Connecting Researchers and Forensic Laboratories

April 4, 2024

Collaboration between researchers and practitioners can improve the relevance and impact of forensic science research. NIJ encourages researchers to seek and partner with forensic science laboratories and other practitioners. Likewise, we encourage practitioners to work with research partners to help guide the relevance of NIJ funded research. These collaborations contribute to a positive research culture in the forensic sciences.

We encourage potential grant applicants to connect with possible partners in preparing applications to the annual Research and Development in the Forensic Sciences for Criminal Justice Purposes and Research and Evaluation in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories notices of funding opportunity.[1]

Current grantees may consider connecting with practitioners to build relationships for transitioning research products to the field.

Forensic laboratories and other practitioners can connect with researchers to contribute to the development of new solutions to practical needs.

The parties listed below have expressed an interest in finding collaborators. Researchers or practitioners interested in connecting with the below parties are encouraged to reach out to the point of contact listed.

Table: Laboratories Interested in Connecting with Researchers
Laboratory / Institution	State	Area of Interest/Discipline	Contact(s)
Hamilton County Coroner Crime Laboratory	OH	Drugs Firearms Forensic biology Toxicology Trace evidence	Michael Trimpe, Laboratory Director [email protected]
Forensic Services Bureau, Ventura County Sheriff's Office	CA	Crime Scene Processing DNA Serology/Body Fluid Identification Drug Chemistry Firearms/Toolmarks Latent Prints Toxicology Trace- gunshot residue, fibers, or fire debris	Denise Hernandez, Supervising Forensic Scientist O: (805) 650-4081 C: (805) 765-5859 [email protected]
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory- Forensics	CA	Non-human DNA (nuclear and mitochondrial)	Dr. Robert Grahn 530-754-4378 [email protected]
Bronx District Attorney's Office, Digital Forensics Laboratory	NY	Digital evidence	Dr. David Olson Deputy Chief of the Strategic Planning and Analytics Unit [email protected] O: (718)838-7135
Hamilton County Coroner's Office	OH	Research involving the analysis of fentanyl analogs comparing the use of GC/MS to LC/MS/MS in Forensic Toxicology.	Michael A. Trimpe O: (513) 946-8761
Houston Forensic Science Center	TX	Blind quality control systems for laboratory Quality Assurance programs. Disciplines to consider, toxicology, latent prints, biology, firearms, controlled substances, digital multimedia, crime scene investigation. Evidence management technologies and process engineering. Particularly, RFID evidence tracking and evidence inventory and tracking improvements and process engineering for very high reliability handling of 200,000+ evidence items per year Data analytics. Including (but not limited to) data analytics and data visualization for process engineering and process optimization analytics (all disciplines). Data visualization and analytic tools for case related data (all disciplines). Document management technologies and integration to Laboratory Information Management Systems. Particularly interested in technologies and processes for document management that maintain documentation for public access while maintaining document integrity and security considerations.	Dr. Amy Castillo, Chief Operations Officer O: (832)-937-5035 [email protected] Dr. Preshious Rearden, Director of Technology, Research and Development O: (832)304-8978 [email protected]
Colorado Bureau of Investigation	CO	Crime Scene Processing DNA Serology/Body Fluid Identification Drug Chemistry Firearms/Toolmarks Latent Prints Toxicology Trace- gunshot residue, fibers, or fire debris	Shanley Garrett 303-463-7132 [email protected]
Virginia Department of Forensic Science	VA	Firearms Toxicology	Alka Lohmann, Director of Technical Services O: 804-588-4092
Boston Police Crime Laboratory	MA	The purpose of this research is to provide evidence that the identification of intact spermatozoa (sperm heads with attached tails) is a significant finding in sexual assault related cases and specifically in sexual assault homicide cases where the time since intercourse may be a relevant factor in solving the crime.	Kathryne Hall (O): (617) 343-5789

Date Published: April 4, 2024