifacts. For a fatal shooting case that took place in Denton, Texas, forensic practitioners needed to utilize a wide range of forensic evidence, such as bloodstain patterns, surveillance footage, and real-time tracking data, to help locate the suspect and provide insight to the investigative questions in the case. Listen along as Ashleigh describes her role in collecting and analyzing evidence in this capital murder case, the importance of considering all evidence and forensic findings in the context of a case, and how a combination of physical and digital evidence was crucial in bringing this case to justice. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode three of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a clinical and forensic podiatrist and current President of the American Society of Forensic Podiatry, to discuss how analyzing a perpetrator’s gait and footprint evidence located at a crime scene can help advance investigations and resolve cases. While locomotive characteristics, like the way our hips swing when we walk, are not as individualizing as fingerprints or DNA, forensic podiatrists can analyze and compare video footage of a perpetrator’s gait to a person of interest’s gait to develop supplemental forensic evidence. This additional information can be used to support a conviction or the exoneration of a falsely accused individual. Listen along as Dr. Nirenberg describes the role digital evidence plays in gait analysis, how forensic podiatrists analyze and compare the gait of a perpetrator to a person of interest, and several cases where the analysis of gait or footprint evidence were key to supporting investigations. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode two of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Tim Fayle, Training Capability Lead for IDEMIA Australasia and Chair of the International Association for Identification’s Latent Print Certification Board, to discuss the utility of friction ridge detail inadvertently captured via photographs as a valuable and potentially underutilized type of evidence within a variety of case types. While the use of latent fingerprints recovered from crime scenes has been established as an important type of forensic evidence for decades, the increasingly widespread use of social media and other digital platforms has contributed to even more opportunities to garner friction ridge detail evidence following a crime. Practitioners and researchers alike have demonstrated the value of utilizing photographs presenting inadvertently captured finger and palm friction ridge detail – obtained via social media posts, other digital forums, and cellphone data – to identify perpetrators and help bring justice to victims. Listen along as Tim describes several cases where inadvertently photographed friction ridge detail was utilized to make an identification to a perpetrator, the various methods and techniques latent print examiners can add to their toolkit to analyze and compare this type of friction ridge detail, and his recommendations for ensuring this type of evidence is not overlooked or underutilized within future cases. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode one of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Anthony (Tony) Earles, Forensics/Identification Unit Supervisor at the Maui Police Department, to discuss the Maui wildfires that occurred on August 8, 2023, including the collaborative nature of the mass disaster emergency response effort; the forensic methodologies and technologies used to identify recovered human remains; and the various challenges encountered during response mobilization due to the isolated geographic location of Maui County, Hawaii. When deadly wildfires impacted Maui County, available resources and existing infrastructure were put under strain. Despite these initial obstacles, through the collaborative response of over one-hundred individuals from federal agencies, external partners, state and local forensic science service providers, as well as members of the Lahaina community, Maui Police Department was able to expand its response capacity, recover unidentified human remains, and identify these remains using a variety of forensic identification techniques including Rapid DNA technology, and more. Listen along as Tony describes how Maui Police Department and the many forensic professionals and first responders involved were able to locate and identify unidentified human remains, the importance of collaboration and communication in mass disaster response, and lessons learned that may support mass disaster response preparedness planning efforts within the forensic community. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode 3 of our economic empowerment season, Just Science down with Megan Lundstrom, the inaugural Director of the Polaris Project’s Resilience Fund, to discuss how flexible cash assistance can support people who have experienced human trafficking. Direct financial assistance, such as stipends or grants, play an important role in supporting economic empowerment for people who have experienced human trafficking. They can be used to seed a small business, participate in a job training program, or further one’s education. Listen as Lauren and Megan talk about the types of direct financial assistance available, and the benefits of these programs for people who have experienced human trafficking. This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. The views expressed in this podcast belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In episode 2 of our economic empowerment season, Just Science sat down with Lenore Shaffer of Restore NYC, Tiffany McGee of Survivor Ventures and Laura Hackney of Annie Cannons experts in the anti-trafficking field to discuss their economic empowerment work. Economic empowerment programs include skill building, job training, and career development for people who have experienced human trafficking. These programs seek to overcome barriers many survivors experience in the workforce and set them on a path for long-term economic mobility. Listen along as Tiffany, Lenore, and Laura talk about their programs, common barriers survivors encounter, and practical solutions for supporting survivors’ economic empowerment journey. This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. The views expressed in this podcast belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In episode 1 of our economic empowerment season, Just Science down with Carolyne Ouya, Program Manager at Futures Without Violence, to discuss core concepts in economic empowerment for human trafficking. For those who have experienced human trafficking, economic or financial consequences are often inextricably linked to their trafficking experience and may leave those people without the skills, resources, or social capital to meet their needs in the community. Listen along as Carolyne talk about the role that victim advocates or social service providers can play in supporting someone’s economic empowerment journey. This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. The views expressed in this podcast belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Pattie Melton, Co-Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Forensics Training and Technical Assistance, or TTA, Program, and Paige Presler-Jur, Associate Project Director for State-based Awards TTA team on BJA’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use (COSSUP) Program and the COSSUP Post-arrest, Pretrial, Defense Counsel, and Courts TTA team, to discuss the importance of TTA – a component of many federal grant programs that helps grant recipients meet their goals and improve program outcomes. When an agency receives a federal grant, they may be faced with a myriad of challenges including setting scalable goals, tracking important program metrics, and planning for sustainability. As a result, training and technical assistance is built into many federal grant programs, so that experts from a separate organization can provide resources and support grant recipients throughout their period of performance. Listen along as Dr. Melton and Paige describe the strategies that TTA providers use when working with grant recipients, the importance of tailoring TTA to meet the unique needs of a community, and how TTA enhances the impact of important federally funded projects. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.
In the final episode of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Kristen Lee, Substance Use Program Coordinator at the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Lizann Roberts, Executive Director of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, and Tara Jennings, Strategic Planning Administrator for Chatham County Government, to discuss their COSSUP-funded Community Data Platform, which helps connect health and justice data for an individual, so that first responders can best meet their needs. For individuals who frequently cycle through jails, homeless shelters, and emergency departments, there is a need to increase access to community resources to break the cycle of justice involvement and reduce the burden on first responders. In Chatham County, Georgia, the Community Data Sharing Program provides real-time data across public health and safety services, helping first responders gain a holistic view of an individual’s justice involvement and refer clients to the appropriate community resources. Listen along as Kristen, Lizann, and Tara discuss why they decided to use data sharing as a tool to better serve clients with a substance use disorder, how they addressed barriers such as data sharing and privacy concerns, and how the program has not only impacted participating clients, but also local first responders and policy makers. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode seven of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Cristi Cain, Local Public Health Section Director at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sally Wright, the All Hands on DECK, or Drug Endangered Children Kansas, Program Manager for the Kansas Department of Health & Environment, to discuss their COSSUP-funded All Hands on DECK Program, which helps support drug endangered youth and families across the state of Kansas. In Kansas and across the country, many children and infants are living in an environment where a caretaker uses substances or where they are born exposed to substances. In response, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment supports eighteen local jurisdictions who are implementing a range of activities to support drug endangered youth, including providing family care bags, administering community and school-based drug awareness trainings, distributing naloxone, and more. Listen along as Sally and Cristi discuss some of the catalysts for creating a youth-focused program in their state, how each local site is identifying and addressing unique needs within their community, and some of the challenges and successes the DECK program has experienced so far. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode six of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Dr. Terry Kerns, Substance Abuse Law Enforcement Coordinator of the Nevada Office of the Attorney General, Dr. Katie Snider, owner of Justice Research LLC, and DJ Mills, Director of Mental Health and Deflection Programs at the Nye Communities Coalition, to discuss their COSSUP-funded MOST and FASTT programs, which help bridge the gaps between law enforcement and social services in rural Nevada. To address the needs of justice-involved individuals with a substance use disorder, there are several opportunities for intervention, including pre-arrest, at the time of a behavioral health crisis; and post-arrest, once an individual has already been incarcerated. In rural Nevada, the Office of the Attorney General has pioneered two types of outreach teams, which help support individuals at both points in their involvement with the criminal justice system. Listen along as Dr. Kerns, Dr. Snider, and DJ discuss how Mobile Outreach Safety Teams, or MOST, and Forensic Assessment Service Triage Teams, or FASTT, operate, the state and local impact of these programs, and how grantees have overcome implementation barriers. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode five of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Dr. Nicole Swiderski, New Jersey Path to Recovery Grant Manager, and Jass Pelland, New Jersey Path to Recovery Program Manager, to discuss how the New Jersey State Parole Board’s 2021 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program award is supporting peer recovery and other services that help individuals with a substance use disorder navigate reentering the community after release from prison. Those who are reentering the community after being released from prison can face a myriad of challenges, including navigating community supervision requirements, finding housing and treatment services, and facing an increased risk of drug overdose. In response to these challenges, the New Jersey State Parole Board has created the Path to Recovery Program, where peer health navigators partner with parole officers to help guide participants through the difficult reentry process. Listen along as Dr. Swiderski and Jass discuss why they decided to implement a peer-led initiative in the state of New Jersey, what barriers they faced when planning and implementing the program, and how Path to Recovery has made a positive impact both in the lives of individuals and for their state a whole. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode four of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, Pharmacoepidemiologist and Senior Scientist in the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center, and Erin Tracy, Research Chemist in the UNC injury Prevention Research Center, to discuss their unique approach to providing drug-checking services on a broad scale. To address and prevent overdose deaths, it is crucial that local public health and harm reduction groups can check what substances are being used in a community, so that they can make informed decisions about local services, policy, and education. The UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab has made these important drug checking services more widely accessible by developing mail-in drug checking kits, which allow organizations to collect their own samples to submit for lab analysis and provide anonymized results back. Listen along as Dr. Dasgupta and Erin discuss types of drug checking technology, navigating the legal and logistical challenges of mailing street drug samples, and the positive impact of their drug checking program. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode three of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Dr. Chris Delcher, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science and Director of the Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the University of Kentucky, to discuss how his team tracks community drug use through wastewater analysis. Much like analyzing a urine sample to determine what drugs an individual is using, analyzing wastewater from a community offers insight into drug trends across an entire region of people. The NIJ-funded weTEST program allows for the collection and analysis of wastewater from rest areas and truck stops in Kentucky to track current drug trends in a timely manner. Listen along as Dr. Delcher discusses his inspiration for using wastewater to monitor drug use, the sometimes-messy process of collecting wastewater samples, and how scientists approach ethical considerations that come with collecting data from wastewater systems. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode two of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Bill Barbour, Fatal Overdose Surveillance Program Manager at King County Medical Examiner’s Office, to discuss his team’s methods for rapid toxicology results after a suspected overdose death. For many medical examiner and coroner offices across the country, it can take several weeks to receive results for post-mortem toxicology reports, which leads to outdated drug trend data and an inability to efficiently address and prevent overdoses in the area. In response to this issue, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office in Washington applied for funding to implement the Fatal Overdose Surveillance Program, which takes a multi-pronged approach to quickly screen for drugs after a suspected overdose. Listen along as Bill discusses the goals of the Overdose Surveillance Program, the challenges of implementing drug screening technologies for rapid death certification, and how the King County office uses their findings to educate the community on emerging drug trends and prevention opportunities. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode one of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Dr. Samantha Tolliver, Chief Toxicologist for the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, or DC OCME, to discuss how their agency uses their Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, or COSSUP, funding to improve their drug testing and analysis processes. For forensic toxicologists, it is important to be able to quickly and accurately identify which substances have contributed to an accidental overdose, so that they can monitor emerging drug trends in the area. The DC OCME’s COSSUP funding has allowed their office to use reference labs to reduce their casework and focus on adopting new methods for drug testing and analysis. Listen along as Dr. Tolliver discusses challenges faced by forensic toxicologist in keeping up with drug trends, the benefits of adopting technology such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, and how improving drug testing methods can contribute to broader community overdose prevention efforts. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Evan Marie Lowder, Associate Professor at George Mason University, Dr. Eric Grommon, Applied Criminologist and Associate Professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, and Dr. Brad Ray, Senior Researcher at RTI International, to discuss their evaluation of the Indianapolis police and mental health co-response team program described in the previous episode. To evaluate the Indianapolis co-response program, a randomized controlled study of 911 calls for service was utilized to help ensure that any positive or negative outcomes were a direct result of the program rather than other factors. When conducted outside of a laboratory setting, this type of study requires extensive planning, coordination, and trust-building between researchers and practitioners. Listen along as Dr. Lowder, Dr. Grommon, and Dr. Ray describe the moving parts that facilitate real-world randomized controlled trials, the importance of directly comparing outcomes from co-response cases to outcomes from traditional policing cases, and the results from the Indianapolis co-response program evaluation. This episode is funded in part by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area and the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team program supported by Arnold Ventures. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Deputy Chief, recently promoted to Assistant Chief, Catherine Cummings of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Jennifer Cianelli, licensed mental health counselor at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, to discuss the implementation of the Indianapolis co-response team program, which provides an alternative to traditional police responses. When a community member requires emergency services during a mental health or substance use crisis, they may benefit from a range of additional or alternative services in conjunction with a traditional law enforcement response. To understand the impact of these alternative responses, public safety and treatment practitioners in Indianapolis collaborated with researchers to pilot a co-response mobile crisis assistance team program, where a mental health clinician is partnered with a police officer for response to any behavioral health related emergency calls. Listen along as Assistant Chief Cummings and Ms. Cianelli describe how providing immediate mental health services and follow-up care can benefit community members while also providing support to police on-scene, helpful advice for practitioners who may want to implement co-response teams, and the importance of partnering with researchers to effectively evaluate these types of programs. This episode is funded in part by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area and the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team program supported by Arnold Ventures. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Katherine Scafide, associate professor and sexual assault response researcher at George Mason University, to discuss how her team is developing methods to improve the visibility of bruises on black and brown skin tones following a sexual assault involving victims of color. During a sexual assault medical forensic exam, capturing injuries such as bruises can be crucial for helping bring a case to justice. To address the challenge of bruise visibility on victims with darker skin tones, researchers are developing methods and technological solutions that better detect and capture skin discoloration for certain cases as well as lead to improved outcomes and promote greater equity for victims of marginalized communities. Listen along as Dr. Scafide discusses how her clinical background informs her current sexual assault response research, the importance of consulting clinical practice guidelines before adopting a new technology, and how her work aims to address equity and inclusivity in sexual assault response. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month special release episode, Just Science sat down with Erin House, Special Assistant Attorney General in Michigan; Richard Johnson, Kalamazoo SAKI Investigator; and Lindsey King, Kalamazoo Community-based Victim Advocate, to discuss their team-based approach for investigating sexual assault cold cases. While DNA can be a helpful tool for convicting sexual assault offenders, many sexual assault cold cases do not include DNA evidence. As a result, it is important for investigators and prosecutors to utilize a variety of methods to bring a sexual assault case to justice. Listen along as Erin, Rich, and Lindsey discuss how their team first approaches a cold case, examples of case success stories, and how a multidisciplinary approach ensures that survivors are always supported and heard. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences
In episode four of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sam Scaggs, research criminologist and corrections expert at RTI International, to discuss how automatic appointment reminders help justice-involved individuals better navigate probation-mandated behavioral health care management appointments. For those involved in the criminal justice system, missing a mandatory appointment such as a court date, treatment service, or parole visit could have serious legal consequences. To help clients manage these obligations, researchers piloted an automated digital appointment reminder system which provides users with quick and concise information about upcoming behavioral health management appointments. Listen along as Dr. Scaggs describes a two-phased approach for developing this system, preliminary results about the efficacy of appointment reminders, and the broad applications that this technology could have in the future. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Todd Craig, retired Acting Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist and Project Manager at RTI International, to discuss how technological advancements can help correctional officers prevent the introduction of contraband into jails and prisons. For correctional officers, preventing contraband from entering jails and prisons is a top priority as it can present a security threat to inmates and staff. To assist officers in their prevention efforts, researchers and practitioners are working together to implement technological solutions that can help keep contraband, such as cell phones, weapons, and controlled substances, out of correctional facilities. Listen along as Todd and Neal describe common ways that contraband enters a jail or prison, how researchers are developing technology to keep up with new contraband threats, and important logistical considerations when implementing these technologies. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Joe Russo, institutional and community corrections researcher with the University of Denver, to discuss how advancements in technology can improve the probation and parole experience for both officers and clients. Community supervision agencies, such as probation and parole offices, are responsible for providing many services to their clients, including case management, location monitoring, and drug and alcohol testing. As these agencies become more understaffed and underfunded, technological innovations can help reduce the casework of officers, while also reducing the burden on clients. Listen along as Joe describes the need for change in community supervision, the pros and cons of technology such as check-in kiosks and smartphone monitoring, and the future of research and development in this field. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Christine Lindquist, Director of the Corrections and Reentry Research Program at RTI International, to discuss the importance of consulting individuals with lived experience when designing corrections and reentry research. To assist incarcerated individuals who are preparing to reenter their communities, correctional institutions are rolling out technologies, such as reentry planning software or special features on tablets or other devices, that could be helpful for developing reentry plans, communicating with service providers, and applying for work opportunities. To investigate the efficacy of these types of technology, it is crucial that researchers consult experts, such as those who were formerly incarcerated, to develop the best research questions and methodologies. Listen along as Dr. Lindquist describes why her team integrates those with lived experience throughout their corrections research, specific examples of how experts have improved research practices, and the impact this work has on individuals who are transitioning out of the correctional system. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Dr. William Parkin, Senior Research Analyst at RTI International, and Dr. Rainer Hilscher, Senior Research Data Scientist at RTI International, to discuss what people do when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonates in a public space. When an IED unexpectedly explodes in a crowded space, people can react in many ways including freezing, fleeing, helping, or hiding. Using information from past attacks, researchers can predict the way people will behave after an explosion, which informs the way first responders are trained for these events. Listen along as Dr. Parkin and Dr. Hilscher describe what they learned from case studies like the Boston Marathon bombing, how they use software to model human decision-making during a crisis, and the unique challenges of conducting this kind of research. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Sarah Cook and Ariane Noar, Researchers in the Security and Extremism Research Program at RTI International, to discuss how their work contributes to the prevention of violent extremism. Many organizations across the country receive funding from the Department of Homeland Security, to implement programs that aim to prevent terrorism and targeted violence. To better understand if these programs are effective and to identify promising practices, it is important to collect data and conduct evaluations. Listen along as Sarah and Ariane describe the need for terrorism and targeted violence prevention, their methods for conducting data-driven program evaluations, and how they engage practitioners who may not be accustomed to research practices. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Matthew DeMichele, Director of the Center for Criminal Legal Systems Research at RTI International, to discuss his research focused on former members of white supremacist groups. Domestic Violent Extremists use violence to further their social or political goals, and thereby pose a significant threat to the American public. To better understand these groups, Dr. DeMichele’s research examines the factors associated with individual vulnerability to radicalization. Listen along as Dr. DeMichele describes important research practices for working with former extremists, findings about how and why radicalization occurs, and the future of de-radicalizing individuals from extremist groups. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist at RTI International, to discuss the growing threat of drone use and how the American criminal justice system is responding. Most people think of drones as a benign hobby or a tool to take aerial photos and videos, however, recent research reveals that drones are increasingly being used for malicious purposes. Drones are easily accessible to the masses and can be used to transport contraband, violate privacy, and even drop explosives. Listen along as Neal describes what exactly a drone is, the many ways that drones are being used to commit crimes, and evolving strategies for the detection, regulation, and mitigation of drone threats. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.
In episode four of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Catherine Grgicak, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rutgers University-Camden, and Stephanie Stoiloff, Chief of the Forensic Services Division at the Miami-Dade Police Department, to discuss their real-world experiences with introducing new forensic technology into practice. While new forensic research products are often innovative and interesting, they may not always be practical in operational forensic laboratories. Researchers should lean on practitioner input to develop technologies that fill a necessary gap, are unbiased, and offer benefits over existing technologies. Listen along as Dr. Grgicak and Stephanie describe lessons learned in their own experiences with technology transition, strategies for approaching product validation, and advice from both an academic and a practitioner perspective. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Catherine Grgicak, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rutgers University Camden, and Henry Maynard, Lead Research Scientist for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, to discuss the importance of developing research infrastructure within forensic laboratories and communication channels with collaborators. Forensic research and advancement are impossible without the input of forensic practitioners; however, many practitioners are not accustomed to engaging in formal academic research. As a result, the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group, or FLN-TWG, has identified important tools for building an infrastructure for research and collaboration within forensic laboratories. Listen along as Dr. Grgicak and Henry describe how research is ingrained in forensic practice, how to empower new forensic scientists to get excited about research, and resources to better integrate forensic researchers and practitioners. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Cleveland Miles, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Division of Forensic Science, and Henry Maynard, Lead Research Scientist for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, to discuss the importance of building partnerships in the forensic community to effectively communicate and advance forensic technology. Successfully transitioning forensic technology into practice requires a coordinated effort between many forensic stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, and industry workers. While building these partnerships is crucial for technological advancement, there are often challenges to overcome when collaborating with individuals from different forensic domains. Listen along as Cleveland and Henry describe the gap in awareness about forming forensic partnerships, actionable strategies for enhancing relationships in the field, and how to navigate the different languages of the various forensic entities. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Lucas Zarwell, Director of the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, and Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller, Principal Scientist and Director of the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence at RTI International, to discuss a newly published roadmap that guides the transition of forensic research and technology innovations into the forensic practitioner community. During the development of new forensic technologies, there are various challenges that result in products not actually being utilized in forensic laboratories. To help the community overcome these challenges, the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group, or FLN-TWG, introduced a roadmap report with action items to help seamlessly and successfully implement new forensic technologies into practice. Listen along as Director Zarwell and Dr. Ropero-Miller describe ways that forensic research products can become unsuccessful, the importance of collaboration between forensic researchers and practitioners, and the process of developing the FLN-TWG roadmap report. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our National Case Closed Project: Supporting Best Practices in Investigation season, Just Science sat down with Michael McKissic, founder of the Mikey23 Foundation, Reverend Rodrick Burton, St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition's Chairperson for Public Safety, and Dr. Stacy Sechrist, Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, to discuss the importance of building trust between law enforcement and community members and ultimately improving gun violence investigations. In many cities in the United States, there has been growing mistrust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, which can negatively impact violent crime investigations and public safety. In response, community organizations are working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and community members to form connections that are rooted in love and understanding. Listen along as Mike, Reverend Burton, and Dr. Sechrist describe recommendations for law enforcement to positively engage in their communities, how to navigate anti-snitching sentiments and fears of retaliation, and the importance of police reaching out to victims’ families after a homicide. This project is supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-21-GK-04008-JAGP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our National Case Closed Project: Supporting Best Practices in Investigation season, Just Science sat down with Lamar Fyall, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Rob Lang, Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, and John Wilkinson, Attorney Advisor at AEquitas, to discuss how state, local, and federal prosecutors’ offices can collaborate with law enforcement to improve case outcomes. While some law enforcement officers may have a go-to contact in their state or local prosecutor’s office, more consistent collaboration and information-sharing practices can help bring violent crime offenders to justice. For example, many prosecutors work with law enforcement to better utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network or NIBIN leads and other crime intelligence to supplement case evidence. Listen along as Lamar, Rob, and John describe their unique experiences building systems of communication between law enforcement and prosecutors, the evolving role of crime gun intelligence in building a case, and improving victim and witness case cooperation. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences. This project is supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-21-GK-04008-JAGP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode two of our National Case Closed Project: Supporting Best Practices in Investigation season, Just Science sat down with Fabio Sanchez, Crime Gun Intelligence Sergeant at the City of Miami Police Department, Yaneisy Delgado, Intelligence Analyst at the Miami-Dade Police Department, and Kevin Armbruster, retired Lieutenant with the Milwaukee Police Department, to discuss how their agencies utilize ballistics evidence and cross-agency collaboration to improve gun violence investigations in the greater Miami area. When a fatal or non-fatal shooting occurs, investigators can submit ballistics evidence to the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, or NIBIN, which will generate potential associations with other firearm cases in the area. Law enforcement agencies in Miami, Florida have developed best practices for utilizing NIBIN and other information-sharing techniques to drastically reduce gun violence rates in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Listen along as Fabio, Yaneisy, and Kevin describe their agencies’ methods for quickly and effectively entering data into NIBIN, using social media and other analyses to track patterns in case evidence, and the importance of information sharing and collaboration for preventing gun violence. This project is supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-21-GK-04008-JAGP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode one of our National Case Closed Project: Supporting Best Practices in Investigation season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Kevin Strom, Director of the Center for Policing Research and Investigative Science at RTI International, and John Skaggs, retired homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, to discuss the goals of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) National Case Closed Project and strategic recommendations for law enforcement agencies to improve their violent crime case outcomes. Nationally, law enforcement agencies clear an average of about half of all gun violence cases, with nonfatal shooting cases cleared at an even lower rate. To help address these low clearance rates, the BJA’s National Case Closed Project conducts assessments of law enforcement agencies across the country, to provide recommendations for improving their approach to fatal and nonfatal shooting investigations. Listen along as Dr. Strom and Retired Detective Skaggs describe the need for a national initiative like the National Case Closed Project, what an agency assessment looks like, and the top recommendations to come out of the project so far. This episode is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance (Award No. 15PBJA-21-GK-04008-JAGP).
In episode eight of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Brian McVicker, a Forensic Footwear and Tire Examiner at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to discuss developing shoe and tire impressions on fabric using ninhydrin. When a victim is stomped or runover, the transfer of skin cells onto the inside of the victim’s clothing can leave an impression of the shoe or tire that was used. Due to the valuable information this can provide to investigations, the FBI Laboratory’s Footwear and Tire Group performed a validation study exploring the efficacy of ninhydrin to develop footwear or tire impressions on the inside of clothing, specially focusing on using an iron as a heat source and dark fabrics. Listen along as Brian describes how the study has expanded existing ninhydrin processing procedures, scenarios in which ninhydrin processing would be helpful to a case, and the value of involving interns in this type of research. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode seven of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Ross Krewenka, Product Manager for IDEMIA, and Mike Ransom, Automated Print Manager for the Michigan State Police, to discuss the development and use cases of contactless fingerprint capture technology. Traditionally, ink and paper are used to capture fingerprints from subjects; however, advances in technology have made it possible to document fingerprints electronically. Furthermore, technological advancements have even made it possible to capture fingerprints without subjects physically encountering fingerprint sensors or being touched by law enforcement. Listen along as Ross and Mike describe the process of adapting industry fingerprint technology to the public safety field, how contactless fingerprint capture technology can benefit individuals with special needs and preferences, and the impact of this technology on the future of identification. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode 6 of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Richard Vorder Bruegge, Senior Physical Scientist at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to discuss how facial recognition technology was used to help identify individuals in photographs in two landmark cases. Many individuals encounter facial recognition technology in their everyday lives like when they unlock their phones. This same technology can help significantly speed up and improve forensic investigations. Listen along as Dr. Vorder Bruegge describes how pattern-based matching is used to compare faces in images, how facial recognition technology was used to assist in the identification of unknown victims in the case against serial killer Israel Keyes, and the quest to determine the identities of the Marines in the famous World War II Iwo Jima flag raising photograph. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode five of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Justin Schorr, Principal Collision Reconstruction Engineer, and Tim Primrose, Mobile Forensic Analyst, at DJS Associates, Inc. to discuss utilizing digital evidence in real-world cases. In the digital age, forensic technology has broad applications for investigations. From cell phone, social media account, and car infotainment system data to three-dimensional modeling for crime scene reconstruction, technology is becoming a staple in forensics. Listen along as Dr. Schorr and Tim describe what kinds of digital evidence is applicable to investigations, the limitations and court considerations for forensic technology, and case examples on how mobile forensics and reconstruction simulations were effectively used to further investigations. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Josh Yonovitz, expert witness in forensic audio, to discuss the history of utilizing voice identification in investigations and the current state of forensic audio. In the 1960’s, voice identification started being used in forensics, but the original voiceprint analysis used was proven to be inaccurate. Nowadays, forensic scientists use a methodology known as Aural-Acoustic Speaker Identification, which is scientifically accepted, but poorly understood. Listen along as Josh describes components of forensic audio, the software and training needed for forensic voice identification, and how forensic audio analysis has helped solve cases. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Laura Matson, an Advanced Latent Print and Footwear Examiner with the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories, to discuss the value of providing footwear investigative leads. Footwear impressions are commonly found in crime scenes; however, these impressions can be difficult to detect and collect which leads to the underutilization of footwear evidence. While traditional footwear analysis compares unknown impressions to a known shoe, footwear investigative leads provide the makes and models of shoes that may have created the unknown impression. Listen along as Laura describes using footwear investigative leads to accelerate an investigation, how her team is developing an internal footwear database, and advice for other agencies that want to further utilize footwear evidence. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Crime Scene Technician Brian Turner and Detective Roberto Caceres from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to discuss a new methodology for processing fired cartridge cases. When a cartridge case is recovered from a crime scene, investigators must typically decide whether to swab it for DNA or process it for latent prints. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has developed a promising new technique that involves processing a cartridge case for both DNA and fingerprints, leading to more evidence available in shooting cases. Listen along as Brian and Detective Caceres describe what factors affect recovery of evidence on cartridge cases, how the M-VAC and the Recover LFT system are utilized in tandem to process for DNA and fingerprints, and case examples highlighting the success of this new method. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Ian Oxton, Forensic Identification Specialist for the Calgary Police Service, to discuss a triple homicide case involving the longest lasting Amber Alert in Alberta, Canada’s history. Operation Amber started as a race against the clock for a missing child and his grandparents, then quickly evolved into a massive search effort on a 40-acre property. During the investigation, a wide range of forensic techniques, including aerial photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic odontology, and footwear analysis, were utilized to resolve the case. Listen along as Ian describes his role as the Primary Forensics Investigator on the case, the challenges of prosecuting a no-body homicide, and the many lessons learned from this groundbreaking case. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Kristin Henning, Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative at Georgetown Law and Author of The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth, to discuss the biases that exist in the American criminal legal system, which disproportionally and negatively impact teenagers of color. Decades of developmental psychology research supports that adolescence is a period marked by risk-taking behaviors, experimentation, and susceptibility to peer influence. While these features of adolescence are normal for all teenagers, teenagers of color are disproportionately punished by the American criminal legal system for behaviors that are developmentally appropriate. Listen along as Professor Henning describes what typical adolescent behavior looks like, the depiction of adolescence and race in the media, and the movement to better inform criminal legal system practitioners about this unique developmental period. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Transformative Research Unit for Equity and the Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an attorney advisor with AEquitas, to discuss her experience working on the Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics training series, as a part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics training series aims to identify and develop resources that help prosecutors and other professionals effectively prepare sexual assault cases for trial and bring a victim’s voice to the courtroom. Specifically, utilizing forensic technology and forensic evidence can be important for advancing justice in a sexual assault case. Listen along as Patti describes some of the innovative tools that have been developed through this training series, her experience taking a multidisciplinary approach to training, and the importance of trauma-informed trial preparation. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode four of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Drs. Lilly Yu and Josh Hendrix, research scientists at RTI International, to discuss a project which documents the implementation of school-based human trafficking safety and prevention programs. For decades, school systems have incorporated safety and prevention programs into their day-to-days, and in recent years, funding is being allocated for developing human trafficking prevention education for students, staff, and educators. As a part of the Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education Demonstration Grant Program, researchers are evaluating these new school-based human trafficking prevention programs to understand their implementation across eight local educational agencies. Listen along as Drs. Yu and Hendrix discuss the goals of human trafficking prevention education in schools, the challenges of developing a standard program to be used across diverse educational districts, and the activities that are used to evaluate these types of programs. This episode is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project (Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I).
In episode three of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Kelle Barrick, Dr. Rebecca Pfeffer, and Natasha Aranguren, research scientists at RTI International, to discuss a study which estimates the prevalence of labor trafficking in Houston as a part of the larger Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. Understanding the scope and nature of human trafficking exploitation is crucial for informing appropriate policy responses both in the United States and internationally. Based on existing knowledge about human trafficking nationwide, researchers from the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project selected constructions workers in Houston, Texas as a key population for studying the prevalence of labor trafficking. Listen along as Dr. Barrick, Dr. Pfeffer, and Natasha discuss the importance of accurately estimating prevalence rates of human trafficking, the recruitment strategies and methodology used in their study, and how they overcame specific challenges associated with this kind of research. This episode is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project (Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Samantha Charm, Christina Melander, Lauren Vollinger, and Brianna D’Arcangelo, research public health analysts at RTI International, to discuss a project which focuses on economic empowerment for those who have experienced human trafficking as part of the larger Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. For those who have experienced human trafficking, economic or financial consequences are often inextricably linked to their trafficking experience and may leave those people without the skills, resources, or social capital to meet their needs in the community. As part of the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project, researchers are developing a guide to help service providers understand fundamentals and important considerations of implementing economic empowerment programs for people who have experienced human trafficking, including programming related to financial education, financial abuse, and supporting employment. Listen along as Samantha, Christina, Lauren and Brianna describe promising practices related to economic empowerment programming for people who have experienced human trafficking, the experience of incorporating trauma-informed practices in human trafficking research, and recommendations for other researchers interested in this work. This episode is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project (Project Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Elizabeth Tibaduiza and Christina Melander, research public health analysts from RTI, as well as Ada Pecos Melton and Rita Martinez, President and Vice President of American Indian Development Associates, to discuss a formative evaluation of the Demonstration Grants to Strengthen the Response to Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities Program or VHT-NC program. Human trafficking in Native communities is an urgent issue in need of response, which is complicated by several factors, such as a need for increased awareness and understanding of human trafficking and limited availability of culturally responsive services and resources. The VHT-NC program aims to assist six communities in building, expanding, and sustaining their capacity to serve Native peoples who have experienced human trafficking through outreach, service provision, and community training. Listen along as Elizabeth, Christina, Ada, and Rita describe the context and implementation of the VHT-NC projects, the structure of a study like the VHT-NC Formative Evaluation, and the importance of engaging community members and incorporating cultural perspectives when conducting community-based research. This episode is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project (Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In the final episode of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Noni Gaylord-Harden, a researcher from Texas A&M University, and Dr. Vicki Johnson-Lawrence, a researcher from RTI International, to discuss how to thoughtfully conduct research outreach and dissemination in a community setting. At the initial stages of community-based research, it is important for researchers to form meaningful connections with community members and listen to their needs instead of making assumptions about what is most important to study or pay attention to. By taking a slow and mindful approach, researchers will ask questions that will be purposeful for the community and foster a better understanding of how to disseminate their research findings in a way that is valuable to the community being served. Listen along as Drs. Gaylord-Harden and Johnson-Lawrence describe what it means to center community voices in research, the importance of being flexible in your research approach, and the challenges of taking a trauma-informed approach to community outreach and dissemination. This episode is funded by the RTI International Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rebecca Campbell, Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University, to discuss the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach when managing a research team. For research staff who are regularly exposed to traumatic material, it can be difficult to recognize and respond to signs of their own vicarious trauma. While there is no perfect roadmap for navigating trauma-informed project management, research leaders are continuing to explore strategies for mitigating vicarious trauma for their team. Listen along as Dr. Campbell describes her career-long learning process for creating a trauma-informed research environment, how to recognize the signs that you or someone on your research team may need a break, and where to find resources for learning more about vicarious trauma. This episode is funded by the RTI International Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Just Science sat down with Katherine Bright, a sexual violence researcher, to discuss the importance of prioritizing trauma-informed data collection methods. Researchers are often conditioned to collect data in a way that minimizes methodological error and prioritizes scientific output. As a result, there is a need to reevaluate research priorities to ensure that participants and staff are working in an environment where they feel safe and connected. Listen along as Katherine describes a three-pronged approach to trauma-informed research, specific ways to increase choice and agency for participants and research staff, and how she develops her evolving research practice. This episode is funded by RTI International's Justice Practice Area.
In episode one of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Drs. Jaclyn Houston-Kolnik, Hannah Feeny, and Rebecca Pfeffer, research scientists at RTI International, sat down to discuss incorporating trauma-informed practices when conducting research. Given the prevalence of trauma among the population, it is important for researchers to be mindful and aware of trauma in their research participants, regardless of whether their studies focus on trauma. Prioritizing a trauma-informed approach from the study design to data collection and dissemination promotes safety and support for all involved. Listen along as Drs. Houston-Kolnik, Pfeffer, and Feeney describe what it means to use a trauma-informed approach in all aspects of the research process, the importance of training research staff to incorporate trauma-informed principles, and their own experiences with creating trauma-informed study designs. This episode is funded by the RTI International Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In the final episode of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Brian Hoey from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory to discuss the importance of practicing good followership within a resilient workplace. In the field of forensic science, there is often an emphasis on practicing good leadership, while few resources are devoted to cultivating good followership. As all practitioners oscillate between positions of leadership and followership, there is a need to better understand how both roles contribute to a resilient workplace. Listen along as Brian describes his experience as both a leader and a follower, creating a culture of mutual respect, and how to identify effective future supervisors. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode 3 of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Jody Wolf, Crime Lab Administrator for the Phoenix Police Department; Tim Scanlan, president of Forensic Analysis, Consulting, and Training, LLC; and Mikalaa Martin, Forensic Scientist at RTI International to highlight the impact of human factors on forensic DNA interpretation. Human factors research is a discipline that examines concepts like undue influence, employee wellness, and human error, which impact the decisions that forensic science practitioners make on a daily basis. The National Institute of Standards and Technology/National Institute of Justice Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation is dedicated to exploring a systems-based approach for addressing human factors, where employees can embrace and learn from their mistakes. Listen along as Jody, Tim, and Mikalaa describe the human factors that commonly affect forensic DNA interpretation, the importance of creating a positive error working culture, and how leaders can cultivate an environment of trust and accountability. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode 2 of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Henry Maynard to discuss the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Forensic Research Committee (FRC). As researchers work to create better tools and technologies for the forensic science community, it is crucial that they are able consult with practicing forensic professionals to better understand their needs and experiences. The ASCLD FRC includes several global programs that aim to connect forensic practitioners with academic researchers to share information and collaborate on research projects. Listen along as Henry describes how the ASCLD FRC helps create higher quality forensic research, how to sign up for programs within the FRC, and the secret for creating a great forensic science working group. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Jamilla Dick-Quashie, Director of Health and Safety, and Meredith Rosenberg, the Department of Forensic Biology Deputy Director, with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to discuss their most successful strategies for creating a resilient workplace in the field of forensic science. In general, the forensic science workplace can be emotionally and physically taxing, as practitioners are expected to maintain a high quality of work while often being exposed to stressful or sensitive situations. In response to this challenge, many forensic science organizations are implementing mental health and resiliency programs that can help combat burnout and create a more adaptable workplace for their employees. Listen along as Jamilla and Meredith describe what it means to be a resilient workplace, the specific strategies utilized by the OCME, and suggestions for other organizations looking to find resources on workplace mental health.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this Special Release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mohammed Almazrouei, a forensic practitioner with the Abu Dhabi Police, to discuss his dissertation work, which examines how workplace stressors may affect decision-making in the field of forensic science. In their daily jobs, forensic science practitioners are tasked with making countless decisions that could make a large impact on people’s lives. As a result of this experience in forensic science, Dr. Almazrouei conducted a pivotal research study to examine how stress affects the way that forensic practitioners make these important decisions. Listen along as Dr. Almazrouei highlights some of the most salient workplace stressors in forensic science, how those stressors affect decision-making, and how he has laid the foundation for future research on this topic. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Mark Pooley, founder of Native Search Solutions, to discuss how the challenges faced by indigenous communities impact sexual assault investigations. In the United States, many indigenous communities are geographically isolated, which contributes to a lack of resources such as police staff and training, healthcare, or even access to the internet. These challenges in conjunction with other cultural and historical considerations, can make it difficult to effectively conduct sexual assault and other violent crime investigations in indigenous jurisdictions. Listen along as Mark describes his experience with violent crime investigations within Native American populations, the specific needs of indigenous communities, and possible steps forward in sexual assault response reform. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Orlando Salinas, Lieutenant Trampas Gooding, and Jennifer Pollock from the Texas Department of Public Safety to discuss how statutes regarding lawfully owed DNA and familial DNA searches are utilized in sexual assault investigations. When an unknown DNA profile is found in samples collected within a sexual assault kit, the unknown profile is searched within national DNA databases such as the Combined DNA Index System or CODIS. To ensure a comprehensive national database and enhance its use as an investigative tool, all states have legislation requiring the collection of DNA from known offenders of qualifying offenses and subsequent entry into CODIS. Some states also allow the use of familial DNA searching in CODIS. Listen along as Orlando, Lieutenant Gooding, and Jennifer describe how they collect lawfully owed DNA samples, conduct familial DNA searches, and talk about specific cases that were solved by using these investigative tools. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, the Associate Dean of the Brigham Young University College of Nursing, to discuss the factors that contribute to low prosecution rates for sexual assault cases. In our last episode, Dr. Valentine highlighted the importance of sexual assault kit submission and DNA evidence as the groundwork for prosecution in sexual assault cases. Despite national efforts to improve the submission rate of sexual assault kits for forensic testing and to support the investigation of sexual assault cases, Dr. Valentine’s research indicates that prosecution rates for sexual assault cases remain low. Listen along as Dr. Valentine discusses the challenges associated with resource allocation for improved sexual assault response reform, the outcome of her research related to prosecution rates for sexual assault cases, and how future legislation may positively impact response reform efforts. Dr. Valentine is also participating in the FTCOE’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinar series. Listen to Dr. Valentine present on the use of dating apps, the value of trace/touch DNA, and research on prosecution rates associated with sexual assault cases. Go to ForensicCOE.org today to register! This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, to discuss how large-scale data collection can provide a better understanding of sexual assault cases and improve sexual assault response practices, policy, and education. Throughout her career, Dr. Valentine identified a gap in data-driven practices for responding to sexual assault cases. Using her experience providing care to survivors, Dr. Valentine embarked on research to collect comprehensive data regarding which factors assist in developing an assailant’s DNA profile so that it can be entered into local, state, and national databases. Listen along as Dr. Valentine describes the relationship between research and providing care, her goals for developing best practices and public policy, and some of her specific research findings. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Bridget Kinnier and Bethany Smith, the President and Executive Director of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI), to discuss the importance of standardization and accreditation within the medicolegal death investigator community. Because of the complex and multidisciplinary role of a medicolegal death investigator, it is important that there are national standards of knowledge for those who work in the field. In 1996, the ABMDI developed a certification process for practicing investigators, and the board continues to update this process to meet the evolving needs of the field. Listen along as Bridget and Bethany describe what it means to be ABMDI certified, what the certification exam looks like, and an exciting new development in the certification process. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Rebecca Reid, Laramie County Coroner in Wyoming, and Meghan Clarke, Family Advocate Coordinator at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, to discuss the development of new roles in medicolegal death investigation (MDI) offices that focus on providing support to the families of decedents. On a daily basis, the staff of medical examiner and coroner offices encounter grieving families who are in need of compassion, resources, or just a listening ear. In response to this need, MDI offices across the country are developing programs and staff positions that are entirely devoted to supporting the families of decedents. Listen along as Rebecca and Meghan describe the historic need for family and community advocates, specific strategies for support and remembrance, and advice on how more offices can start building this kind of program. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Lindsey McNaughton, founder of the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians, to discuss the importance of forensic autopsy technicians, and her efforts to create more resources for this community. When someone dies unexpectedly or of unnatural causes, performing a full autopsy examination can be an extensive process that requires many steps and close attention to detail. To make sure autopsy examinations go as smoothly as possible, forensic pathologists are assisted by forensic autopsy technicians, who complete tasks ranging from photographing remains, prepping tools, and much more. Listen along as Lindsey describes the many unexpected roles of an autopsy technician, the training required for the position, and why she created the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Cory Russo, Medical Examiner Investigator at the Utah State Office of the Medical Examiner, and Chelsea Brown, Senior Deputy Coroner at the Orange County Coroner’s Office, to discuss how internship programs at medical examiner and coroner’s offices can be a great way to pursue a career in the field. While medicolegal death investigators are often heard about in the media, the path to join this profession is often unclear. A great way to get exposure to a career in medicolegal death investigation (MDI) is through internship programs, which are available in some offices. Listen along as Cory and Chelsea discuss the requirements of applying to these internship programs, what an average day looks like for an intern, and how an internship can prepare you for a career in the MDI field. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Katharine Pope, a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, and Elissia Conlon, a Special Advisor to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, to discuss mass fatality incident management and disaster victim identification. A mass fatality incident includes any incident where there are enough fatalities to require the involvement of a special operation or organization, such as natural disasters, large transportation accidents, or terrorist attacks. In the event of a mass fatality incident, significant time and resources are often needed to manage the situation and identify as many victims as possible. Listen along as Katharine and Elissia discuss methods for identifying disaster victims, agencies that assist with mass fatality management, and developing best practices for disaster planning. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Mark Pooley, founder of Native Search Solutions, and Dustin Driscoll, Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, to discuss the many barriers faced by indigenous communities when it comes to identifying missing and murdered persons. In order to properly investigate cases of missing and murdered individuals, it is crucial that law enforcement agencies have access to necessary resources and technologies, including DNA analysis capabilities, national databases, and sufficient manpower. Unfortunately, many tribal law enforcement agencies currently work with limited access to these basic investigative tools, making it much more difficult to find and identify missing members of native and tribal groups. Listen along as Dustin and Mark discuss common causes of missing indigenous persons, specific gaps in investigative resources, and the growing community working to support indigenous groups. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Neal Parsons, a Research Forensic Scientist at RTI International, to discuss how rapid DNA analysis has become an important method for identifying unknown human remains, especially in cases of mass fatality. Rapid DNA analysis is a fully automated process of developing DNA profiles without the need for a DNA laboratory or human interpretation. Due to its quick turn-around time, rapid DNA technology has become a valuable tool that is used by law enforcement agencies, accredited crime laboratories, coroner’s offices, and the military. Listen along as Neal discusses the capabilities of rapid DNA analysis, cases in which rapid DNA analysis was used, and the importance of incorporating novel technologies within the field of forensic science. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode one of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Kenneth Aschheim, Assistant Chief Forensic Odontologist for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, to discuss how dental evidence can be used to help identify human remains. Due to their strength, heat resistance, and lack of decomposition over time, teeth are one of the most resilient substances found in the human body. As a result, forensic odontologists can use the teeth of decedents to match with antemortem dental records in order to help identify unknown human remains. Listen along as Dr. Aschheim discusses the process of forensic odontology, the benefits of using teeth alongside other methods of human identification, and using technology to advance the field. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In the final episode of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Thomas Gilson, Dr. Harmeet Kaur, and Hristina Lekova with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, to discuss a puzzling case in which the identity of a decedent from 2014 still remains unknown. Since 2011, it has been uncommon for the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office to have a case in which a decedent remains unidentified for an extended period of time. In the case of an unidentified body found in Lake Erie, forensic scientists have utilized techniques such as fingerprinting, DNA matching, facial reconstruction, and more, in attempts to give this individual his name back. Listen along as Dr. Gilson, Dr. Kaur, and Hristina discuss details of the Lake Eerie case, the wide range of resources used for human identification, and the benefits of allowing medical examiners and forensic scientists to work in close proximity. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down again with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sherriff’s Office, to continue discussing how his Forensic Services Initiative team re-opened the John Wayne Gacy case, in attempt to identify the eight remaining victims. Once Commander Moran’s cold case unit announced the re-opening of the Gacy case, his team was contacted by hundreds of families across the country who were still looking for their missing loved ones. Although the team planned to identify the eight remaining victims, it turned out they were able to provide answers for more families than they could have ever predicted. Listen along as Commander Moran discusses the hurdles of forming a cold case unit, the methodology behind identifying a victim, and the incredible results from his cold case investigation. This episode is funded by The National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sherriff’s Office, to discuss how he and his colleagues set out to identify the remaining victims of John Wayne Gacy, decades after their bodies were found. Technological limitations can sometimes make it very challenging to identify decomposed human remains. In the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, eight of his thirty-three victims remained unidentified for more than thirty years. Listen along as Commander Moran discusses how the Forensic Services Initiative team re-opens cold cases, utilizes modern DNA analysis for human identification, and began the journey to give Gacy’s victims their names back. This episode is funded by The National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode one of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Kelly Ayers, an International Association for Identification certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst, to discuss how preliminary autopsy results can help investigators piece together a story of what happened at a crime scene. For crime scene investigators, preliminary autopsy results issued by forensic pathologists and medical examiners can be used in conjunction with other disciplines, such as bloodstain pattern analysis, to provide pivotal information about a case. For example, medical information about the injuries a victim sustained may help investigators determine the weapon that was used, or the sequence of events that occurred within the scene. Listen along as Kelly discusses how preliminary autopsy results may be used to alleviate unnecessary laboratory testing, add case context that can be used in court, and offers advice on effective communication while working a scene. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Michelle Aurelius, the Chief Medical Examiner for North Carolina, and Alfarena McGinty, the Chief Deputy Coroner for Marion County in Indianapolis, to discuss misperceptions regarding the nature of medicolegal death investigation among the public, criminal justice professionals, and policy makers. Over the past few years RTI International, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been working on understanding the main stressors which impact medicolegal death investigation or MDI professionals. One of the top stressors burdening the community was a lack of understanding from political stakeholders and community leaders. Listen along as Dr. Aurelius and Coroner McGinty discuss their firsthand experiences, funding gaps, and efforts to tackle this complex topic. This episode is funded by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Christina Melander, a research public health analyst at RTI International, to discuss the ongoing role of human trafficking survivors in advising and guiding systems professionals. Human trafficking systems professionals, such as researchers and policy makers, may value the opinions of those with formal academic credentials; however, real human trafficking survivors possess the experience to contribute meaningful expert information as well. Engaging in these conversations may be beneficial for survivors by providing an avenue for healing, leadership, and professional growth. Listen along as Christina discusses the ongoing effort to involve human trafficking survivors in research, the ethical challenges of survivor engagement, and her current research projects involving vulnerable populations. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode three of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rebecca Pfeffer and Dr. Kelle Barrick, both research criminologists at RTI International, to discuss the importance of labor trafficking research as a specialized field within the broader scope of human trafficking. Labor trafficking cases can be difficult to identify and are thereby often overlooked and underfunded. Due to key differences between labor trafficking and other forms of human trafficking, it is important to independently investigate best practices for prosecution, resource allocation, and response to labor trafficking. Listen along as Dr. Pfeffer and Dr. Barrick define labor trafficking, discuss myths and misconceptions, and identify differences between labor trafficking and sex trafficking. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Stacey Cutbush Starseed, a social scientist at RTI International, to discuss the importance of conducting human trafficking survivor outcome research. Service providers and treatment program directors are dedicated to the long-term health and recovery of human trafficking survivors; however, it is often difficult and complicated to understand the best way to provide support. To evaluate the impact and success of treatment programs, human trafficking researchers work to systematically measure a constellation of survivor outcomes over time. Listen along as Dr. Cutbush Starseed discusses the application of survivor outcome research to the creation of evidence-based treatment programs, challenges faced by researchers, and the potential effects on broad policy reform.
This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.
In episode 1 of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rebecca Pfeffer and Dr. Kelle Barrick, both research criminologists at RTI International, to discuss how human trafficking researchers use creative statistical approaches from other scientific disciplines to paint a comprehensive and meaningful picture of human trafficking prevalence across various communities. The scope of human trafficking is often over or underestimated by the public, which can have deleterious effects on resource allocation and intervention strategy. Currently, researchers are employing quantitative methods to calculate accurate estimations of human trafficking prevalence, as well as qualitative methods to better understand the depth of survivor experience. Listen along as Dr. Pfeffer and Dr. Barrick discuss their ongoing projects, the importance of a holistic approach to research, and how to estimate the prevalence of human trafficking more accurately. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.
In episode four of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Katharine Pope, a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, Dr. Bruce Anderson, a Forensic Anthropologist with the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, and Joe Mullins, an Instructor at the New York Academy of Art, to discuss human identification using forensic anthropology and facial approximations. From skeletal remains found in the woods to mass casualty events, forensic anthropologists use their knowledge and expertise of biological profile estimation and skeletal trauma analysis to help establish identities for unknown individuals. Forensic artists who are trained in facial approximations use skulls and other identifying information to recreate victims’ faces. Listen along as Katharine, Dr. Anderson, and Joe discuss how their disciplines interact, coordination with various entities to resolve cases, and how to get in touch with local forensic anthropologists and forensic artists.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode three of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Lori Bruski and Amy Jenkinson, two Research Public Health Analysts at RTI International, to discuss interagency efforts to compile crime, missing persons, and decedent information in comprehensive databases. In the digital age, criminal justice information can be uploaded into databases and organized in a searchable centralized location, making it more accessible than ever. These government databases act as computerized indices of information that law enforcement, medicolegal death investigators, and, in some cases, the general public can use to help identify unknown human remains and resolve missing persons cases. Listen along as Lori and Amy discuss the different databases available, where to access them, and how they can be leveraged for forensic science and human identification. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode two of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Bryan Johnson, the Major Incident Program Manager in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Latent Print Unit, to discuss how postmortem prints can be used to help identify unknown decedents. One of the cheapest, easiest, and fastest methods of identifying individuals is through friction ridge prints; however, challenges can arise in cases where trauma or decomposition affect the quality of a decedent’s hands. Fortunately, there are a variety of techniques available that can facilitate the collection of high-quality postmortem prints if the hands still possess the necessary layers of skin. Listen along as Bryan discusses the advantages of postmortem printing, why identification is accomplished by latent print examiners, and how friction ridge skin is formed. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Heather McKiernan, a Research Forensic Scientist at RTI International, and Ashley Rodriguez, a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, to discuss the use of forensic genetic genealogy in identifying human remains. Oftentimes, unknown human remains are recovered fully or partially skeletonized with no close biological relatives in CODIS to facilitate identification. Therefore, combining non-traditional DNA testing with genealogical methods and research has become a powerful investigative tool to bring closure to families. Listen along as Dr. McKiernan and Ashley discuss how forensic genetic genealogy differs from searching a DNA profile in CODIS, what limitations exist when using DNA technologies to identify unknown remains, and the importance of familial reference samples. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our Case Studies: Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Leighton D'Antoni, the Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County, Texas, to discuss how forensic genetic genealogy was used as an investigative tool to help solve a series of violent cold cases. In the 1980s, several violent sexual assaults occurred in Dallas County, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana. These cases were all linked by a foreign DNA profile; however, no suspect was found, and the cases went cold. In 2020, the investigations were re-opened, and forensic genetic genealogy was used to help identify a common suspect in all six cases. Listen along as Leighton discusses the journey to bring justice to survivors almost 40 years later and the prospects of using forensic genetic genealogy as a tool to help solve previously unsolvable cases. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our Case Studies Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sharon Moses, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Northern Arizona University, to discuss forensic archaeology and locating victims of “no-body” homicides. Forensic archaeologists can play a critical role in body recovery and search strategies for locating human remains because homicide offenders' choices in body disposal sites are influenced by various social and environmental factors. Forensic archaeologists use their traditional skillset in understanding environmental factors and animal scavenging behaviors to help streamline resources, narrow search fields, and calculate a point of origin after scattered remains are found. Listen along as Dr. Moses discusses the relationship between forensic anthropology and archaeology, reconstructing human and animal behaviors, and first-hand experiences recovering human remains. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode two of our Case Studies Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Stacey Chepren, member of a trial team for prosecuting federal criminal misconduct cases, to discuss a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run involving trace and digital evidence. On a quiet morning in the city limits of Las Vegas, a pedestrian in a well-lit crosswalk was struck by an impaired driver who left the scene. There were no witnesses, but authorities quickly pieced together the case through a vehicle’s aftermarket paint job and neighborhood video footage. Listen along as Stacey discusses the multi-agency cooperation and forensic analyses used to identify the suspect. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our Case Studies Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Michael Fagert, a certified latent print examiner at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, to discuss a latent print phenomenon that is not often seen in casework. There are very few instances of identifiable fingerprints on cartridge cases recovered from crime scenes as the firing process introduces adverse physical and thermal stressors to fingerprint residues. Several processing methodologies have been investigated for the development of latent prints on spent ammunition, like gun blue solutions, but only a few studies reported success on casework samples. Listen in as Michael discusses his published case report on how an untreated latent print encountered on a cartridge case was subsequently identified to the suspect in the case. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
In episode four of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Patti Powers and John Wilkinson, two Attorney Advisors with AEquitas to discuss the application of best practices in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. Attorneys hold the responsibility of seeking justice for victims and their families and, therefore, must treat each case with an incredible level of care and discipline. The critical role of attorneys to drive a case forward reflects deeply on the need for maintaining victim care while holding offenders accountable. Listen along as Patti Powers and John Wilkinson dive deep into the ways practitioners can seek training opportunities, rethink positive case outcomes, and implement key strategies and policies to enhance their response to violent crimes. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode three of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Jim Markey, a Senior Research Public Health Analyst with RTI International to discuss the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. Law enforcement officers are oftentimes the “gatekeeper” of information on any given case, including details about the crime, the status of evidence being tested, and even whereabouts of a suspect or victim. Working alongside their allied professionals, officers certainly bring an important perspective to the process. Listen along as Jim Markey dives deep into the details of a law enforcement officer’s relationship with attorneys, clearance rates, and how agencies can enhance their relationship within the community. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode two of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Amy Durall, a Project Manager with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to discuss the incorporation of advocacy into the judicial proceedings. Advocates play a critical role in addressing the needs of a victim or family, as well as providing insight to other allied professionals that they work alongside. It is important to understand the varieties of advocates and how their respective roles may slightly differ. Listen along as Amy Durall dives deep into advocacy models, victim wellbeing, and opportunities for agencies to enhance their response to victims and their families. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In episode one of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an Attorney Advisor with AEquitas to discuss the concept of Conviction Integrity and how practitioners can utilize a multidisciplinary team around them. Attorneys, law enforcement agents, advocates, medical professionals, and crime laboratory staff all play crucial roles as a case navigates from the crime scene to the courtroom. Allied professionals lean on one another to ensure all perspectives are heard and have the best interest of a victim or family in mind. Listen along as Patricia Powers dives deep into the relationships of these allied professionals and how having a formalized case review process can assist in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
In part-two of the final episode of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science continued the conversation with Dr. Peter Stout, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, and Matthew Gamette discussing the future of the forensic workforce. FEPAC-accredited institutions provide high quality forensic science education for undergraduate and graduate students. However, coursework alone does not adequately emulate what working in a forensic laboratory and pursuing a career in forensic science will entail. Listen along as our guests discuss court readiness, training gaps, and other valuable insights for anyone considering a career in forensics. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the eighth episode of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Peter Stout, President of the Houston Forensic Science Center, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, Director of the New York State Police Crime Laboratory System, and Matthew Gamette, Director of the Idaho State Police Forensic Services Laboratory System, to discuss their perspectives on forensic science training and recommendations for students and faculty in FEPAC-accredited programs. FEPAC-accredited institutions are preparing students for future jobs in crime laboratories across the United States. Lab directors use these institutional standards to help guide them in their hiring processes. Listen to part one of this two-part episode as our guests discuss crime laboratory accreditation, hiring challenges, and the importance of multidisciplinary training. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Karen Scott, an Associate Professor, Forensic Toxicology Consultant, and Director of the Master of Science in Forensic Science program at Arcadia University, and Dr. Jarrad Wagner, a Professor and Director in the Oklahoma State University School of Forensic Sciences, to discuss research collaborations and keeping on top of the dynamic drug landscape encountered in forensic toxicology casework. One of the requirements of FEPAC accreditation is that programs maintain partnerships with external collaborators, such as forensic science laboratories and professional organizations. This is especially important for rapidly evolving disciplines like forensic toxicology where there is a constant influx of new drugs and analytical challenges such as a lack of available reference standards and complex biological matrices. Because of these issues, students and researchers at universities and practitioners in crime laboratories must work together to develop new techniques for novel drug detection and analysis in real-time. Listen along as Dr. Scott and Dr. Wagner discuss their FEPAC partnerships, on-going research efforts, and the importance of hands-on learning in their forensic toxicology programs. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Brooke Kammrath, a Professor of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and Assistant Director of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, and Dr. Tatiana Trejos, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University, to discuss career paths for individuals trained in trace evidence analytical methods. Trace evidence analysts are tasked with extracting information from small quantity samples like glass, paint, fibers, and gunshot residue, to shed light on what possibly occurred at a crime scene. These analysts utilize chemical, microscopic, and physical comparisons of evidence to make conclusions and provide investigative leads. Listen along as Dr. Kammrath and Dr. Trejos discuss available collegiate courses, such as microscopy and testimony practice, for those interested in trace evidence analysis, and what it takes to succeed. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Robin Cotton, Director of the Master of Science Program in Biomedical Forensic Sciences at Boston University School of Medicine, and Dr. Daniele Podini, a professor in the Department of Forensic Sciences at the George Washington University, to discuss Forensic Biology and DNA. Forensic biology can be described as the application of biochemistry and cellular biology to solve forensic problems. These techniques have evolved over the years with increasing sensitivity, are routinely used to identify individuals through DNA, and provide information on biological materials present at a crime scene. Listen along as Dr. Cotton and Dr. Podini discuss their interesting career journeys, the importance of criminal law and ethics training, and the value of student research involving statistical analysis and interpretation. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Assistant Professor Jessica Zarate and 5th year student Kristen Szabelski at Madonna University in Michigan as well as Dr. Christine Picard, an Associate Professor and Director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, or IUPUI, to discuss their hands-on impression and pattern education programs. Many people will immediately think of fingerprints or bloodstain patterns when mentioning impression and pattern forensics. However, the section is quite diverse and includes the analysis of additional types of evidence such as footwear impressions, firearm toolmarks, and questioned documents. Listen along as Dr. Picard, Professor Zarate, and Kristen Szabelski discuss the importance of research, and experiences in impression and pattern education programs from their different perspectives. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mark McCoy, Professor and Administrator of the Digital Evidence and Cyber Security Program at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute, and Josh Brunty, an Associate Professor of Digital Forensics in the School of Forensic & Criminal Justice Sciences at Marshall University, to discuss the field of digital forensics, the importance of research and collaboration, and the development of dynamic academic programs. Digital forensics is still considered one of the newer forensic science disciplines; however, it is a field that is rapidly growing. With devices from smart refrigerators to video game consoles constantly collecting user data, the science behind digital forensics must be ready to pivot with every software update and additional device available on the market. Tune in as Dr. McCoy and Professor Brunty discuss digital forensics versus cyber security, careers and research opportunities for those with strong computer science backgrounds, and an outlook for the field of digital forensics. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sarah Williams, a Research Associate Professor in Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University and Dr. Keith Morris, a Ming Hsieh Distinguished Teaching Professor of Forensic & Investigative Science at West Virginia University to discuss undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs in forensic science. This season, Just Science will explore a variety of forensic science programs and the growing need for more doctoral programs. Recent years have also presented unique challenges for hands-on research with the COVID-19 pandemic and misconstrued expectations stemming from the CSI effect, forcing universities and their students to adapt. Listen along as Dr. Morris and Dr. Williams discuss Ph.Ds. in forensic science and the role of NIJ and FEPAC in providing research and education opportunities for the next generation of forensic science professionals. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. José Almirall, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Director of the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science at Florida International University, and Dr. Sarah Kerrigan, Professor and Chair of the Forensic Science Department at Sam Houston State University and Director of the Institute for Forensic Research, Training and Innovation, to discuss the inception of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and chemistry programs in forensic science. Built on the foundation of the Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Forensic Science, or TWGED, FEPAC became an official standing committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and awarded its first accreditation in February 2004. Since then, over 50 undergraduate and master’s level forensic science programs have been accredited in the United States. Listen along as Dr. Almirall and Dr. Kerrigan discuss their roles as founding members and early adopters of FEPAC, training the next generation of forensic chemists, and the importance of expanding the number of forensic science Ph.D. programs. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the final episode of our 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Natasha Alexenko, a sexual assault survivor, advocate, author, and founder of Natasha’s Justice Project, to discuss advocacy for vulnerable populations and trauma-informed approaches to sexual assault. As a sexual assault survivor and advocate, Natasha Alexenko has dedicated her career to improving the lives of sexual assault survivors. She has worked both nationally and internationally to discuss past, present, and future directions for an improved response to sexual assault. Listen along as she discusses sexual assault response reform and her recent trauma-informed advocacy efforts with refugees and Native American populations. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachael Goodman-Williams, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Wichita State University, and Dr. Jessica Volz, Clinical Director of Forensics at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, to discuss why survivors sometimes choose not to report their sexual assault. After receiving medical care and undergoing forensic evidence collection following a sexual assault, some survivors choose to forego filing a report with law enforcement. Dr. Rachael Goodman-Williams and Dr. Jessica Volz have collaborated on research to further explain why survivors may choose an anonymous or non-reporting option for these sexual assault cases. Listen along as they discuss their findings and why research in this area is needed to ensure victims’ rights and choices are supported in this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Kelly Taylor, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Sexual Assault Care Coordinator, and Forensic Healthcare Program Manager, to discuss trauma-informed support for sexual assault survivors and the prevalence of strangulation in sexual assault cases. Trauma-informed, victim-centered expertise and support from sexual assault nurse examiners is crucial to providing appropriate medical attention and helping a survivor heal. Without it, survivors may not fully disclose all aspects of the incident and whether strangulation occurred, leaving injuries that may go untreated. Listen along as Kelly Taylor discusses how her work as a SANE and a multidisciplinary team member broadened her understanding of trauma-informed care and honed her interview best practices to support survivors of sexual assault and strangulation. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a Researcher, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and the Associate Dean of Brigham Young University’s College of Nursing, to discuss sexual assault cases involving strangulation and dating apps. While working as a sexual assault nurse examiner, Dr. Valentine and colleagues noticed an increase in survivors reporting violent sexual assaults that occurred after meeting someone through a dating app. They also observed that these violent sexual assaults showed higher rates of strangulation, a trend that was supported by one of her recent research studies. Listen in as Dr. Valentine discusses her current research on sexual assault and dating apps, legislative implications, and the prevalence of strangulation in sexual assault cases.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Mary Weston, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Supervisor of the Cold Case Unit, and Project Manager of the Sexual Assault Kit Task Force at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office to discuss sexual assault response with vulnerable populations. Different challenges may arise when prosecuting sexual assault cases involving vulnerable populations, including cases with male victims. Listen along as Mary Weston discusses strategies for effective prosecution of cases with male victims, provides rationales for why members of vulnerable populations may be targeted for sexual assault, and presents considerations for the safety, healing, and well-being of survivors. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the final episode of our Community Relations season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mike Planty, the Director of RTI’s Center for Community Safety, to discuss how emerging technologies in policing affect community relations. Evaluating community sentiments about their respective police departments is an important part of ensuring that community needs are being addressed. The Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium (CJTEC), funded by the National Institute of Justice, is designed to employ evidence-based research methods to enhance the data collection capabilities of stakeholders in the legal system. Listen as Mike discusses how community surveys can contribute to improving police-community relations on this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Applied Justice Research Division.
In episode three of our Community Relations season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Nick Richardson, a research analyst in RTI’s Center for Community Safety, to discuss disparities in police responses to cases of interpersonal violence. Addressing racial, socioeconomic, and other inequities in arrests is critical to improving community relations with law enforcement. Researchers have unearthed gender disparities in arrest statistics in cases of interpersonal violence; however, there is little data on the role race and sexuality play in these cases. Listen along as Dr. Richardson, a sociologist by training, discusses his past research on community violence and safety as well as his study on arrest disparities in cases of interpersonal violence on this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded by RTI’s Applied Justice Research Division.
In episode two of our Community Relations season, Just Science sat down with Lieutenant Renae Lockhart and Azalea Garza-Orozco with the ACORNS Unit at the Raleigh Police Department, as well as Brian Aagaard, a research analyst at RTI's Applied Justice Research Division, to discuss alternative responses to traditional law enforcement. Instances of police brutality combined with an increased awareness of the importance of mental healthcare has spurred a robust discussion around what emergency calls demand traditional police responses. Some lawmakers and activists have called for social workers to respond to mental health and quality of life concerns, while others support a joint response between police officers and social workers. Even still, some remain skeptical that deploying social workers at all would be an effective strategy. Listen along as Renae, Azalea, and Brian discuss their backgrounds in community safety, their roles in Cohort of Cities and ACORNS, and their unique perspectives on evaluating alternative responses to emergency calls on this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded in part by RTI’s Applied Justice Research Division and Cohort of Cities, supported by Arnold Ventures.
In episode one of our Community Relations season, Just Science sat down with Monica Sheppard, a research analyst, and Dr. Yamanda Wright, a research psychologist in RTI’s Transformative Research Unit for Equity (TRUE), to discuss reforming American pretrial policies. Researchers have closely followed the racial and economic disparities that exist in American incarceration, particularly surrounding pretrial detention. Supported by Arnold Ventures, Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research (APPR) seeks to improve pretrial outcomes by investing in research, technical assistance, and implementation across a range of partner sites nationwide. Listen as Monica and Yamanda discuss racial and socioeconomic disparities in the pretrial system and ways APPR is working to address them in this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded in part by RTI’s Applied Justice Research Division and Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research, supported by Arnold Ventures.
In the final episode of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Natasha Alexenko, Lieutenant Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons to discuss at-home sexual assault kits through a victim-centered lens. Throughout this season, Just Science has spoken with various subject matter experts to discuss several perspectives posed by the use of at-home sexual assault evidence collection kits. As criminal justice practitioners and advocates Natasha, Jordan, and Marya have prioritized focusing on trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches to support survivors of sexual violence. Listen along as our guests discuss their work in sexual assault response, the complexities of evidence collection, and their thoughts on at-home sexual assault kits in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Patti Powers, an attorney advisor at AEquitas and a former senior deputy prosecuting attorney in Washington state, to discuss at-home sexual assault kits from a prosecutorial point of view. For many survivors of sexual violence, engaging in prosecution can be an important step in their healing process. As a former prosecutor and nationally recognized leader addressing sexual assault cases, Patti Powers has addressed sexual violence both in and out of the courtroom for more than 30 years. Listen along as she discusses the process of prosecuting sexual assault cases and the impact of at-home sexual assault kits on case resolutions in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Jay Henry, the former Crime Laboratory Director of the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Mr. Henry, an experienced forensic scientist and former crime laboratory director, understands the complexities that surround the collection and testing of evidence, especially biological samples. Listen along as he discusses the critical role forensic laboratories have in the sexual assault kit testing process as well as his perspective on the considerations for testing at-home sexual assault kits in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Scott Mourtgos, a PhD Candidate at the University of Utah, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) LEADS Scholar, and the Deputy Chief of the Salt Lake City Police Department to provide a law enforcement perspective to our discussion on at-home sexual assault kits. Sexual assault cases are some of the most challenging cases to investigate. Forensic evidence associated with these cases plays a key role in resolving these cases and supporting victims of sexual assault. Listen along as Deputy Chief Mourtgos, a researcher and veteran police officer with experience investigating sexual assault cases, discuss at-home kits and other strategies to respond to sexual violence in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Laurieann Thorpe, the Executive Director at Prevent Child Abuse Utah, to continue our discussion on at-home sexual assault kits. Prevent Child Abuse Utah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. Listen along as Executive Director Thorpe discusses her career in child abuse prevention and response, and whether she believes at-home kits should play a role in addressing child sexual violence. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Toni Laskey, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine and the division chief of the Center for Safe and Healthy Families at Primary Children’s Hospital.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys under the age of 18 will be a victim of child sexual abuse over their lifetimes (CDC, 2021). Listen along as Dr. Laskey discusses her work in child abuse pediatrics, her outlook on sexual assault response for victims under 18, and her perspective on at-home sexual assault kits in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Monica Gardner, an advocate, a former rape crisis center team advocate, and a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and as an adult, to discuss at-home sexual assault kits from a survivor's perspective. Monica Gardner knows firsthand that healing isn't linear -- which is why, as a survivor herself, she made the decision to support and empower others who have experienced sexual violence. Listen along as she candidly shares her struggle with PTSD, the importance of therapy during the healing process, and her nuanced perspective on at-home kits in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a researcher, sexual assault nurse examiner, and the Associate Dean of Brigham Young University’s College of Nursing, to discuss the use of at-home sexual assault kits. As a researcher in sexual assault response reform and a sexual assault nurse examiner, Dr. Valentine is a subject matter expert on collecting evidence in sexual assault cases. Listen along as she discusses her work in sexual assault response reform and her perspective on the role of at-home sexual assault kits in sexual assault cases in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Jennifer Rineer, a research psychologist and program manager in RTI International’s Center for Policing Research and Investigative Science, and Maureen McGough, Chief of Staff at the Policing Project at NYU Law and the co-founder of the 30x30 Initiative, to discuss efforts to recruit more women in policing.
Women are vastly underrepresented in the policing profession, accounting for only 12% of the police officers in the United States. Women police can increase legitimacy and trust within communities, and also improve departmental performance. Listen along as Jennifer and Maureen discuss their research on this issue and the steps organizations are taking to increase women representation in policing in this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded by the NIJ project titled From Research to Reality: Recruiting More Women into the Policing Profession (Award 2019-R2-CX-0027).
In episode three of our Firearms Research mini season, Just Science sat down with Mark Pope, Director of the Policing Research Program within the Center for Policing Research & Investigative Science, and Dr. John Hollywood, a senior operations researcher at RAND and the Director of the Center for Quality Policing, to discuss mass shooting attacks.
From Sandy Hook, to Las Vegas, to Parkland, there has been an uptick in deadly mass shootings in the past decade. In their new study, Hollywood and Pope extend their research on terror plots to look at mass attacks more broadly and their effect on the public. Listen along as our expert panel discusses their research, as well as the educational toolkit they created to house their findings in this episode of Just Science.
This episode of Just Science is funded in part by the National Institute of Justice's Improving the Understanding of Mass Shooting Plots [Awards 2019-R2-CX-0003 and SCON-00000321] and RTI International's Applied Justice Research Division.
In episode two of our Firearms Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Josh Hendrix, a researcher at RTI International’s Center for Community Safety & Crime Prevention and an expert in school safety and violence prevention, to discuss school safety during an age of mass shootings.
Dr. Hendrix has performed in-depth analysis on the efficacy of school tip lines, an anonymous means for students and teachers to report suspicious activity. Listen along as he discusses the data surrounding school shootings, as well as strategies to prevent them from occurring in this episode of Just Science.
This episode of Just Science is funded in part by the National Institute of Justice's Improving the Understanding of Mass Shooting Plots [Awards 2019-R2-CX-0003 and SCON-00000321] and RTI International's Applied Justice Research Division.
In episode one of our Firearms Research mini season, Just Science sat down with Nicole Jones, the Director of the Forensic Science Translation and Implementation Program in the Center for Forensic Sciences at RTI International, and John Grassel, a Program Manager for RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences and co-Director of the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), to discuss toolmark analysis and advanced capabilities in firearms.
The FTCoE serves as a bridge for the forensic community to support adopting innovative, technological solutions. 3-D imaging technology for firearms and toolmark examination is an example of an emerging technology the FTCoE evaluates. Listen along as these experts discuss the FTCoE’s dissemination efforts on firearm evidence collection and analysis, and their upcoming firearms and toolmark research forum on January 11-14, 2022 in this episode of Just Science.
This episode of Just Science is funded in part by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence and RTI International’s Applied Justice Research Division.
In this special release episode, Just Diversity & Inclusion in Forensic Science, Just Science sat down with Donia Slack, the Director of the Research, Technology, and Evaluation Program in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, and Dale Hart, a Research Forensic Scientist in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in forensics.
Forensics is a fast-growing field making the need for racial and gender representation among its practitioners critically important. From confronting biased research to experiencing microaggressions and feelings of “imposter syndrome,” our expert panelists know the realities of being underrepresented in the field. Listen along as they detail their experiences as forensic scientists of color, articulate how bias and underrepresentation can produce flawed findings, and discuss the impact that diversity and inclusion has had in their careers in this episode of Just Science.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just Science sat down with Donia Slack, the Director of the Research, Technology, and Evaluation Program in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, to discuss the literature gaps within resiliency and vicarious trauma research.
Discussions on how post-traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout can affect first responders and justice practitioners have increased over the years, but research gaps remain on the level of stress forensic scientists experience. Listen along as Donia Slack discusses the literature on stress, her upcoming doctoral research, and strategies to bolster workforce resiliency for forensic scientists in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just Science continues our conversation with Dr. Cara Berg Raunick, a women’s health nurse practitioner and the Director of Clinical Quality and Advancement at Health Care Education and Training, on vicarious trauma experienced by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). On last week’s episode, Dr. Berg Raunick discussed the realities of vicarious trauma, its effect on SANEs, and how those effects – anxiety and depression, for example – can hinder SANEs from providing critical care to survivors of sexual violence. Listen along as Dr. Berg Raunick continues detailing her research methods and findings on vicarious trauma among SANEs in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just science sat down with Dr. Cara Berg-Raunick, a women’s health nurse practitioner and the Director of Clinical Quality and Advancement at Health Care Education & Training, to discuss vicarious trauma experienced by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
Vicarious trauma – the cognitive changes someone experiences after witnessing traumatic events – affects nurse examiners profoundly, particularly those providing care in the aftermath of sexual violence. According to Dr. Berg-Raunick, the ramifications of SANEs experiencing vicarious trauma could be devastating to the practice of medical forensic examination. Listen along as Dr. Berg-Raunick discusses her journey through anti-sexual violence practice, the effects of vicarious trauma in her own life, and her research findings in this two-part episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the first episode of our Workforce Resiliency season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Jennifer Rineer, a program manager and research psychologist in RTI International’s Center for Policing Research and Investigative Science, and Kelly Keyes, a research forensic scientist in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, to discuss workforce resiliency among medicolegal death investigators.
Medicolegal death investigators face consistent exposure to stress and traumatic events on the job, yet there is limited research on the daily pressures these professionals experience. An NIJ study led by Dr. Rineer surveyed 900 medicolegal death investigators to gain more information on the driving sources of stress among these practitioners, with the goal of developing better interventions to mitigate these stressors. Listen along as these experts discuss the responsibilities of medicolegal death investigators and the difficulty of retaining good staff, as well as their findings on work-related stress within the profession in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eleven of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Maureen Platt, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Waterbury, CT, Denise Covington, Program Manager at the Gail Burns-Smith Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner’s Program, Danielle Lindgren, Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Coordinator and Forensic Science Examiner, and Bonnie Bentley, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney in Connecticut, to discuss standardizing sexual assault kits.
The standardization of sexual assault kits limits variability in the collection and processing of different cases, allowing for more reliable evidence-gathering by those who investigate these crimes. Listen along as this expert panel from Connecticut, a state that has achieved success in standardizing sexual assault kits, has used standardization to improve the efficacy of investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences
In episode ten of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell, researcher and professor at Cleveland State University, and Mary Weston, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Director of the Cold Case Unit at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, to discuss the complexities surrounding crossover offending in sexual assault cases. Do serial rapists have a consistent modus operandi? According to Dr. Lovell’s research and Mary Weston’s experience as a prosecutor, serial offenders rarely stick to a script, making it harder to bring them to justice. Listen along as our guests use their research and experience in the courtroom to demystify crossover offending and provide strategies to better investigate and prosecute sexual assault cases involving serial offenders in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode nine of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Ms. Marya Simmons, founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting, to discuss considerations for supporting older survivors of sexual assault.
Shift in Notion Consulting is focused on developing and implementing strategies for supporting all victims of sexual assault, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation. As Shift in Notion’s CEO, Marya Simmons works tirelessly to ensure that law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and volunteer support networks have the tools and training they need to provide empathetic, trauma-informed services to the most vulnerable populations. Listen along as she discusses elder sexual assault and best practices for supporting older victims in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers to discuss considerations for sexual assault cases involving older victims.
During her professional career as a prosecuting attorney, Patricia Powers specialized in cases involving sexual violence, domestic violence, child and adult abuse, and much more. Now, she works as an attorney advisor at AEquitas, developing and refining best practices for prosecuting sexual assault cases including those with victims from marginalized and vulnerable populations. Listen along as she discusses considerations for the effective prosecution of sexual assault cases involving older victims in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode seven of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston to discuss resolving partially tested sexual assault kits.
Partially tested sexual assault kits create a unique barrier when it comes to the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. However, re-opening these cases and conducting a comprehensive case review can yield positive results, even years later. Mary Weston and Dr. Rachel Lovell led the charge when it came to resolving partially tested kits in Cuyahoga County, resulting in a series of new investigative and prosecutorial leads. Listen along as they discuss the challenges associated with partially tested kits, the importance of a comprehensive case review, and the value of building a good relationship with your forensic laboratory in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an attorney advisor with AEquitas, to discuss supporting male victims of sexual assault through the criminal legal system.
Research suggests that sexual assault is an often-underreported crime. Biases, myths, and societal expectations can further discourage male survivors from stepping forward and disclosing their assault. Pattie Powers works with survivors and sees the impact that these misconceptions have on the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault crimes. Listen along as she discusses the myths surrounding sexual assault, the role of education in overcoming biases, and best practices for supporting male survivors and effectively prosecuting their cases in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Marya Simmons, founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting, to discuss supporting male survivors of sexual assault.
One of the common misconceptions about sexual assault is that it is always a male perpetrator and a female victim. However, research suggests that this isn’t always the case. Marya Simmons and many advocates like her work to improve outcomes for sexual assault survivors, regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Listen along as she discusses myths surrounding sexual assault and best practices for supporting male survivors in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode four of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell, Research Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University, and Mary Weston, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, to discuss a recently published article detailing the case for an “investigate all” approach to sexual assault kit investigation.
As more jurisdictions submit their previously untested sexual assault kits, investigators are finding that many submissions do not result in a CODIS hit. But should investigators continue their efforts even though there isn’t an immediate suspect identified through CODIS? Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston provide a compelling case for investigating all previously untested sexual assault kits, regardless of whether there is a CODIS hit. Listen along as they discuss the recently published article, “The case for ‘investigate all:’ Assessing the cost-effectiveness of investigating no CODIS hit cases in a sexual assault kit initiative” in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Natasha Alexenko, Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons to discuss trauma informed, victim-centered interviewing for sexual assault cases.
A sexual assault victim’s experiences with law enforcement and advocates can affect the way they approach future interactions with the criminal justice system. By understanding that each victim is unique and will respond differently, investigators and advocates can meet the needs of the survivor and increase the likelihood of moving the investigation forward. Natasha Alexenko, Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons have been working together to develop and promote victim-centered, trauma-informed interviewing strategies for sexual assault cases. Listen along as they discuss supporting victims of sexual assault, improving case outcomes, and maintaining victim engagement by using trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches during the interviewing process in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, Associate Dean and Associate Professor at Brigham Young University in the College of Nursing and certified sexual assault nurse forensic examiner, and Heather Mills, Forensic Scientist Manager at the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services, to discuss evidence collection in sexual assault groping cases.
As touch DNA evidence collection continues to develop, sexual assault nurse examiners and forensic scientists are poised to improve the investigation of sexual assault groping cases. In their recently published article, “Evidence Collection and Analysis for Touch DNA in Groping and Sexual Assault Cases,” Dr. Julie Valentine and Heather Mills explore the application of touch DNA evidence collection to sexual assault investigation, specifically associated with a groping case. Listen along as they discuss their article, the advent of touch DNA technology, and the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell, Research Assistant Professor as Case Western Reserve University, and Mary Weston, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, to discuss lawfully owed DNA. Lawfully owed DNA is defined as a sample of DNA from a qualifying offender that should have been entered into the Combined DNA Index System but was not. Although legislation defines that a qualifying offender’s DNA sample be submitted into CODIS, this historically has not always been the case, resulting in thousands of lawfully owed DNA samples. Mary Weston and Dr. Rachel Lovell are working to correct this issue in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Listen along as they discuss the collection and potential legal and research implications associated with lawfully owed DNA samples in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Tracey Johnson, a physical scientist and program manager in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss the NIJ Biology and DNA research portfolio.
Although Tracey Johnson is relatively new to NIJ, she has a depth of professional experience from which she can draw. As a 20-year veteran in the field of forensic DNA analysis, she is no stranger to the needs and gaps in the discipline. Listen along as she discusses her career path, the intersection of forensics and other scientific disciplines, and the NIJ Biology and DNA research portfolio in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist and program manager in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Pathology. Danielle McLeod-Henning has been the physical scientist in charge of the forensic anthropology, pathology, and medicolegal death investigation portfolio since 2009. In that time, she has dedicated her efforts to bridging the gap between research and application. Listen along as she talks about technology translation, creating research connections outside of forensic science, and the NIJ research portfolio in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Gregory Dutton, a physical scientist in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, to discuss NIJ’s Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence research portfolio. Between latent fingerprints, firearms, footwear, paint analysis, and much more, the NIJ Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence portfolio encompasses a diverse array of forensic disciplines. As the scientist who oversees this portfolio, Dr. Dutton is constantly encouraging innovative solutions to forensic problems. Listen along as he discusses developing quantitative methods of comparison, the importance of collaboration between researchers and forensic service providers, and the NIJ’s Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence research portfolio in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Frances Scott, a physical scientist in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, to discuss the Seized Drugs and Toxicology research and development portfolio.
With the introduction of new and more complex substances every year, forensic laboratories need access to the most cutting-edge technology to stay on the forefront of the Opioid Epidemic. Dr. Francis Scott oversees NIJ's Seized Drugs and Forensic Toxicology R&D portfolio in a concerted effort to provide the latest quality research to the public. Listen along as she discusses the addition of the research for publicly funded labs program, the complexity of toxicology analysis, and the NIJ’s research portfolio in the discipline of seized drugs in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Patricia Melton, co-director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Training and Technical Assistance program, to discuss a new resource that will help criminal justice practitioners support sexual assault response reform.
Creating a comprehensive, improved response to sexual assault requires policies and practices that are grounded in trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches. Criminal justice practitioners must invest in methodologies that foster multidisciplinary team engagement, training, and the implementation of technologies associated with tracking sexual assault forensic evidence. Dr. Melton has created a guide that addresses the complexities of sexual assault response reform. This resource highlights real-world solutions to foster improved resolutions to sexual assault cases while ensuring support to survivors.
Sexual assault investigations can be exceptionally complex. As such, it’s important that forensic practitioners, investigators, and multidisciplinary teams have the best resources available to them. Dr. Melton and her team have been working on a guide that demonstrates a holistic approach to sexual assault response reform. Listen along as she discusses the value of multidisciplinary teams and her new resource, ‘Enacting an Improved Response to Sexual Assault; a Practitioner’s Guide to Successful Sexual Assault Response Reform,’ in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Marya Simmons, founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting, to discuss victim advocacy during a pandemic.
The arena of sexual assault response reform has seen a shift toward victim-centered approaches over the last several years. At Shift in Notion Consulting, Marya Simmons is at the forefront of this movement. She provides training and technical assistance for trauma informed, victim-centered approaches to victim advocacy, sexual assault investigation, and prosecution. Listen along as our guest discusses the beginning of Shift in Notion Consulting, supporting transgender survivors, and resources available to victims during the COVID-19 pandemic in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of our 2021 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with author, non-profit founder, and sexual assault survivor Natasha Alexenko to discuss her book, A Survivor’s Journey, and the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Every survivor of sexual assault has their own story. Some have experienced successful case resolutions and others have not, but all are on a journey of healing. As Natasha Alexenko says, each survivor is more than just their story. From advocacy to legislation, Natasha works tirelessly to improve the response to sexual assault in our country. Listen along as she discusses the impact of her book, the introduction of new legislation to improve sexual assault response, and recommendations for supporting survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic in this episode of Just Science.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In episode ten, Just Science interviews Josh Yohannan, a forensic chemist and expert in emerging drug trends, about polysubstance use in the opioid overdose epidemic.
Polysubstance use dramatically increases the potential for overdose or negative side effects of drug use. While there is no “one-size-fits-all" description of a person who uses drugs, there is one common thread linking them together: the danger they face when multiple substances are at play in their system.
Josh Yohannan’s experience in expanding the use of forensic analysis in intelligence for law enforcement has helped communities better understand polysubstance use, ultimately making it easier to identify emerging drug threats during the opioid epidemic. Listen along as he discusses polysubstance abuse, the complexities of identifying new drug trends, and the value of quality and timely data in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode nine, Just Science interviews Clarence Jordan, the Vice President of Wellness and Recovery at Beacon Health Options, to discuss stigma and its impact to programs designed to support those with substance use disorder and on individual level outcomes.
There is no shortage of stigma surrounding the overdose crisis facing our nation. The proliferation of stigma and its impact are constant battles for practitioners and organizations dedicated to combating the problem. Clarence Jordan and the rest of his team at Beacon Health Options enhance their efforts to provide recovery-based principles and behavioral health services through education and community engagement. Listen along as our guest discusses peer support programs, stigma as a barrier to mental health treatment, and the role of education in the de-stigmatization of substance abuse disorder in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight, Just Science interviews DeMia Pressley from the DEA’s Diversion Control Division to discuss the importance of information sharing across law enforcement and public health agencies through forensic partnerships.
The National Forensic Laboratory Information System, otherwise known as NFLIS, is a Drug Enforcement Administration program that collects results of forensic analyses and other related information from local, regional, and national entities. What sets NFLIS apart from other similar programs is that participation 100% voluntary. As such, DeMia Pressley and other members of NFLIS work hard to collect information and share what they have learned with the forensic community. Listen along as our guest discusses the purpose of the NFLIS program, the importance of partnerships within the forensic community, and how NFLIS data is used to inform drug policy and drug enforcement initiatives in this episode of Just Science.
In episode seven, Just Science interviews Dr. Alex Kral, an infectious disease epidemiologist at RTI International, about innovative policy solutions to improve outcomes for people with substance use disorder.
Community-based research takes place within community settings and involves community members which allows a better understanding of the struggles that each specific population faces. Dr. Alex Kral' community-based research approaches help to inform drug policy and provides communities the ability to develop innovative strategies to improve outcomes for people who use drugs. Listen along as our guest discusses the historical context for drug policy, Measure 110 in Oregon, and the Arnold Ventures Project in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six, Just Science interviews Tim Black of the White Bird Clinic in Eugene, Oregon about the CAHOOTS program, a community-based public safety model that provides mental health first response for crises involving mental illness, homelessness, and substance use disorder.
In 1989, the White Bird Clinic in Eugene, Oregon launched the Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets program, otherwise known as the CAHOOTS program, providing 24/7 mobile crisis intervention services. Tim Black has been working with young people in crisis also experiencing homelessness long before joining CAHOOTS in 2010. Now, he continues to help build the CAHOOTS program in Oregon as well as across the United States as the Director of Consulting at the White Bird Clinic. Listen along as our guest discusses the CAHOOTS model, community based public safety, and alternative models for crisis response in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five, Just Science interviews Dr. Mallory O’Brien, Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, to discuss how partnerships can enhance Overdose Fatality Reviews.
The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) is the only state-based reporting system that covers all types of violent deaths, including homicides and suicides. It pools more than 600 unique data elements from multiple sources into an anonymous, usable database. Dr. Mallory O’Brien used her experience with NVDRS to improve the overdose fatality review process.
Listen along as she discusses leveraging partnerships to enhance overdose fatality reviews, their impact on communities with substance abuse problems, and the historical context that led to fatality reviews in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four, Just Science sat down with Bonnie Dunn, Co-Director of the West Virginia Healthy Grandfamilies Project, to discuss a free initiative that provides information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more of their grandchildren.
Although they aren’t a regular topic in the conversation surrounding the opioid epidemic, children are a population that are often impacted by substance abuse. Incarcerated, addicted, or deceased parents can force children into foster care or alternative family structures. As a product of a grandparent-led household, Bonnie Dunn is keenly aware of the needs and value of these alternative family structures. Now, she serves as the Co-Director of the West Virginia Healthy Grandfamilies Project. Listen along as discusses the Healthy Grandfamilies Project, kinship care, and the need for similar programs in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three, Just Science sat down with Amanda Mohr and Dr. Alex Krotulski from the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education to discuss the analytical and interpretative challenges associated with emerging drug threats.
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, otherwise known as the CFSRE, oversees a collaborative effort to better understand emerging drug threats. CFSRE researchers Amanda Mohr and Dr. Alex Krotulski are working on a project called NPS Discovery, a model for monitoring, responding, and forecasting emerging novel psychoactive substances. Listen along as our guests return to Just Science to discuss NPS Discovery, analytical challenges associated with novel psychoactive substances, and the value of community partnerships.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Last week, Just Science sat down with Dr. Jon Zibbell, a Senior Public Health Analyst from RTI International, to discuss how stimulants are intersecting with the opioid epidemic and its impact on communities. Researchers and epidemiologists like Dr. Zibbell are working tirelessly to develop methods for predicting trends in opioid and illicit stimulant use. As drug overdose rates continue to rise, experts are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to predict, combat, and eventually overcome this disastrous public health crisis.
This week, we continue the conversation with Dr. Zibbell as he discusses the American history of drug epidemics, what we can learn from past stimulant crises, and the importance of tailoring interventions in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the first half of this two-part episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Jon Zibbell, a Senior Public Health Analyst from RTI International, to discuss the waves of the opioid epidemic and their impact on communities.
The world of medical anthropology offers a very different perspective of the current rise in illicit substance abuse. While much of the research surrounding overdose and drug trends tends to be retrospective, anthropologists like Dr. Jon Zibbell are working on ways to predict trends instead of identifying them posthumously. Listen along as he discusses the waves of the opioid epidemic, the impact they have on communities, and how we can apply the data we’re gathering in this episode of Just Science.
This season is in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program funding to respond to illicit substance use and misuse in order to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to services.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the final episode of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Tim Schade and Brian Cochran to discuss off-the-shelf crime scene processing products.
Budgetary concerns often plague smaller forensic labs and law enforcement agencies. Scene investigators might realize that some of those expensive forensic tools might not be attainable for their departments. Savvy shoppers, such as Tim Schade and Brian Cochran, combine ingenuity with experience to find budget-friendly solutions to crime scene processing problems. Listen along as they discuss their methods, repurposing existing materials, and hunting for over-the-counter solutions in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with John Vanderkolk and Marcus Montooth of the Indiana State Police to discuss erroneous identification and the Lana Canen case.
In 2005, Lana Canen was convicted as an accomplice for the robbery and murder of 94-year-old Helen Sailor. After serving eight years, her conviction was overturned, and she was released from prison. John Vanderfolk and Marcus Montooth were working for the Indiana State Police at the time that her conviction was being overturned. Listen along as they discuss the need for updated training, the value of technical review, and the wrongful conviction of Lana Canen in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Karen Oswald, Senior Evidence Specialist with the Suffolk County Police Department in New York, to discuss methods for identifying fingers and hands captured in evidentiary photos.
As cellphone and camera technologies continue to improve, so does the quality of the images they produce. Most people today carry smartphones at all times, therefore more criminals are incriminating themselves with the photos they take. While investigating a case, Karen Oswald saw an opportunity to use pictures from a suspect’s cell phone as a tool for identifying his hands and proving his guilt.
Listen along as she discusses techniques for identifying prints captured in evidentiary photos and the challenges associated with the process in this episode of Just Science.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Rockne Harmon, forensic consultant and former senior deputy district attorney for Alameda County in California, to talk about familial DNA searching and the case of the Grim Sleeper Serial Killer.
From the mid 80s to 2007, Lonnie David Franklin Jr, otherwise known as the Grim Sleeper, was responsible for at least 10 murders in California. Although he started killing in the 1980s, large gaps of time between murders and underutilized DNA evidence left at the crime scenes made it exceptionally difficult to find a suspect.
Franklin was arrested in 2010 after investigators used familial DNA searching to connect DNA recovered at multiple crime scenes to one of Franklin's relatives. Rockne Harmon was instrumental in convincing the California Department of Justice to implement familial DNA searching in cold cases, ultimately leading to the arrest of the Grim Sleeper and many other offenders. Listen along as he discusses familial DNA searching and the case of the Grim Sleeper in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the Case Studies Season, Just Science sat down with forensic consultant, author, and instructor Brian Dalrymple to discuss his research and impact on the field of latent print identification. In 1977, a team of researchers developed a method for detecting fingerprints by examining inherent fluorescence using an argon ion laser. This new technology revolutionized the field of latent print identification. Brian Dalrymple was an original member of that research team, but his career did not stop there. He has completed approximately 100 examinations of murder victims for fingerprint evidence, authored several journal articles and books, and contributed to the widespread adoption of lasers used for detection. Listen along as he discusses the origins of his research and methods for examining bodies for fingerprints in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the Case Studies Season, Just Science sat down with Heather Conner, Latent Print Unit Technical Leader in Mesa Police Department’s Forensic Services, about the investigation of a grisly murder in Arizona.
In June of 2008, Travis Alexander was found dead in the bathroom of his home. His killer, ex-girlfriend Jodi Arias (air ias), was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Heather Conner and her team used a variety of forensic disciplines to piece together the crime scene and affirm the conviction. Listen along as she discusses her journey in forensics, the investigation of the murder of Travis Alexander, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to crime scene analysis in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two, Just Science sat down with Erin Sims, Forensic Lab Manager at the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department, about bloodstain pattern evidence in forensic investigations.
Not all crime scenes will have bloodstains. But when they are present, analysts can use them to help determine the types of activities or mechanisms that produced them. Erin Sims believes that bloodstain patterns can tell the unknown story behind a crime. Listen along as she discusses the application of bloodstain pattern analysis and how it fits into the larger puzzle of crime scene investigation in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the Case Studies season opener, we sat down with Mitchell Pilkington, crime scene manager at Layton City Police Department in Utah, to discuss psychopathy and criminal behavior.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this Forensic Science Week special episode, Just Science interviews Brett Williams, the CEO of Verogen, about the GEDmatch database, how it can be used by law enforcement to perform forensic genealogy searches for investigative leads, and the short- and long-term plans Verogen has for the widely used database and related services.
Verogen is a spin-off of the Illumina corporation and has grown to be an innovator in the realm of forensic genomic technologies. Since their inception, Verogen has evolved from forensic applications to focus on biometrics-based human identification, as a whole. Following this vision, in December of 2019 Verogen acquired GEDmatch, a crowd-sourced database used by millions of genealogy enthusiasts to trace their family trees, but more recently it has been adopted by law enforcement to aid in cold case investigations.
Listen along with our guest host, Donia Slack, as she and Brett Williams discuss the impact that genetic genealogy and GEDmatch have had on the criminal justice system in this episode of Just Science.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight, Just Science interviews Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar from Purdue University about the impact of disturbing media on forensic professionals.
Repeated exposure to violent and graphic media can have long-term negative effects on digital forensic examiners. Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar is researching the connection between disturbing media and the examiners who analyze it every day. Listen along as she discusses digital forensic examiners and the impact of disturbing media in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven, Just Science interviews Dr. Catalin Grigoras and Cole Whitecotton from the National Center for Media Forensics about deepfakes.
Deepfakes are a form of synthetic media that replaces an existing image with someone else’s likeness. While relatively new, deepfake technology has grown in sophistication over the last few years. In some cases, the synthetic image is almost indiscernible from the person that it is imitating, which can create a lot of problems for forensic analysts. Dr. Catalin Grigoras and Cole Whitecotton are working to understand and combat deepfakes. Listen along as they discuss the capability, implications, and the future of deepfake technology in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six, Just Science interviews Barbara Guttman from the National Institute of Standards and Technology about the first large-scale black box study to test the accuracy of computer and mobile phone forensics.
In forensic science, black box studies are used to measure the reliability of methods and techniques that rely on human interpretation. Barbara Guttman and her team at NIST are working to measure the overall competency of the digital forensics community at large by releasing an open-enrollment online test available to interested forensic scientists. Listen along as she discusses the parameters of the test, the expected results, and the value of the study in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five, Just Science interviews Matt Ruddell from Florida International University about their efforts to develop forensic education and training programs at FIU.
The National Forensic Science Technology Center at Florida International University offers a variety of courses, consulting, and training geared toward forensic scientists. Matt Ruddell and the rest of the faculty at FIU are working to develop accessible programs for law enforcement, military personnel, and now – undergraduate students. Listen along as he discusses the development of digital forensics courses and his experience in the university system in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four, Just Science interviews Paul Reedy, Owner of 4th Street Global, a digital forensics and cyber security consulting firm, about data stories and the future of digital evidence. Rapidly changing technology can complicate the analysis of digital evidence. As such, it is imperative that researchers and investigators work to stay on the cutting edge of the digital world. Paul Reedy believes that being proactive when it comes to the development of new digital evidence technologies will help investigators keep up with criminals. Listen along as he discusses tool validation, data stories, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital evidence in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three, Just Science interviews Martin Novak, a Computer Scientist with the National Institute of Justice, about digital evidence in the United States Court of Appeals.
Digital evidence has the capacity to identify suspects, win acquittals, and obtain convictions. Whether through cars, smart homes, cell phones, personal computers, or a myriad of other devices, analysts are able to collect a staggering amount of data during the investigation of a crime. Martin Novak is currently studying the application of digital evidence in the courtroom. Listen along as he discusses cases, his current research goals, and the role of digital evidence in the Court of Appeals in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two, Just Science interviews Nicolas Hughes, assistant public defender with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office in Houston, TX, about the validation of tools utilized by digital forensics laboratories.
Many forensic laboratories face overwhelming caseloads; digital forensic labs are no exception. The diversity and complexity of devices that can be used as digital evidence continues to be a dynamic problem. From malware scanners to cell phones to smart homes, digital evidence can be a pivotal piece of the puzzle when investigating crimes. Nicolas Hughes is uniquely poised to drive better practices within the digital forensic discipline. He blends his background in computer engineering and law to better understand problems of inaccuracy and misinterpretation. Listen along as he discusses digital security, the value of a skilled technician, and the validation of digital forensics tools in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
While the realm of digital evidence is still relatively new, it requires validation and testing like all forensic disciplines. Digital evidence is a dynamic discipline that can often provide greater insight into the investigation of a crime or the defense of the alleged perpetrator. In this season of Just Science, we will be covering the history and interpretation of digital evidence, emerging technologies used in investigation and as evidence, and the validation of digital forensic tools. In episode one, Just Science interviews Paul Reedy, owner of 4th Street Global, a digital evidence consulting firm, about the history and evolution of digital evidence.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
afj2gv6x In this special release episode of Just Science, we sat down with Ashley Church and Erin West, founders of Gap Science, to discuss stress and resiliency in crime scene investigators.
Traumatic death investigation can have adverse, long-term effects on crime scene analysts. As Ashley Church and Erin West moved through their respective careers, they noticed a lack of training around protecting the psychological well-being of forensic scientists. Gap Science is working to fill this void in knowledge and address the challenges that investigators are experiencing every day. Listen along as our guests discuss compassion fatigue, the supervisor's role in protecting their people, and the impact of violent crime scenes on forensic scientists in this episode of Just Science.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Kimberly Sturk-Andreaggi, a Research Scientist at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, about the development of entire mitogenome reference data using an automated high-throughput sequencing workflow.
Disaster victim identification comes with a unique set of hurdles. Poor-quality DNA, decades-old samples, and a lack of relative referential data can make the identification of victims from current and past conflicts challenging. This is the reason that the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory uses mitochondrial DNA as their primary testing method. Stay tuned as our guest discusses the utility of mitochondrial DNA and a method for developing entire mitogenome reference data in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this episode of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. José Almirall, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University, about a statistical approach for the interpretation of glass evidence.
One criticism levied against trace evidence examinations is that the interpretation can sometimes be too subjective. Interpretation sometimes plays a large role in the evaluation of trace evidence. Dr. Almirall and his team at FIU are trying to fix that. They have been working on an implementation package, including instrument specification, procedures, and validation assistance, that can be transferred to any forensic laboratory to help standardize trace evidence evaluation. Listen along as he discusses the implementation package, the value of trace evidence, and the analysis of glass in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
This week on Just Science, we are publishing a special release episode in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Social distancing, shelter in place, and other responses to COVID-19 can create a stressful environment for survivors of sexual assault especially if they feel they cannot access resources or are physically unable to seek help. In addition, highly stressful situations that result from significant amounts of change, such as unemployment, disruption in ‘normal’ activities, and social isolation may increase the risk of domestic violence and sexual assault. In this podcast, we will discuss what services are available to survivors of sexual assault, including leveraging on-line platforms and modified strategies for first responders, rape crisis centers, and victim advocates. We will also discuss how we as a friend, family member, and community can be prepared to respond to a victim of sexual assault in this challenging time.
In this episode Just Science interviews Ms. Marya Simmons, the Founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting. Marya is a nationally recognized victim advocate and trainer with a specialty on the formation of multidisciplinary teams or sexual assault response teams and assisting agencies with developing policies and practices for improved responses to sexual assault.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Travis Rusch, a postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University, about fluctuating temperatures in forensically important blowflies. Forensic entomologists use predictable developmental rates of certain necrophagus insects to estimate time of colonization, postmortem interval, and time of death. However, extreme fluctuations in temperature can affect these development rates in unknown ways. Dr. Rusch hopes to shed light on this issue and advance the field of forensic entomology through his grant work. Listen along as he discusses the utility of forensic entomology, the life cycle of blowflies, and the next phase of his research in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this episode of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Tatiana Trejos, Assistant Professor of the Department of Forensic and Investigative Sciences at West Virginia University, about the rapid detection of organic and inorganic gunshot residue. Speed and accuracy are vital when it comes to the analysis of gunshot residue. Dr. Trejos and her team are working on a comprehensive method for studying both organic and inorganic gunshot residue utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. This method focuses on providing accurate results, reducing wait time, and preserving the evidence. Listen along as she discusses chemometrics and a novel tool for analyzing organic and inorganic gunshot residue in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Carl Wolf from the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals about 40 plus ways NOT to analyze beverages for cannibinoids. From professional student, to a leading researcher in the analysis of cannabinoids, Dr. Wolf has been involved in academia for decades. In that time, he has consulted and lectured on toxicology, given expert testimony, contributed to over 100 presentations and peer-reviewed publications, and worked on multiple NIJ-funded grants. Tune in as he talks about academia, analyzing beverages for cannabinioids, and the value of failure in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Heather Garvin, Associate Professor of Anatomy at Des Moines University, about her work with OSTEOID, an online resource for species identification of skeletal remains. Approximately 30-40% of cases involving skeletal remains received by forensic anthropologists end up being animal bones. Forensic anthropologists can use their expert knowledge to quickly determine if the remains are human. Dr. Garvin and her team are working on a free, practical, and user-friendly online tool to help forensic anthropologists, death investigators, crime scene personnel, and law enforcement identify the species of skeletal remains. Tune in as she discusses being a forensic anthropologist, the driving need behind OSTEOID, and her work cataloging bone specimens for this project.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Ling Wang, post-doctoral associate at Florida International University, about the detection and quantitation of fentanyl mixtures by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics. Opioid abuse has grown considerably in the last few years. New fentanyl analogs appear in street drugs at an alarming rate. Researchers like Dr. Wang are working to create alternative screening methods to detect the ever-evolving fentanyl compounds in today’s seized drugs. Listen along as she discusses graduate programs, the nuances of analyzing fentanyl, and her work in the detection and quantitation of emerging drug compounds in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights action in the field of forensic sciences. This effort would not be possible without the support provided by NIJ’s FTCoE and AAFS. The HHRRC improves the practice of forensic science and strengthens its impact on humanitarian and human rights issues through education and dissemination of best practices and guidelines. In this Just So You Know episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Duarte Nuno Vieira and Dr. Cláudia Plens for a look at how NIJ’s support of the HHRRC aids their mission. Tune in as we gain a broader understanding of humanitarian forensic action and how the HHRRC impacts forensic research around the world.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
Hello and welcome to Just Science, a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system.
This announcement was funded by the Center for Forensic Sciences at RTI International
In episode four of the Improving the System season. Just Science interviews Sarah Chu, Senior Advisor on Forensic Science Policy at the Innocence Project, about their work to end wrongful conviction.
Currently, there are over 2,500 cases on the National Registry of Exonerations. Organizations like the Innocence Project work tirelessly to put an end to wrongful convictions. They rely on people familiar with both policy and forensic science – people like Sarah Chu. Listen along as she discusses the Innocence Project and the impact that it has had on the criminal justice system in this episode of Just Science.
The recording originally took place on May 5th, 2018 and some data may have changed since then.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the Improving the System season, Just Science interviews John Paul Jones and Mark Stolorow of NIST about the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science.
The 2009 National Academy of Sciences report on forensic science cited a lack of national leadership and scientifically sound standards. Its authors specifically looked to NIST to bridge these gaps in the forensic science arena. Listen along as our guests from NIST discuss developing standards and the creation of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the Improving the System season, Just Science met with Gerry LaPorte, former Director of the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss forensic science research and development innovations.
Over the course of his career, Gerry LaPorte has worked with scores of agencies across multiple disciplines on varied, high-profile cases. From granular points about chemistry to the philosophy of science at large, this 2018 conversation reflects the diversity of his résumé.
Listen along as our guest discusses the value of statistics, the definition of light, and his experience working as Chief Forensic Chemist with the Secret Service in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of the Improving the System season, Just Science interviews Dr. Jonathan McGrath, Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, about the recently published NIJ Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner, Coroner Offices Report to Congress. Listen along as he discusses the findings of the report and the challenges faced by both forensic laboratories and medical examiner, coroner offices.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The impact that stress has on a person’s mind and body can be dramatic, but the effects are amplified when the stressors involve violent, graphic, or traumatic material. Amy Jeanguenat and Andrew Levin are working to provide support to those affected by this vicarious trauma, with an emphasis on forensic scientists and first responders. Listen along as they discuss stress, mindfulness, and the future of resiliency in this episode of Just Science.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the final episode of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Jayann Sepich, co-founder of the non-profit organization DNA Saves, about lawfully owed arrestee DNA. In 2003, 22-year-old Katie Sepich was raped and murdered within five blocks of her home in New Mexico. Using skin and blood found under her fingernails, investigators were able to produce a full DNA profile and uploaded it to CODIS. Her killer was identified three years later. Now, in 2019, her mother Jayann Sepich continues to advocate for lawfully owed DNA. Listen along as she discusses expanding the DNA Database and the importance of arrestee DNA collection in this episode of Just Science.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Molly Hall, an examiner for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, about their transition to a Direct-to-DNA approach to processing sexual assault kits. The United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory acts as the true crime lab for the entire Department of Defense and serves all branches of the military. With roughly 2,000 sexual assault kits being submitted per year, they needed to find a way to efficiently process these kits without being bogged down by screening or an influx in submissions. Listen along as Molly Hall discusses Sexual Assault Kit processing and why their lab made the switch to a Direct-to-DNA approach in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Leslie Parke and Jamie Haas of Signature Science, a private DNA laboratory based in Austin, Texas, about increasing workflow efficiency in their lab. From twenty cases a month to thousands of cases per year, Signature Science has shown significant growth in their lab’s capacity. By introducing automation and eliminating unnecessary steps in the DNA analysis process, Parke and Haas have proven that there are always ways to improve the efficiency of a forensic laboratory. Listen along as they discuss the benefits of eliminating serological testing and the impact that automation has had on their lab in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the last episode of Just Science, Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter shared her techniques for creating family trees and discussed the resolution of her first cold case. In episode five of the DNA season, we continue that conversation.
In February 2017, Forensic Magazine published an article detailing the Bear Brook Murders, an abandoned girl, and Rae-Venter's involvement in the resolution of a cold case that tied them all together. One month later, she was contacted by investigator Paul Holes and was on the hunt yet again. Listen along as she discusses building a profile and explains how she used investigative genetic genealogy to identify the Golden State Killer.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter, genetic genealogist and volunteer search angel with DNAadoption.org, about investigative genetic genealogy and its use in forensic science.
From computer programmer to patent attorney, Dr. Rae-Venter’s career has taken many unexpected turns. But no one would have predicted the impact she would have in retirement. In 2017, she was instrumental in identifying the Golden State Killer. Before that, she was asked to identify a woman who had been abducted as a child using her investigative genetic genealogy expertise. Listen along as she discusses the techniques used for creating family trees and the resolution of her first cold case.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Julie Sikorsky, Forensic Biology Unit Manager at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, about her experience introducing an efficiency program into her lab.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office serves over 30 agencies. With such a large client base, capacity and efficiency are critical for their success. In order to improve efficiency in her lab, Julie Sikorsky implemented Lean Six Sigma. Through this program, they have cut down their backlog and reduced their turnaround time by 45%.
Listen in as she discusses laboratory efficiency, the value of open communication, and creating a culture of change in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Dr. Kenneth Kidd, Professor Emeritus of Genetics at Yale University, about his research in genetics.
Dr. Kenneth Kidd has been working on grants from the National Institute of Justice for nearly a decade. In that time, he has made great contributions to our understanding of genetics and its use in forensics.
While his work started with genetic modeling of various disorders, it quickly expanded to include many sub-disciplines of DNA research. Listen in as he discusses genetic mapping, population genetics, and his research journey in this episode.
For more information on Dr. Kidd’s contributions to forensics, listen to the episode “Just Microhaps Perhaps” in the 2018 NIJ R&D season of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of the DNA season, Just Science interviews Chris Asplen, Executive Director of National Criminal Justice Association, about the evolution of DNA evidence. Listen along as our guest discusses the value of post-conviction testing and the impact of DNA evidence on forensic investigations in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this special release episode, Just Science interviews Dr. Hope Smiley-McDonald and Connor Brooks about the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners.
The last Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners was conducted in 2004 and stands as one of the most important resources for budget makers and policy changers. Since then, the realm of MDI has changed dramatically. With that in mind, BJS and RTI International are working tirelessly to create a useful tool that captures all the nuances of this field. Listen in as our guests discuss the development of the survey, the types of data being collected, and the impact that the survey will have on the MDI community.
Please visit www.bjscmec.org for more information.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode ten of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Christopher Ehrhardt, professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, about a method for determining tissue type, age of evidence, and contributors from biological mixtures using cellular autofluorescence signatures. It goes without saying that cells collected from different parts of the body look different. Buccal, vaginal, epidermal, and blood cells all have unique intrinsic properties. However, when they are combined, it can be difficult to discern what components are actually in the mixture. Using Imaging Flow Cytometry, Dr. Ehrhardt has found a way to differentiate between cell types, estimate cellular age, and identify contributors in the sample. Listen in as he discusses how autofluorescence data and cellular properties are being used to analyze samples without destroying the evidence in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode nine of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. David Rivers, a professor at Loyola University, about the detection of insect stains and the development of a quantifiable confirmatory test for fly contamination of bloodstain evidence. There are roughly 86,000 species of flies that have been identified on a global scale. Approximately 16,000 species of flies reside in the United States. Of those 16,000 species, 1,000 are known to show interest in decomposing bodies. For post-mortem interval estimates, the species that lay eggs or deposit larvae are often considered the most useful. But now, that might not be the case. Instead of focusing on the life cycle of the fly, Dr. David Rivers has pursued a different characteristic: their behavior. Through extensive recording and observation, Dr. Rivers and his team have discovered that there are over 13 different artifacts produced as a direct result of a fly’s behavior. Listen in as he discusses the complexity of insect behavior and its potential use in a forensic investigation. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Igor Lednev, professor of Chemistry at the University of Albany, about using Raman Microspectroscopy and advanced statistics for detecting and characterizing gunshot residue.
Raman Spectroscopy is known as one of the most selective spectroscopic techniques because of the unique structural fingerprint that it produces from a sample material. Dr. Igor Lednev and his team at the University of Albany are now using Raman Microspectroscopy to detect and characterize gunshot residue. Listen in as he explains how Raman Spectroscopy works and the impact it will have on gunshot residue analysis.
If you are interested in emerging drug topics, please visit forensicCOE.org to learn more about the upcoming NIJ Policy and Practice Forum on July 18th and 19th. This forum will build off the momentum of the widespread stakeholder meetings convened to discuss the consequences of this national epidemic, including the impact it has had on public safety, public health, and the criminal justice response. You can attend in person or online.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Audris Mockus, a Professor in the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, about an Image Cloud Platform for Use in Tagging and Research on Decomposition database.
Over the last few decades, researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Forensic Anthropology Center have been photographing and cataloguing the decomposition of the subjects in their body farm. With help from Dr. Audris Mockus, they’re turning this collection into an image database for both research and forensic investigation. Listen in as Dr. Mockus discusses the database and its potential impact on both post-mortem interval estimation and our understanding of human decomposition.
If you are interested in emerging drug topics, please visit forensicCOE.org to learn more about the upcoming NIJ Policy and Practice Forum on July 18th and 19th in Washington, DC.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Jorn Yu, professor at Sam Houston State University, about the chemical analysis of controlled substances using automated headspace solid phase microextraction. Developed in the 1990s, headspace solid phase microextraction isn’t necessarily a novel technique. While it is a reliable method for extracting analytes, it hasn’t really found a home in the forensic sciences until now. With support from an NIJ Grant, Dr. Jorn Yu is combining this tried extraction method with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Listen in as he discusses a method for identifying controlled substances using headspace solid phase microextraction and GC/MS in this episode of Just Science. If you are interested in emerging drug topics, please visit forensicCOE.org to learn more about the upcoming NIJ Policy and Practice Forum on July 18th and 19th in Washington, DC. This forum will build off the momentum of the widespread stakeholder meetings convened to discuss the consequences of this national epidemic, including the impact it has had on public safety, public health, and the criminal justice response. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Rebecca Wagner, a researcher at the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences in Richmond, about a comparison of two validated LC/MS methods for the quantitative analysis of opioids, cocaine, and cocaine metabolites in biological matrices.
The state of Virginia is not immune to the current Opioids epidemic. Since 2012, the Virginia DFS has seen a 191% increase in the number of reported opioids results and a 1439% increase in the number of reported fentanyl results for death investigations. With these emerging drug trends on the rise, the DFS is searching for new ways to improve DUI and post-mortem toxicological screening. Listen in as Dr. Wagner discusses confirmation testing, sample conservation, and the development of new analytical methods in this episode of Just Science.
If you are interested in emerging drug topics, please visit forensicCOE.org to learn more about the upcoming NIJ Policy and Practice Forum being held in DC. The forum will build off the momentum of the widespread stakeholder meetings convened to discuss the drug threats and the consequences of this national epidemic on the public safety and health and the criminal justice response.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Suzanne Bell, Professor and Chair of the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University, to discuss a method for consistent single-shot detection of organic and inorganic gunshot residue.
Smaller crime labs often face a lack of resources and don’t have the funds for the most current equipment used in the detection of gunshot residue. With that in mind, Dr. Bell and her team have created a way to detect GSR using a machine already found in most toxicology departments: a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer. Listen along as she discusses a method for using LC/MS to detect organic and inorganic gunshot residues from the same sample in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Robert Allen, professor and head of the Forensic Sciences Department at Oklahoma State University, about a method to estimate the age of bloodstains using quantitative PCR. Traditionally, RNA has been used to identify types of cells and to determine if a sample of blood came from two sources. Dr. Allen and his team have found a new use for the single-strand genetic material – estimating the age of dried blood. By studying the ratios of degradation that take place in RNA, they can estimate the age of a blood stain up to three years old. Listen along as our guest discusses his research and RNA’s role in body fluid identification.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Brittany Coats, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Utah, about her efforts to use fundamental mechanics to predict infant skull fracture patterns. Over 600,000 children suffer from abuse or neglect each year. The highest percentage of those are less than one year old. After a child suffers an injury, clinicians and investigators often rely on experience to determine if abuse is present, but experience can sometimes be too subjective. Dr. Brittany Coats has spent years researching biomechanics to understand the difference between accidental and abusive trauma, especially in infants. Listen along as she discusses the role of experience in understanding head trauma and her journey to create a computational model to predict how an infant’s skull will fracture in an accident.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode one of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Katherine Scafide and Dr. Daniel Sheridan about their use of Alternative Light Sources for the detection and assessment of cutaneous bruising. Until the 1990s, it was commonly believed that clinicians and forensic professionals could estimate a bruise’s age by analyzing its color change. Now, we know that isn’t the case. To fill this gap in knowledge, Dr’s Scafide and Sheridan are working on creating a method for accurately assessing bruises by utilizing different filters to isolate wavelengths of light. Listen along as they discuss the characteristics of bruising, the factors affecting bruise perception, and their innovative use of paintballs in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, aims to create a coordinated community response that ensures justice and resolution to sexual assault cases by utilizing a comprehensive and victim-centered approach. With 54 sites nationwide, SAKI has had a significant impact on policy and practice surrounding sexual assault kit processing. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Just Science met with Dr. Kevin Strom and Dr. Patricia Melton of the SAKI Training and Technical Assistance project. Listen in as they discuss the SAKI TTA program, its impact, and the support SAKI TTA provides the community.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a campaign designed to raise awareness about sexual violence and provide methods to prevent it. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Just Science interviewed Pat Speck, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and professor at the University of Alabama - Birmingham School of Nursing, about sexual assault testing and victim-centered care.Sexual assault evidence collection has changed dramatically over the years. From the original test tubes and cotton stoppers to the advanced sexual assault kits in use today, advancements in science have fundamentally altered the process of testing for sexual assault. Listen in as Pat Speck discusses her research, the importance of trauma-informed care, and evolution of sexual assault evidence collection in this episode of Just Science. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In episode nine of the Identification season, Just Science sits down with Heidi Eldridge, from RTI international, along with Eric Ray and Glenn Langenburg, the co-hosts of the Double Loop Podcast, to discuss the nature of the respective podcasts.
The Double-Loop podcast has been around for over five years now. While its origin can be traced back to a Game of Thrones conversation over dinner, it has grown into a successful podcast with a large forensic professional following. Eric Ray and Glenn Langenburg are respected voices in the forensic community and use their podcast as an opportunity to educate others about latent print topics. In this episode, Just Science sits down with Glenn and Eric to discuss history, inspiration, and the challenges facing their respective podcasts.
If you’re interested in hearing more about latent print topics, current events in forensic science, the newest research articles, and the analysis of notable cases from a forensic scientist perspective, go to this link: https://soundcloud.com/double-loop-podcast
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Selena McKay-Davis, lead senior forensic specialist at Riverside Police Department, about job-related stress for forensic technicians and sworn peace officers.
As a forensic technician Selena McKay-Davis is confronted daily with scenes where crimes were committed, and sometimes these scenes are violent or even gruesome. The stress of the position and the daily exposure to violence can make a long term career in this occupation very difficult. While there is research surrounding the trauma that sworn peace officers experience, little is known about the trauma experienced by civilian forensic technicians. During her graduate studies, Selena McKay-Davis identified this gap in knowledge. Listen along as she discusses her graduate thesis topic covering the similarities and differences between the trauma experienced by officers and civilian forensic technicians
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Carlos Gutierrez, a lecturer at Chaminade University of Honolulu, about the new field of Forensic Microanthropology.
After finding an unidentified bone, forensic anthropologists must first determine if it belonged to a human or an animal. If it’s an animal bone, they can move on to other case work, but human remains require a much more involved and expensive forensic processes such as DNA testing. For developing countries these tests can be too expensive and time consuming. With limited resources and tight timelines, Carlos Gutierrez wanted to find an affordable and timely way to analyze remains and differentiate between human and animal bones. It was through this need that Forensic Microanthropology was born. Listen along as he discusses the details of Forensic Microanthropology in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Hillary Daluz, an instructor for Tritech Forensics and author on latent print analysis.
From soda cans and cigarette packs to animal carcasses and pressure cookers, an improvised explosive device is just that: improvised. One of the most difficult parts of I.E.D. identification after the explosion is figuring out what was part of the bomb itself. Hillary Daluz spent 14 months in Iraq as a latent print examiner working on the remains of improvised explosive devices. Listen along as she discusses contextual bias, the difficulty of identifying finger prints on improvised explosives, and the importance of partnering with other disciplines in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Erin Sims, Lab Manager of the Forensic Identification Unit for the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department, about a case involving methamphetamine use and a double homicide.
In the early hours of a seemingly normal morning outside Grand Island, Nebraska, Brandon Crago fled a drug rehabilitation center. 19 hours later, Crago had stolen four different cars, evaded police, and traveled 300 hundred miles. At the end of his journey, he took the lives of a retired couple on a farm just outside Lincoln, NE. Using wound and bloodstain pattern analysis, Erin Simms and her team pieced together the story and linked Crago to the killings. Listen along as she recalls the details of the methamphetamine-fueled car chase that led to a double homicide in this week’s episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Robert Thompson, Senior Forensic Science Research Manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, about his role in the investigation of the Molalla Forest Murderer.
The Molalla Forest serial murders are arguably the most infamous chain of homicides in Oregon. In 1988, Dayton Leroy Rogers was convicted and imprisoned for the serial murder of seven women over the course of three months. Robert Thompson was heavily involved in the investigation and conviction of this killer. Listen along as our guest discusses the intimate details of the case and the years that followed.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the Identification season, Just Science interviews forensic biologist Caitlin Rogers.
Forensic scientists are always looking to improve the efficiency and accuracy of sexual assault kit testing. Caitlin Rogers is working to improve the procedure by using a modified direct to DNA approach to processing sexual assault kits. Listen along as our guest discusses processing, testing, and analyzing DNA samples from sexual assault kits.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Suzanne Birdwell, a forensic artist with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the current Chair of the IAI Forensic Art Science and Practice Committee.
With over 700 cases in her career, Suzanne Birdwell understands the nuances of forensic artistry. Through a collaborative process, forensic artists create likenesses to aid in recognition and identification of a criminal, a decedent, or a missing person. Listen along as our guest discusses sketching from memory, facial reconstruction, age progression, and other aspects of forensic artistry.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The Identification season of Just Science will focus on many of the different aspects of identification in forensic investigations. A majority of these interviews were recorded at the 2018 International Forensic Educational Conference in San Antonio, Texas. This conference, held by the International Association for Identification, represents a diverse and knowledgeable membership that meets annually to educate and share techniques, methods, and research into the various forensic science disciplines. In episode one of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Lesley Hammer, former president of the International Association for Identification and the current Chair of the Education Committee of the IAI. Listen along as she discusses pattern and impression evidence collection and the future of IAI.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eleven of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Special Agent Richard Marx, the supervisory agent for the FBI’s Evidence Response Team Unit, to discuss what follows a mass casualty event.
Any loss of life is a tragedy, but nothing compares to the loss at a mass casualty event. Special Agent Richard Marx has seen quite a few of them in his career. Since joining the Evidence Response Team in 2006, Marx has been involved in the support efforts following disasters both domestic and abroad. Listen along as he discusses the necessity for interdepartmental collaboration and the feeling of service following a mass casualty event in this week’s episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode ten of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Peter Stout, CEO of the Houston Forensic Science Center, as he discusses the current state of the HFSC and his philosophy of giving the right answer at the right time.
In 2003, the New York Times labelled the Houston Police Crime Lab as one of the worst forensic sciences facilities in the country. Fifteen years later, that reputation has been completely overhauled. In that time, Dr. Peter Stout and his team have done incredible things with this once troubled program. Stay tuned as he discusses how they utilize total transparency and blind proficiency testing to improve the reputation and quality of the Houston Forensic Science Center in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode nine of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Ramit Plushnick-Masti, Director of Communications for the Houston Forensic Science Center, concerning the role of transparency in the forensics community.
Complete transparency is a rare concept in the forensics and law enforcement communities. But for Ramit Plushnick-Masti and the Houston Forensic Science Center, it is standard procedure. Through her anecdotes and experience, listen as Ramit Plushnick-Masti discusses the cultivation of trust and the value of transparency in this installment of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Ron Smith. Smith is a 45-year veteran of latent print analysis and the current president of Ron Smith and Associates, a Mississippi-based company that provides training, consulting, and proficiency testing services to the forensics community.
Over the last 30 years, Smith has witnessed a shift in the role of the forensic scientist in the criminal justice system. He believes that being an expert witness, exhibiting fairness, and staying current are now the most important parts of being a forensic scientist. Listen in as he discusses this shift in more detail and the direction the field of forensic sciences is headed in this installment of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Amber Burns, Chemistry Section Manager for the Maryland State Police Department, to discuss the role of technology in the fight against the current opioid epidemic.
Opioid overdose is on the rise and fentanyl, one of the most prevalent opioids out there, is becoming more difficult to identify. By using the Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Mass Spectrometer, Burns and her team can detect the presence of fentanyl and other chemicals in recovered samples. Listen along as she discusses the technology they use and the current state of the opioid crisis in Maryland in this episode of Just Science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Ben Swanholm, Evidence Screening Section Supervisor at the Phoenix Police Department to discuss millennials and their future role in the forensic sciences.
Millennials are a polarizing and often stereotyped population. Whether it’s diamonds or dining chains, they seem to be the scapegoats for the decline of many industries. Ben Swanholm believes that millennials are a group of people molded from the legacy given to them. Listen along as he discusses technological growth, social identity, and generational values as they integrate into the forensic sciences.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights in the field of forensic sciences and the NIJ. The FTCoE will help to support key international agencies chosen by the HHRRC to improve the practice of forensic science and strengthen its impact on humanitarian and human rights issues through training and education and dissemination of best practices and guidelines. Some of the main focuses for the program are evidence preservation, training, research, and capacity building around the world. Research discussed in this Just So You Know episode includes looking at skeletal remains from the mass violence in Cambodia, develop the capacity of anthropology in Mexico, how nerve agents are incorporated into bones, and much more. Just Science interviews Dr. Douglas Ubelaker about the HHRRC’s efforts and his contributions to an in-brief about how the NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence aids their mission.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In episode five of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Katie Fetherston, the Laboratory Director for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Brian Hoey, the director of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Crime Laboratory Division, and Jeremy Triplett, the Laboratory Supervisor for Kentucky State Police to discuss the ASCLD Rapid DNA committee efforts.
In addition to implementing Rapid DNA technology in law enforcement units for investigative leads, the technology can be used in disaster victim identification (DVI). The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) recognizes that the forensic science community can aid these efforts. Listen along as Katie Fetherston, Brian Hoey, and Jeremy Triplett discus how Law enforcement, DVI, and forensic laboratory subcommittees of the ASCLD Rapid DNA Task Force provide coordination and oversight, assisting in facilitating communication, along with developing best practices and guidance documents.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. David Christiansen, a licensed psychologist in the State of Colorado, about psychological survival in a violent career. Dr. Christiansen discusses what trauma is and how to be aware of those around you that have been affected by it. Listen along as Just Science learns what can aid in psychological wellness and how self-awareness is a major step in developing resiliency in the profession. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Paul Speaker from West Virginia University about THE JURISDICTIONAL RETURN ON investment for DNA Databases.
With the help of FORESIGHT crime labs can have not only an emotional argument but also an economical argument for testing all sexual assault kits. Just Science explores questions in this episode such as, should labs test all sexual assault kits? Should labs prioritize by if it was a consent case? does this data have more than just a societal impact? Stay tuned as Dr. Speaker leads us through how individualized crime lab DNA data can aid crime labs competing for scarce resources.
This month the FTCoE will be releasing a report written on Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement Program EIP. This episode as well as the report is available at www.forensicCOE.org. Follow the FTCOE on Facebook and twitter, or sign up for the newsletter to be notified when the report is released.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Cecelia Crouse, formally the Crime Laboratory Director for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, about the 2009 national academies report. The conversation also dives into Dr. Crouses’ experience, leadership and the differences between academic and laboratory science.
This month the FTCoE will be releasing a report written with Dr. Crouse on Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement Program EIP. This episode as well as the report is available at forensicCOE.org. Follow the FTCOE on Facebook and twitter, or sign up for the newsletter to be notified when the report is released.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The Forensic Advancement season of Just Science will focus on many areas that challenge forensic leadership within the community. The majority of these interviews were recorded at the 2018 ASCLD Annual Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia. If you have an interesting case and would like to be a guest on our next season, recorded at the 2019 ASCLD symposium, please visit our podcast landing page at ForensicCOE.ORG/just-science-podcast.
In episode one of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews John Collins an instructor and consultant from Critical Victories, and Jay Henry, laboratory director at the Utah Department of public safety.
Listen along as our guests discuss how crime labs can create environments that are more appealing to the younger generation of professionals and what challenges directors are having with retention. Stay tuned to find out about the delicate balance of casework completion and retention strategies.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the fourth episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews John Fudenberg, the Coroner for Clark County, where he discusses the tragic events of the 2017 concert shooting in Las Vegas, and the aftermath that followed. This episode will focus on lessons learned and how other coroner offices can prepare now for unforeseen incidents. John Fudenberg also stresses the importance of knowing who to contact and how critical a family assistance center can be for victims, families, responders and scene investigators during a mass casualty event.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the third episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews Bobbi Jo O’neal, the Chief Deputy Coroner of Charleston, South Carolina, who discusses the unique skills that forensic nurses can provide as coroners. Listen along as we discuss how Charleston County has learned to deal with mass fatality scenes and infant deaths by creating multidisciplinary teams, developing consistent interviewing methods, and other helpful techniques that the community can easily adapt.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the second episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews John Fudenberg, the Coroner for Clark County, Nevada. Listen along as Just Science explores commonalities and differences between the coroner and medical examiner systems to highlight pervading issues and possible improvements within the MDI community.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the first episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews Kelly Keyes, the supervising deputy coroner of Orange County, California to give an overview about the coroners and medical examiners professions and to identify key topics for discussion in the fields today. Listen along as our host Dr John Morgan, and our guest co-host Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller, talk around staffing issues, available resources for identifying missing and unidentified remains, and the vicarious trauma experienced within the community.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode ten of the FTCoE special release season, Just Science interviews Molly Dix about the key role that innovation advisors play in transitioning technology into practice.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode nine of the FTCoE special release season, Just Science interviews Erica Fornaro where she discusses all of the ways the center is trying to reach forensic professionals.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of the FTCoE special release season, Just Science interviews Dr. Kelle Berrick about the social impact of forensic technologies.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode seven of the FTCoE special release season, Just Science interviews Sarah Norsworthy, Nichole Bynum, and Katherine Moore. Listen along as we learn about their forensic backgrounds and the valuable knowledge they bring to the center.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the FTCoE special release season, Just Science interviews Heidi Eldridge, who discusses her unusual background and her path to becoming a researcher at RTI and a PhD candidate at the University of Lausanne.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of the FTCoE special release season, Just Science interviews Dr. Megan Grabenauer, where she discusses her chemistry research background and current NIJ grant.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Listen to learn more about Dr. John Morgan’s past with the NIJ and how that aligns with the FTCoE mission by providing evidence-based resources about forensic technologies and emerging challenges.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the sixth episode of the 2018 R&D Season, Just Science speaks with Dr. Michael Edge of UC Davis about his research with record linkage of CODIS profiles with SNP genotypes. Can you tell if a set of CODIS markers and a set of SNP genotypes match the same person? Just science discusses with Doc the possibilities of linkages between CODIS and SNPs databases for identity and familial matching, and dispel preconceptions associated with them.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the fifth episode of our 2018 NIJ R&D Season, Just Science speaks with Dr. Jamie Wieland and Dr. Christopher Mulligan of Illinois State University about assessing the impact of implementing portable mass spectrometers for on-site drug evidence processing. Listen along as Just Science explores cross-disciplinary research to determine the analytical, legal, and fiscal impacts of adopting drug screening protocols using portable mass spectrometers in the field.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the 2018 NIJ R&D Season, Just Science speaks with Dr. Shamsi Berry, from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, about her research with standardizing a large-scale, whole-body CT image database. In 2010 the Office of the Medical Investigator for New Mexico was awarded an NIJ grant where they did high-resolution whole-body CT scans. Fast forward six years later where another NIJ grant was awarded to create a free-access Decedent CT Database from those whole body CTs. There will be over 15,000 autopsies that captures key data and whole-body CT images, which will be an invaluable resource to forensic researchers when it releases in late 2018.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the third episode of the 2018 NIJ R&D Season, Just Science speaks with Dr. David Carter, Director and Associate Professor of Forensic Sciences at Chaminade University of Honolulu, about his research, “Evaluating the Skin Microbiome as Trace Evidence on Common Surface Types.”
Microbiome trace evidence samples can be tracked back to individuals with high accuracy and used to narrow pools of suspects even when multiple people have touched a surface. The potential for microorganisms to reveal whether a particular person has touched an object is substantial. Listen along as Dr. Morgan and Dr. Carter discuss the implications of these findings as they apply to forensic science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the second episode of our new R&D Season, Just Science host Dr. John Morgan speaks with human population geneticist Dr. Kenneth Kid, Professor Emeritus of Genetics and Senior Research Scientist with 44 years under his belt at Yale University.
With the advent of massively parallel sequencing, microhaplotypes have become a valuable new type of DNA marker for use in forensics. These markers have great potential through MPS not only because their statistical power can greatly exceed that of standard forensic markers typed by capillary electrophoresis, but because they are also excellent at quantifying biologic relationships without having to worry about the high mutation rates.
Listen to the discussion surrounding microhaplotypes, from the history of mapping the human genome and the evolution of population genetics, to the implications on forensics that new research in this field is providing.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In the first episode of our new R&D Season, Just Science host Dr. John Morgan speaks with Dr. Bruce Budowle, the Executive Director of the Institute of Applied Genetics and Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
Did you know that if you swab a 1cm square area of skin you'll recover up to ten thousand bacterial cells? Microbiome profiling for forensic identification complements partial or inconclusive STR profiles to increase resolution for human source attribution. Performance assessment is underway and preliminary data indicate that the candidate panel can characterize human-based selected microbes even at initially low abundant body sites.
Listen along as John and Bruce explore research surrounding human microbiome flora and their implications on forensic science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just So You Know: In Remembrance of Dr. Cantu This Just So You Know episode was produced in remembrance of Dr. Antonio Cantu who passed away Friday, June 29, 2018.
"Dr. Cantu worked as a Forensic Scientist for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and served as Chief Scientist for the Forensic Service Division of U.S. Secret Service (USSS) until he retired in 2007. Dr. Cantu’s expertise included the chemistry of documents and fingerprints. With a relentless commitment to education, love of knowledge and passion for his craft, Antonio touched, inspired and empowered everyone who knew him." Please click here to read Dr. Cantu's obituary.
Listen along as Joseph Stephens, from the FBI Laboratory, discusses how Dr. Cantu shaped his forensic career and overall outlook on work and friendship.
In episode twelve of our Drugs Season, Just Science speaks to Dr. Paul Speaker, from West Virginia University, about the economic burden our justice system has from opioid deaths. They are estimating that the crime labs alone are spending around 270 milions dollars a year on the opioid crisis. Laboratory budgets are not growing fast enough to handle this drain on resources. Listen along as Just Science delves into the data of the opioid crisis. This episode will conclude the FTCOE's season on drugs.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eleven of our Drugs Season, Just Science visits Atlanta for the 45th Annual ASCLD symposium to visit with Dr. Barry Logan, Sr. Vice President of Forensic Science Initiatives and Chief of Forensic Toxicology at National Medical Services, to discuss the convergence of drivers of the national opioid epidemic. Follow along to learn what's in these novel compounds, and why it matters to illicit drug manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and local crime labs.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode ten of our Drugs Season, Just Science visits Atlanta for the 45th Annual ASCLD symposium to talk with the Orange County, California Laboratory Director, and chair of the ASCLD Opioid Taskforce Committee, Bruce Houlihan. Listen along as John and Bruce tackle the nation's most complex drug war front on the topic of seized drugs in labs, and why post-mortem findings, research, and collaborations are hot topics around today's changing landscape for laboratory safety.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode Nine of our Drugs Season, Just Science discusses the Opioid Epidemic with RTI International's Dr. Gary Zarkin and Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller. Solving the United State's Opioid Epidemic that's riddled with unknowns and inconsistencies starts with a holistic understanding of the pervading issues. It's not just the prevention and treatment associated with novel psychoactive substances, but surveillance, drug chemistry identification, legislative and policy reform, and influential stakeholders acting in a concerted effort that will turn the tide of the nation's most devastating drug war front. Follow along with Just Science as we discuss the opioid epidemic, from its history and origins, to modern day strategies for prevention and treatment that capitalize on the use of existing data and policies to help home in on a national solution.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of our Drugs Season, Just Science discusses research in the area of e-cigarettes with Dr. Michelle Peace. Vaping, the act of inhaling vapor from e-liquid through a vaporizer, or also known as an e-cigarette, has gained popularity in recent years.
The first half of the episode was recorded over a year ago. During the second half Dr. Peace will give us an update on where her research stands today.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
How do career trajectories differ for Women in Forensics? It’s not just about showcasing academic rigor, producing great research, and chasing grants. This Just So You Know, we speak with Dr. Campo of FIU and touch on creating women leaders in science, academia, STEM, and forensics, and finding a balance between children and careers, while not sacrificing living other parts of life.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In episode seven of our Drugs Season, Just Science discusses with Dr. Nadja Schreiber Compo, an associate professor at Florida International University, her research on the effects of alcohol on witnesses' and victims' memory for events and faces.
Victims and witnesses are discredited for being intoxicated, and may encounter obstacles as a result, but there is no science at this point that suggests that alcohol negatively affects witnesses memory for a face. Listen along as the discussion meanders along the research and perceptions surrounding the credibility of intoxicated victim and witness testimonies.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of our Drugs Season, Just Science uses the 30-year career of Randy Hanzlick of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Atlanta to explore the field of forensic pathology. Nerd out with Dr. John Morgan and Dr. Hanzlick as they discuss everything you'd want to know about medicolegal death investigation, from the history of forensic pathology, board certifications and standards, to the complexities between the Coroner and Medical Examiner systems and shortages. Also how does this shortage of pathologists link with the Opioid Crisis? Could having more pathologists have helped raise awareness earlier?
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode five of our Drugs Season, Just Science interviews Jennifer Knudsen, Colorado's Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, and Glenn Davis, the Highway Safety Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Listen along as Colorado's recreational marijuana legalization traffic experts discuss the law and operations of the existence of recreational marijuana and its impact on the transportation sector. They will discuss the post-legalization effects of marijuana on Colorado law enforcement, specifically focusing on driving and traffic topics.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of our Drugs Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Carl Wolf, from the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University to discuss his NIJ funded research, titled "Liver Doesn't DIE, or at least its Enzymes, and Other Useful Information Discovered while Evaluating the Effect of Sample Preparation Techniques on Matrix Effects and Absolute Recovery of Opiates in Liver Tissue using UPLC-MS/MS."
Stay tuned as we discuss the challenges associated with post-mortem work in forensic toxicology to dispel incorrect assumptions associated with how the human body functions in death. Is your liver dead if the cells are still living? Listen along as we explore this question, novel psychoactive substances and more on forensic toxicology and body fluids.
This episode was recorded at the America Academy of Forensic Sciences 2018 annual meeting where Carl presented the research at the NIJ R&D Symposium. If you missed his talk please visit forensiccoe.org to watch the archival.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the Drugs Season, Just Science interviews Alex Krotulski, a research scientist, and Amanda Mohr, a forensic scientist 2, at the Center for Forensic Science Research and education. Both discuss their NIJ funded research titled Evaluating Trends in Novel Psychoactive Substances Using a Sentinel Population of Electronic Dance Music Festival Attendees.
Stay tuned as we answer some Electronic Dance Music festival culture questions such as, what do the bracelets that attendees wear really mean? How knowledgeable are attendees about the drugs they are taking? And many more…
This episode was recorded at the America Academy of Forensic Sciences 2018 annual meeting where Alex presented the research at the NIJ R&D Symposium. If you missed his talk please visit forenscoe.org to watch the archival.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the Drugs Season, Just Science interviews Preeti Menon, the Senior Associate Director at the Justice Programs Office, a center in the School of Public Affairs at America University. One of Ms. Menon's many roles include being the Principal Investigator and project director for the National Drug Court Resource Center, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Principal Investigator for the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Training and Technical Assistance Initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Drug courts are one of the many tools the Department of Justice is using to combat overcrowded prisons and dangerous drug addictions. Listen along to find out how these courts are improving the justice system, and how American University is contributing in the fight against addiction.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
With this episode we kick off our Drugs season. Topics will range from legalization of marijuana in relation to police officers, the opioid epidemic, Electronic Dance Music Festivals, how witnesses' and victims' memory of events can be affected by alcohol, current vaping research, drug courts, and much more.
Episode one features Nancy Crump, an Assistant Crime Laboratory Administrator at the Phoenix Police Department. In this episode Just Science discusses the creation of the Field Identification Drug Officer Program, also known as FIDO. Nancy and John discuss how the lack of laboratory resources creates an inefficient system for testing drugs found in the field and possible solutions for this issue.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Opinions or points of views expressed in this podcast represent a consensus of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of its funding.
In this special episode of the IPTES season recorded live in Crystal City, Just Science covers the panel titled, "Statistics and Testimony from the Practitioner and Juror Point of View." Moderators for the panel were Dr. John Morgan, Just Science host from RTI International, and Xiaoyu Alan Zheng, a mechanical engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Prior to this recording, panelists gave presentations during the symposium on various statistical topics, including:
"Statistical Interpretation and Reporting of Fingerprint Evidence at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laborator" presented by Mr. Henry Swofford.
"LR Testimony Cross-Examined" presented by Dr. Hari Iyer, and Dr. Steven Lund from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Mr. Chris Fabricant.
"Factors Which Influence Juror's Interpretation of the Value of Forensic Science Testimony" presented by Dr. Alicia Wilcox. Dr. Wilcox goes further into her research on a previous just science episode "Just A Juror's Perception" If you would like to watch their presentations, you can find them on the FTCoE website www.Forensiccoe.org
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode nine of the IPTES season, Just Science is covering the Statistical Approaches to Forensic Interpretation panel, recorded live at IPTES. Moderators for the panel was your host Dr. John Morgan, from RTI International and Dr. Jose Almirall, Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University.
Panelist gave presentations during the symposium on various statistical topics, these presentations were: "Reality Check - What Is Expected from Expert Witnesses", by Dr. Steven Lund. "Challenges Faced by Experts When Communicating Forensic Evidence to Triers of Fact: A Statistician's View" by Dr. Hari Iyer. "The Use of Similarity Measures (Scores) to Quantify the Weight of Forensic Evidence" by Dr. Cedric Neumann, from South Dakota State University. "Statistical Analysis in Forensic Science Evidential Value of Multivariate Data" by Dr. Daniel Ramos, from the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. "The Anatomy of Forensic Identification Decisions: Rethinking Current Reporting Practice in a Decision-Theoretic Perspective" by Dr. Alex Biedermann. If you would like to watch their presentations you can find them on the FTCoE website www.Forensiccoe.org
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode eight of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Cami Fuglsby, a PhD student from South Dakota State University to discuss Sufficiency and Complexity Factors in Handwriting Examination. Did you know that increasing the size of the document improves the sufficiency of the document? Or that the likelihood of chance matches decrease as complexity increases? Follow along as we discuss Flash ID, shape-codes, and flipping algorithms on their heads.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Robert Thompson, a Senior Forensic Science Research Manager at the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Mr. Thompson discusses his research on consecutively manufactured barrels and Objective Comparison of Toolmarks Produced from Consecutively Manufactured Cold Chisels. The profile's similarity and differences were compared using two mathematical methods, cross-correlation function, and the recently developed congruent matching profile segments method.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode six of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Chris Hamburg, from the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division, and Jeff Jagmin from the WSP Crime Laboratory Division in Seattle. Our guests discuss the process a footwear examiner goes through in order to capture test impressions. Their interactive workshop “Intra- and Inter-variability of Footwear Test Impressions” had attendees go through this footwear examiner process. The attendees could then see for themselves what variations occur on the test impressions depending on the examiner’s physical variations, such as height and weight.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In episode five of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews John Vanderkolk from the Indiana State Laboratory. In a previous episode, Mr. Vanderkolk used the term Nature's patterns, now he will discuss the philosophy behind the term and how he uses his Fracture Examination workshop to teach these ideas.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode four of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Andrew Kimble, a student from Albany State University. Mr. Kimble explains his research in how incorporating statistical models in forensic shoeprint analysis can assist in identification. This episode shows how a young forensic professional is finding his own path, along with aiding others in his community.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode three of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Dr. Alicia Wilcox from Husson University and Heidi Eldridge from RTI International. Our guests discuss how visual aid and other tactics have been proven to help jurors interpret subject matter expert testimony. Listen and find out what Jurors say is effective in communicating forensic evidence in court.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In episode two of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Dr. Ashraf Bastawros from the Iowa State University. Dr. Bastawros discusses how fracture mechanics principles can be used with statistical learning tools to give quantitative results. Explore the mind of an engineer and how leveraging other disciplines can aid forensic science.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this season we will cover content given at the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence's Impression Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium. The symposium was held January 22nd -25th 2018 in Arlington, Virginia, it had over 200 onsite attendees and over 300 online attendees. To kick off the season Just Science interviews John Vanderkolk from the Indiana State Laboratory. Vanderkolk discusses his belief in the importance of challenging your teachers and how nature's patterns are apparent throughout friction ridge evidence.
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
The host of Just Science, Dr. John Morgan, gives a detailed explanation about the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence’s Leadership Series. He discusses the topics along with the instructors who cover the material as well as some of the challenges associated with leadership in the crime lab.
Learn more at: https://forensiccoe.org/leadership-series/
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In this special release season of Just Science, we discuss leadership with prominent names in the forensic community. The last episode of this series features Jeremy Triplett, the Laboratory Supervisor for the Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratories. Triplett discusses how a leader must not only have people skills, but they also must posses ability look beyond their own expertise when handling challenges.
This season was funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this special release season of Just Science, we discuss leadership with prominent names in the forensic community. This episode features Martina Bison-Huckaby, the Director of the Center for Executive Education at West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics. Just science examines how understanding and relating with people separates leadership from management. Also we discuss that taking business techniques, and human psychology into a crime lab leadership position can be challenging. Martina Bison Huckaby explains how West Virginia University, ASCLD, and the NIJ are aiding forensic scientists who are seeking leadership help.
In this special release season of Just Science, we discuss leadership with prominent names in the forensic community. This episode features Jody Wolf the assistant crime lab administrator at the Phoenix police department laboratory services bureau. Wolf tells us how forensic science found her at a pivotal time in her life, and how she found an amazing career at the Phoenix crime lab. With a background that only strengthens her ability as leader, Just Science examines how sometimes rethinking old procedures, or even how a lab is structured can create an overall better and more efficient justice system.
This season was funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Servant Leadership
In episode one of the Leadership Special Release season, Just Science interviews Ben Swanholm, the Forensic Science Section Supervisor at the Phoenix Police Department Laboratory Services Bureau. Swanholm discusses his personal leadership style, backed with resources that are helpful to not only forensic scientists, but anyone who is interested in pursuing a leadership role. Along with learning more about the ASCLD Leadership Academy we examine some of the unique ways Phoenix organizes it’s crime laboratory.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
JUST SO YOU KNOW: RAPID DNA TECHNOLOGY
In this “Just So You Know” episode of Just Science, we discuss this year’s Rapid DNA forum with Chris Asplen, the Executive Director of the National Criminal Justice Association. The 3-day forum, hosted by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, was held in Alexandria, VA in August of 2017. This forum provided more than 130 attendees from the forensic DNA community an opportunity to be updated on commercially available Rapid DNA technologies, hear lessons learned from several early adopters spanning local law enforcement and federal agencies, and discuss moving forward as a community. As one of the many distinguished presenters from the forum, Chris discusses how Rapid DNA is moving forward slowly but surely saving jurisdictions time and money, and that getting the policy right is just as important as getting the technology right.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In Episode 9, Season 2, Just Science interviews Ray Wickenheiser, director of the New York State Police lab system and current ASCLD president. Ray takes us down to Cajun Country to the case of deranged “Baton Rouge Serial Killer,” Derrick Todd Lee, who targeted young women in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana during the early 2000s. Just Science and Ray jump into the details of the complex crime scenes Lee left throughout the city and discuss the significance of a muddy footwear impression, a computer cord, and DNA evidence, and how they helped break the case for a clear path to conviction. Derrick Todd Lee was convicted in 2004 and died on death row in 2016. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences. Funding for this season is brought to you by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Two Murders, One Trace Fiber In episode eight, Season two, Just Science interviews Dr. Jan De Kinder, from the National institute of Forensic science and criminology in the Belgium Department of Justice. Dr. De Kinder explores how trace evidence was a critical piece of evidence in the murder of two young girls 20 years ago in Belgium. During the time of the murders Belgium was dealing with a large number of missing children cases. The suspect’s jeans ended up the key piece of evidence matching fibers to both of the victim’s clothing.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110]. Please visit ForensicCOE.org for more information.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
In Episode Seven, Season two, Just Science interviews Dr. John Kenney, who is also a member of the American Academy of Forensic Science, during the Cradle to Cane Conference held in Charleston South Carolina. Dr. Kenny discusses ways to identify human trafficking, not only in the field of dentistry, but also in other industries. This episode will not focus on one particular case but will describe many cases and examples where forensic odontologists are aiding the justice system by using age estimation. Please visit the forensicCOE.org for more information.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
In episode six, season two, Just Science interviews Kimberly Meza from Mesa police Department during the annual ASCLD symposium held in Dallas, Texas. Kimberly describes how a blood spatter analyst takes in a scene, especially one as gruesome as this case, where the victim was brutally stabbed in their apartment by an unknown suspect. The suspects DNA that was found at the scene initially was a no match in CODIS, and the latent prints taken at the scene created no leads. For six months there were no DNA lead until a submitted sexual assault kit was entered into the system. The sexual assault kit was taken 9 days before the murder.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
This week the forensic science community lost an influential and dedicated leader, Dr. Jay Siegel. "Just Science" is releasing a special "Just So You Know" episode interviewing Dr. Max Houck and John Collins, two of Dr. Siegel’s closest colleagues. In this short episode we remember a kind hearted, dedicated educator of forensic scientists, whose reach was felt internationally. The community has lost someone who is considered a forefather for education in forensics, please join us as we celebrate a life that gave so much to his beloved community.
Atlanta Olympic Bombing
Season two, episode five of Just Science interviews John Collins during the annual ASCLD symposium in Dallas, Texas. This episode takes us back to a time when the United States was hosting the summer Olympics, in Atlanta, in 1996. The summer of 1996 was meant to be an important moment for the heart of Georgia on the world’s stage, but instead is remembered by a horrific explosion, whose percussion echoed the planet. Join us as John Collins walks us through the timeline of when law enforcement received an anonymous phone call warning of the bomb, to the forensic analysis of explosive devices, and how a pre 9/11 America tried to cope with such a shocking event.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
Season two, episode four of Just Science involves a case through the eyes of an investigator. Mike Weber, an investigator with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children Unit, walks us through a case involving Munchausen Syndrome by proxy. Munchausen Syndrome by proxy is a rare form of child or elderly abuse where a primary caretaker exaggerates or creates their victim’s symptoms of illnesses, in this case through manipulation, deceit, and forgery. Not much is known about this type of crime because it is so rarely recognized and so difficult to prosecute. Listen along as Investigator Weber navigates us through his journey to justice in this horrific case involving an abusive and attention crazed chemist, a poisoned child, and an investigator who wants justice.
In part 2 we navigate this dramatic rollercoaster of a case, filled with deceit and cliffhangers that seem more like fiction than reality. We left off with the victim being tested in the hospital and Hope’s story starting to unravel...
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
Season two, episode three of Just Science involves a case through the eyes of an investigator. Mike Weber, an investigator with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children Unit, walks us through a case involving Munchausen Syndrome by proxy. Munchausen Syndrome by proxy is a rare form of child or elderly abuse where a primary caretaker exaggerates or creates their victim’s symptoms of illnesses, in this case through manipulation, deceit, and forgery. Not much is known about this type of crime because it is so rarely recognized and so difficult to prosecute. Listen along as Investigator Weber navigates us through his journey to justice in this horrific case involving an abusive and attention crazed chemist, a poisoned child, and an investigator who wants justice.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
Episode two of the Just Science podcast involves a case from Canada that Deputy Director Andrew Greenfield worked on when he was a young scientist. The gruesome murder of a child in 1999 in Toronto was unheard of and it dominated the air waves, and because of inaccurate witness statements describing the suspects, it was near impossible to generate leads for this case. Greenfield spoke up to one of his superiors about using a new DNA technology to help find a lead. We will be discussing with him outside the box thinking and DNA match probability, and what it means for justice.
This podcast contains violent and sometimes graphic content, this may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
JUST CASE STUDIES: MEL HALL – A SEXUAL PREDATOR
For the second season of Just Science we will be delving into case studies. These case interviews include victim accounts, lawyers, investigators, and crime lab directors. They will tell you about cases they have personally worked during their career, and what tactics they used to bring their victims justice. Episode one is a case involving a former Yankee baseball player, Mel Hall, who was convicted on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child. We phone interviewed the prosecutor of his case, Kim Davignon, and one of his victims Chaz Easterly. Just Science discusses with them victimology, and how to handle cases involving children who have experienced sexual assault. Some content in this podcast is sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences. This recording took place during the From Cradle to Cane Conference: Crimes Against Vulnerable Victims in Charleston, SC March of 2017.
If you are a victim of sexual assault or would like to talk to a trained advocate, there is a National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline you can call at 800.656.4673, or visit RAINN.ORG or Victimsofcrime.org.
Some content in this podcast is sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
This special release season of the 2017 NIJ R&D Symposium of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], interviews Dr. Rob Maher.
Below is the abstract submitted where Dr. Rob Maher explains his research:
Gunshot acoustics–interpretation of the characteristic sounds produced by firearms recorded at a crime scene–is a specialization within the audio forensics field. Audio forensic evidence is increasingly common in law enforcement investigations because of the growing availability of inexpensive and lightweight digital voice recorders and miniature personal digital video camera systems for routine law enforcement and surveillance use. An increasing number of cases involving gunshot sounds are being captured in these audio recordings. The acoustical characteristics of a firearm depend upon the type of gun and ammunition, the distance and azimuth with respect to the gun barrel, and the acoustical reflections and reverberation due to nearby surfaces and objects. For scientific study it is necessary to separate the direct sound of the muzzle blast from the acoustic reflections, echoes, and reverberation that depend upon the recording environment. We use an elevated array of twelve specialized microphones capable of capturing the high intensity and short duration of the firearm’s muzzle blast concurrently over 180 degrees in azimuth. Each microphone is recorded with 16-bit resolution at a 500 kHz sampling rate, and the elevated platform allows the entire muzzle blast to be recorded before the arrival of the first acoustical reflection from the ground. This presentation includes a description of the firearm recording technique, the characteristics observed from these scientific recordings, recommendations on the use and processing of our database of firearm acoustical recordings, and a discussion of future prospects for forensic gunshot acoustical analysis.
Dr. LaMotte and Dr. Wells discuss their NIJ funded research on PMI and how it can help crime scene investigators. This is their abstract submitted for the R&D Symposium: "To our knowledge an estimate of time since death is almost never accompanied by the kind of mathematically explicit probability statement that is the standard in most scientific disciplines. This has been a problem both for death investigation casework (and court testimony) and for research, because scientists have not known how to design decomposition experiments to provide adequate statistical power for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. We have been developing methods for calculating statistical confidence limits about a PMI estimate based on either continuous quantitative or categorical data. The examples we present are from forensic entomology, but the approach is suitable for any postmortem variable. To do this we extended and adapted the time-tested statistical method of inverse prediction (IP, also called calibration) to the PMI estimation setting. Methods to produce valid p-values for this process are known for single, quantitative y and x that follow a linear regression relation and with y having constant variance. Some exist for multivariate y, but only for settings where y has constant variance. Many measurements used for PMI estimation do not fit these criteria. The current project builds on earlier work in which we developed IP methods for non-constant variance of a single, quantitative y (e.g. estimating carrion maggot age using a single size measurement, Wells and LaMotte 1995), and in which we developed the first ever method for IP based on categorical data (e.g. estimating PMI based on carrion insect succession, LaMotte and Wells 2000). One possible barrier to the adoption of these new inverse prediction methods by researchers and death investigators has been that they are not implemented in statistical software packages. In this presentation we will show how IP using categorical data can be done by simply reading a table. Concerning quantitative data we will show how inverse prediction of PMI can be performed using statistical analysis software already widely available for general linear mixed models, where the statistical theory and methodology are well-established. We will show how flexible models using polynomial splines can be fit for both the means and variance-covariance matrices, and how to use dummy variables over a grid of values of x to get the p-values required for confidence sets automatically. Attendees familiar with mixed models and their applications will be able to implement these methods in standard statistical packages. Statistical Methods for Combining Multivariate and Categorical Data in Postmortem Interval Estimation 2013‐DN‐BXK042 Lynn R. LaMotte,1 and Jeffrey D. Wells2 1Biostatistics Program, LSU School of Public Health
To learn more visit www.ForensicCOE.org
Just Bath Salts
In this special release episode of the 2017 NIJ R&D Symposium, Just Science interviews Lindsay Glicksberg, a student from Sam Houston State University. This is an excerpt from the abstract submitted by the guest, Lindsay Glicksberg explaining the research discussed in this episode:
The ongoing proliferation of designer drugs present a variety of public health and safety concerns. Synthetic cathinones are capable of producing a variety of psychostimulant effects. According to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS), their use has escalated. Forensic laboratories must be able to identify these new drugs as part of antemortem and postmortem toxicology investigations. Due to limitations in immunoassay-based screening technologies, many forensic toxicology laboratories must rely on chromatographic-based screening approaches in order to detect these drugs in biological evidence. The detection of drugs is heavily dependent upon the stability of the drug in biological matrices, information that is relatively limited for synthetic cathinones. This research presents a validated method for the quantification of twenty- two synthetic cathinones in urine and blood using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF-MS). The validated method was used to systematically evaluate the stability of synthetic cathinones in blood and urine over a six-month period. Drug stability was assessed in terms of pH, temperature, matrix, concentration-dependence and chemical properties.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
In this special release season, Just Science will be covering presenters at the National Institute of Justice’s Research and Development Symposium Meeting held in conjunction with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana in February of 2017. The first of four episodes, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, we interviewed Dr. Jarrad Wagner, from Oklahoma State University. This NIJ funded research is striving to make law enforcement officials and their communities safer by determining practical ways to detect methamphetamine clandestine laboratories through water waste systems.
Just Hairy Isotopes
In episode ten of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], we spoke with Dr. Gwyneth Gordon, from Arizona State University. Dr. Gordon and her team have developed methods to use the isotopic abundance of elements in hair to learn more about the history of an individual. This NIJ funded research, used in the investigation of unidentified dead, isotopic analysis will measures strontium, trace elements, and even rare earth minerals to shed light on diet, birthplace and residential history.
https://forensiccoe.org/?p=4412&preview=true
Just Blood Spatter
In episode nine of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], we spoke with Dr. Marc Smith, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Smith’s NIJ funded research in blood spatter has connected computational fluid dynamics with empirical studies to improve the understanding of blood spatter onto solid, slanted surfaces. His work looks at many variables, including droplet size, speed, surface roughness and wettability.
https://forensiccoe.org/ep9s1/
In episode eight of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], we spoke with Dr. Christopher Krebs, a Senior Research Social Scientist at RTI International. Dr. Krebs’ research has shed light on the problem of sexual assault on college campuses and prisons. We discuss the history of RTI research in the area and how to interpret the data considering the methodology of social science. This could be a lesson in data interpretation and statistics that may be useful for forensic scientists, but it also raises the awareness of an issue of which the magnitude is not yet fully understood. Some content in this podcast is sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
https://forensiccoe.org/ep8s1/
Just Dry Bones: In the seventh episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], guest speakers Dr. Melissa Connor, Dr. Eriek Hansen, and Christiane Baigent discuss their NIJ funded research. A study was launched in late 2015 using two methods, Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and Total Body Desiccation. Observations from three years of study at Colorado Mesa University created a qualitative scoring system the Total Body Desiccation Score (TBDS) showing major changes over time by desiccated remains. Visit the FTCOE website to learn more at https://forensiccoe.org/e7s1/
In the sixth episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], guest speaker Dr. Paul Speaker discusses the FORESIGHT program. Dr. Speaker, an Associate Professor at West Virginia University, will describe how The FORESIGHT program helps crime laboratories manage their finances and track their performance by using data. This episode will stress the importance of knowing business jargon, and how it can help a crime laboratories persuade policy makers. Listen and subscribe to learn more.
DNA Mixture Interpretation
In the fifth episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], we have guest speaker Dr. Catherine Grgicak speaking about one of the hot topics in forensic science, DNA Mixture interpretation. Dr. Grgicak and her colleagues at Boston University have developed tools and resources that are openly available to the forensic science community. This episode covers the CEESIt (Computational Evaluation of Evidentiary Signal) and NOCIt (Number Of Contributors) tools along with some of the other contributions that Dr. Grgicak and her colleagues have made to the forensic community. Listen and subscribe to learn more.
SUBJECTIVE PROBABILITY For episode four of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], we will be diving into the world of statistics and how it applies forensic case work with Dr. Christophe Champod and Dr. Tacha Hicks from the University of Lausanne. They, along with RTI International resident fingerprint expert, co-host Heidi Eldridge, will be discussing subjective probability and how it can be used in forensic science. There are many different viewpoints and methods about how to use statistical analysis in the courtroom and this episode will help listeners better understand these differing viewpoints. Subscribe and listen to learn more about how logical thinking must be applied appropriately when determining subjective probability through examples given by the guests.
Visit the landing page to learn more: https://forensiccoe.org/episode-four-subjective-probability/
Episode Three of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], features Dr. Ryan Lilien, from Cadre Forensics and Todd Weller, from the Oakland Police Department talking about their groundbreaking research in optical topography and firearms identification. Optical topography is a mean to give firearms examiners data that is close to a perfect representation of an impression. This research provides the possibility that in the future we will be able to relate the human examiner's judgment to a statistical representation. Note: This interview occurred in June of 2016. https://forensiccoe.org/episode-three-3d-optical-topography/
In episode two, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], Dr. Tom Busey explores the importance of human factors as it relates to fingerprint analysis and interpretation. He, along with RTI International resident fingerprint expert, co-host Heidi Eldridge, will discuss the dangers in performing large database searches and the top issues that involve human factors in the forensic laboratory. Why should the forensic science community care about psychology and psychological research? Find out in this episode! https://forensiccoe.org/episode-two/
The first episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110], will feature guest speaker Barry Fisher. It will dive into Barry’s legacy, which goes back to the 1960s, and how he used leadership in the crime laboratory to overcome obstacles. The FTCoE will be releasing a Forensic Leadership Series in 2017, which Barry helped develop. Leadership is the anchor for how forensic scientists can improve the confidence of the public in casework, analysis, and the results that come out of the crime laboratory. Listen and subscribe to learn more. https://forensiccoe.org/episode-one/