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Multimedia Listing

DNA 101

August 2023

This training was presented as a part of the National Center on Forensics conference at George Mason University on August 8th, 2023. In this session, FBI Forensic DNA Examiner Amanda Bakker introduces all the most vital concepts of DNA analysis and evidence. For those who aren’t DNA analysts but work in tangential fields such as law enforcement and criminal justice, this session will be incredibly useful for understanding topics such as what DNA is, how it transfers, how it is collected, and how it is analyzed.

Statistics 101

August 2023

This training was presented as a part of the National Center on Forensics conference at George Mason University on August 9th, 2023. It is common for statistics to be used to contextualize the significance of evidence in a court of law. However, these statistics can be difficult to decipher without proper instruction. In this session, pathologist Dr. Dan Milner breaks down common uses of statistics in an easily-digestible way in order to elevate viewer’s understanding.

Progressing from Evidence to Action

July 2023

A large body of research on crime and justice is available, yet it can take years for findings to influence practice in the field. During a recent panel at NIJ’s 2023 National Research Conference, researchers and practitioners shared ideas and discussed practical steps and promising new approaches to inspire change. Three guests join the show to continue their conversation: Dr. Tamara Herold, a senior advisor to NIJ, hosts Dr. Shon Barnes, the police chief of the Madison (Wisconsin) Police Department, and Dr.

Estimating Age of Death from Subadult Remains (Part Two)

July 2023

The long-standing problem of estimating the age and sex of subadult skeletal remains has been significantly "solved" with the advances in understanding the growth and development patterns in the skeletons of young people. This is the second half of the conversation with Kyra Stull, an anthropologist and forensic researcher at University of Nevada, Reno, Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist at NIJ, host Jim Dawson. 

Estimating Age of Death from Subadult Remains (Part One)

June 2023

The long-standing problem of estimating the age and sex of subadult skeletal remains has been significantly "solved" with the advances in understanding the growth and development patterns in the skeletons of young people. Kyra Stull, an anthropologist and forensic researcher at University of Nevada, Reno, and Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist at NIJ, share more about this research with NIJ writer and host Jim Dawson.

Vaping: It's Not What You Think

May 2023
Vaping has grown in popularity as an alternative to cigarettes, but like its predecessor, vaping brings many health complications to consumers. Thanks to the persistence of researchers like Dr. Michelle Peace, these once unknown dangers have been brought to light. Dr. Peace, a tenured Associate Professor and founding member of VCU’s Department of Forensic Science, joins host and NIJ Scientist Dr. Frances Scott to discuss the history and science of vaping and what it does to our bodies.

A Leg Up: NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program

March 2023

NIJ Director Dr. Nancy La Vigne joins the show to interview Dr. Marie Garcia, Director of NIJ’s Criminal Justice Systems Division and a former NIJ graduate research fellow. They discuss the application process, Marie’s experience as a fellow while at Temple University, and advice for future applicants. 

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

Director La Vigne Discusses Forensic Research and Development at NIJ

February 2023

NIJ Director Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D., was interviewed by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. 

Utilizing the "listen, learn, and inform" model is what Nancy La Vigne, the new Director at the National Institute of Justice says will be key in implementing the Forensic Science Strategic Plan. AAFS-TV sits down with La Vigne, fresh in her new role, to discuss how she plans to help researchers and scientists achieve their goals.

NIJ Grantees Archiving Data at Repositories other than NACJD

February 2023
Much data in the natural sciences and engineering are out of scope for NACJD. We require award recipients to archive such data at a repository appropriate to the field of study. Also, be aware that, regardless of the primary data repository used, all NIJ research projects must provide study-level information to NACJD Watch this short orientation for NIJ grantees who will be archiving their data and documentation at data repositories other than NACJD.

National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD) Data Deposit System Overview

January 2023

Watch a detailed overview of the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research's (ICPSR) online deposit system and the process for depositing data with National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD). The live demo was recorded in 2018 as part of a NACJD-OJJDP new grantee orientation webinar. The system and process are the same for other NACJD and ICPSR deposits, except that the appropriate archive should be selected when the project page for the deposit is created.

Defining and Studying Elder Abuse Polyvictimization

January 2023

NIJ Social Science Analyst Yunsoo Park shares her knowledge about elder abuse, a widespread issue in the U.S. and around the world, particularly polyvictimization — the experience of a range of different types of abuse and maltreatment. As much as 11% of community-residing older adults experienced some form of abuse or mistreatment in the past year. Yunsoo discusses risk factors, difficulties in defining and studying elder abuse polyvictimization, and strategies for intervention and prevention. Stacy Lee Reynolds, a Communications Assistant with NIJ, hosts.