Forensic ID Training and Research Resources at WVU

West Virginia University will develop and deliver forensic hair examination training programs and workshops for forensic DNA analysts in order to enhance and expand the capacity of the nation's DNA laboratories in the use of hair evidence.

The overarching goal of this program is to provide product and services of importance to forensic science laboratories and practitioners, to ultimately allow them to enhance the capacity and capabilities of their laboratories and operations. The Forensic Science Initiative at West Virginia University (WVU FSI) employs funds from this cooperative agreement for program support, and then forwards specific efforts related to: 1) enhancement of the scientific basis of forensic fiber examinations, comparisons and interpretations; 2) cold vs. hot project proposes research into the organizational and workflow of cold case squads specifically targeting how they utilize forensic resources; 3) support the position of Forensic Science Initiative Director that will play a critical role in the identification, development, coordination, and execution of forensic science research and development projects to support state, local forensic science labs; 4) to support the position of a PI to oversee the entire Technical Working Group(TWG) process, facilitate the agenda meetings and the progress of a TWG; 5) renovate 5000 square feet of lab space to provide biological, chemical, and patterned evidence, analytical lab space for teaching and staff; and 6) to enable WVU within the Forensic Resource Network to support community outreach projects such as a joint project with NFSTC Hair Atlas and Hair Academy, Induction of Automotive Textile Reference Collection, Assist ASCLD in organizing and running a successful symposium on crime lab development in 2002 and 2003. As a Forensic Resource Network partner, the WVU FSI through these funds will also contribute to the overall goals and mission for this important NIJ-funded consortium.

nca/ncf

The goal of this project is to establish a Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Digital Evidence to develop guidelines to assist educators and practioners in the creation and development of forensic computer science programs, both undergraduate and graduate, as well as continuing professional development courses. These guidelines could be adopted by the Forensic Educational Program Accreditation Council (FEPAC) for conversion to accreditation standards.

nca/ncf

West Virginia University in partnership with the Forensic Resource Network supports state and local crime laboratories in their efforts to establish and maintain the level of quality services demanded by the criminal justice system and the public. This is accomplished by providing innovative solutions to challenges facing the forensic science community through the delivery of technology based training tools, aid in systems support, and quality assurance products. This proposal will include the following projects Biometric Data Collection Laboratory, Microfluidics, NBIN, Forensic Science Academy, Evidence Efficiency, IAI Library, Forensic Community Outreach and human resources to the FSI director's office.
nca/ncf

West Virginia University will develop and deliver forensic hair examination training programs and workshops for forensic DNA analysts in order to enhance and expand the capacity of the nation's DNA laboratories in the use of hair evidence.