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Laboratory operations

Just the Forensic Laboratory Workforce, Part 2

July 2022

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 does not adequately emulate what working in a forensic laboratory and pursuing a career in forensic science will entail.

Just the Forensic Laboratory Workforce, Part 1

June 2022

In Episode eight of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce Season, just 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 and FEPAC accredited programs. FEPAC accredited institutions are preparing students for future jobs in crime laboratories across the United States.

Just Forensic Toxicology and Professional Partnerships

June 2022

In Episode seven of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce Season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Karen Scott, an Associate Professor at Arcadia University, and Dr. Jarrad Wagner, a Professor at Oklahoma State University, to discuss research collaborations, keeping on top of the dynamic drug landscape encountered in forensic toxicology case work. One of the requirements of FEPAC accreditation is that programs maintain partnerships with external collaborators such as forensic science laboratories and professional organizations.

Just Trace Evidence from Classroom to Courtroom

June 2022

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 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.

Just the Components of Forensic Biology and DNA

June 2022

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 and 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.

Just the Analysis of Impressions and Patterns

May 2022

. In episode four of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce Season, Just Science sat down with Assistant Professor Jessica Zarate and fifth 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 to discuss their hands on impression and pattern education programs. People will immediately think of fingerprints or bloodstain patterns when mentioning impression and pattern forensics.

Just Digital Forensics Program Development and Outlook

May 2022

And 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 Cybersecurity Program at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute, and Josh Brunty, an associate professor of digital forensics in the School of Forensic and 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.

Just Higher Education and the CSI Effect

May 2022

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 and 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.

Just FEPAC Accreditation and Forensic Chemistry Programs

May 2022

In episode one of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Jose Almirall, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University, and Dr. Sarah Kerrigan, Professor and Chair of the Forensic Science Department at Sam Houston State University, to discuss the inception of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, also known as FEPAC and chemistry programs in forensic science.

Just Science Podcast Series: Strengthening the Forensic Workforce

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) was established by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) in 2004 to maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education.  FEPAC-accreditation is one way for students and hiring managers to recognize and distinguish high-quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs. In addition to FEPAC, university faculty and forensic practitioners also emphasize the importance of...

Casework Efficiency, LIMS Integration, and Workflow Configurations for 3D Firearm Imaging

September 2024

This video is one of four from the Virtual Workshop Series: 3D Firearm Imaging, hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence from August 21 to September 11, 2024. 

Throughout this workshop series, attendees hear from a range of presenters and subject matter experts.  

This video includes the presentation Integrating Cadre Forensic TopMatch-3D in NIBIN Workflows, Alexander Luby, Firearms Examiner at Unified Forensic Laboratory.

Assessing Stress Among MDI and Building Resilient Professionals Compressed

September 2024

Former medicolegal death investigators highlight the mental health challenges faced by medicolegal death investigation professionals, particularly the effects of indirect trauma. By sharing personal experiences, research data, and practical strategies, they aim to raise awareness about early signs of PTSD, stress, and burnout. Emphasizing the importance of resilience, community support, and vulnerability, the presentation encourages fostering trauma-informed workplaces and prioritizing wellness, including practical strategies.

We Did It! You Can Too! An Inside Perspective to Implementing Standards on the OSAC Registry

January 2024

This webinar provides a means and rationale to prepare and execute the various steps of this process, including planning, gap analysis, educating key staff members, executing and delivering work products. The webinar introduces the process of standards implementation stepwise for key senior administrators whose laboratory system has not yet formally initiated a program.

TOF/QTOF Mass Spec for Identification, Screening & Confirmation in Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry, Part II

October 2023

In this specialized workshop intended for forensic science service providers (FSSPs), we explore the increasing adoption of Time-of-Flight and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF/QTOF-MS) technologies within forensic laboratories. The session provides an in-depth examination of various critical stages, encompassing planning, validation methodologies, analytical techniques, data review processes, and report generation. Subject matter experts disseminate knowledge and share first-hand experiences related to the utilization of TOF/QTOF-MS technology.

TOF/QTOF Mass Spec for Identification, Screening & Confirmation in Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry, Part I

October 2023

In this specialized workshop intended for forensic science service providers (FSSPs), we explore the increasing adoption of Time-of-Flight and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF/QTOF-MS) technologies within forensic laboratories. The session provides an in-depth examination of various critical stages, encompassing planning, validation methodologies, analytical techniques, data review processes, and report generation. Subject matter experts disseminate knowledge and share first-hand experiences related to the utilization of TOF/QTOF-MS technology.

Improving Consistency in Forensic Reporting Through DEA’s GUARDS Comprehensive Methodology Compresse

December 2024

This workshop explores the impact inconsistent drug analysis reporting has on public health and public trust. The value and implementation of the Global Uniform Analysis and Reporting of Drug-Related Substances (GUARDS) innovative methodology in over 200 instruments across United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratories are presented, as well as the efforts of other labs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Illinois State Police.

MDI Myth: Nobody Cares About or Uses MDI Data

November 2024

Misconceptions abound regarding the role of medicolegal death investigation (MDI) professionals, particularly the pervasive belief that they solely work with and for the deceased. This perception often leads to a public reluctance in engaging with medical examiner and coroner (MEC) systems, especially from stakeholders who hold the proverbial purse strings. The reality is, MDI data impacts the living, from assisting grieving families to influencing public health at regional and even national levels.

How to Recruit and Retain Quality Employees

March 2023

One of the biggest challenges that Forensic Laboratories face is hiring and retaining great employees. The loss of one person has a domino effect on the operations of the laboratory and has a direct impact on the departments they serve. This presentation outlines some of the ways that the Mesa Forensic Services Laboratory and the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory Division have been able to hire and retain great employees. 

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 14, 2023.

Going All In – Laboratories with Completely Digital Systems

February 2023

Change can be intimidating and making a transition to a paperless system can be daunting task. This presentation discusses two perspectives on how laboratories embraced technology for administrative and casework processes, the lessons learned, and the vision for additional growth.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 2, 2023. 

Triaging Cases – Case Management and All That Means

January 2023

This webinar presents laboratory managers with a discussion on case management in forensic science laboratories. All forensic science laboratories struggle with caseloads and backlogs in some way and to varying extremes. The answer to this struggle is a process to manage caseloads through evidence triage, case information management, and communication. A discussion on the challenges involved in case management is followed by practical experiences in writing and implementing case management policies.

Expert Forensic Communication: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

November 2023

A world in crisis and a 24/7 media cycle demands consistent, clear, and effective communication from organizations tasked with death investigation and related responsibilities. Two seasoned professionals share their experiences reaching diverse stakeholders and engaging the public in the vital work of the largest medical examiner’s office in the country.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 28, 2023.

Maintaining a Positive Quality Culture during Change

January 2023

This webinar shares insight into why it is important to have a positive quality culture within a laboratory. Attendees see how establishing a culture where the proactive pursuit of quality is a positive for a laboratory. When actively pursuing quality, staff will help management navigate and be successful during the time of change. The presentation discusses how change, whether small or large, can be perceived and affect employees differently, and will provide some strategies on how to mitigate the effect change could have on their employees.

The State of Standard Development & Tools for Assessing and Implementing Standards

January 2023

This webinar introduces attendees to the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) Registry of Standards, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) on Forensic Science, and the Academy Standards Board (ASB). Attendees learn about forensic science standard development in the national and international space as well as standard implementation tools provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).