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JustScience Podcast

A podcast series hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

The NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence hosted the JustScience podcast from 2017 to 2025. NIJ has posted episodes that were released from 2022 and 2025 and will post the remaining episodes over the coming months. 

Just a Trauma-Informed Response to At-Home Sexual Assault Kits

February 2022

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.

Just a Prosecutor’s Perspective on At-Home Kits

February 2022

An introductory note for the interview advises that for many survivors of sexual violence, participation in the prosecution of a suspected offender can be a significant step in their healing process. Patti Powers has sought to counter sexual violence for just over 30 years.

Forensic Analysis of Cosmetics

February 2022

This webinar is designed to provide a peek behind the curtain of cosmetics, specifically those applied to the face. The presenter will provide an overview of common cosmetic ingredients, including the typical usage levels and their purpose in these products. The presenter will also discuss various analytical approaches and limitations to the analysis of cosmetic products and their individual components.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 17, 2022. 

Ensuring a Trauma Informed Interview with a Sexual Assault Victim

February 2022

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma & Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview, Roundtable Discussion

February 2022

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

U S National Footwear Database System Feasibility Study

February 2022

The FBI Laboratory conducted a comprehensive study known as the National Footwear Database Evaluation. The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing a national footwear database system to generate criminal intelligence for law enforcement and serve as a tool for forensic science researchers. This webinar will highlight the team's findings, conclusions, and recommendations. T

his webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 15, 2022.

Just Analyzing At-Home Kits

February 2022

An introductory note for the interview advises that some of the most challenging cases to investigate involve sexual assault. The forensic evidence in such cases is critical and involves the cooperation of victims. Deputy Chief Mourtgos, who is both a researcher and a veteran police officer experienced in investigating sexual assault cases, discusses investigative issues in sexual assault cases, including the use of at-home sexual assault kits.

A Unique Approach to a Crime Gun Intelligence Center with the Inclusion and Support of 3D Virtual Comparison Technologies

February 2022

The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) made a department-wide cultural change in evidence handling, screening, and processing strategies in support of Crime Gun Intelligence Center goals. In addition, the Firearms Section of the PPD Crime Laboratory has validated and implemented a 3D topographical Virtual Comparison Microscopy (VCM) system. The presenters will discuss how the addition of 3D VCM technology in the laboratory and the incorporation of 3D technologies into the NIBIN system has bolstered their ability to provide the best results possible to our customers.

Just Key Considerations for Investigations of Sexual Assault Cases

February 2022

An introductory note for the interview advises that some of the most challenging cases to investigate involve sexual assault. The forensic evidence in such cases is critical and involves the cooperation of victims. Deputy Chief Mourtgos, who is both a researcher and a veteran police officer experienced in investigating sexual assault cases, discusses investigative issues in sexual assault cases, including the use of at-home sexual assault kits.

Enabling Effective Data Stewardship in Sexual Assault Forensic Services

January 2022

This presentation by  Bruce Houlihan, Orange County Crime Laboratory, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Sexual Assault Kits: It’s Not As Easy As It Looks, and Moving Forward - Some of our Thoughts

January 2022

This is one of 16 videos related to the workshop, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology This is one of 16 videos related to The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022.

A Window of Opportunity: How SAK Testing Could Prevent Future Crimes

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
January 2022

This presentation by Rebecca Campbell, Michigan State University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Transformative Collaborations: The Promise of Partnerships and the Response to Sexual Assault

January 2022

This presentation by Lisa Bostaph, Boise State University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Retrospective Study on DNA Analysis Findings from Sexual Assault Kits

January 2022

This presentation by Julie Valentine, Brigham Young University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Idaho State Police Forensic Services Working with Researchers in Response to Sexual Assaults

January 2022

This presentation by Matthew Gametter, Idaho State Police Forensic Services, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Processing Sexual Assault Kits: Continual Improvement and Kit Tracking

January 2022

This is one of 16 videos related to the workshop, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology This is one of 16 videos related to The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

The Economic Arguments Surrounding Sexual Assault Kit Testing

January 2022

This presentation by Paul Speaker, West Virginia University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Just A Pediatrics Viewpoint On At-Home Sexual Assault Kits

January 2022

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, one in four girls and one in 13 boys under the age of 18 will be a victim of sexual abuse over their lifetimes. Listen along as Dr.

Date Published: December 9, 2025