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Connecting Researchers with Forensic Laboratories

NIJ encourages researchers to seek guidance from, or partner with, forensic practitioners. Such associations foster a greater understanding of the issues unique to the field of forensic science, and may strengthen the scope of the proposed research plan. 

We encourage prospective research grant applicants to reach out to these labs to discuss preparing an application for open or future research solicitations.[1]

Current forensic research grantees may work with these labs to fine tune and ensure that their research products are well-suited for practitioner needs, or to build relationships in anticipation of transitioning research products to the field – potentially under the annual Research and Evaluation in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories or Research and Development in the Forensic Sciences for Criminal Justice Purposes.

The labs listed in the table below have expressed an interest in connecting with researchers: 

Note, there are no guarantees of placement or projects until awards are made.

Laboratory State Area of Interest/Discipline Contact(s)
Bronx District Attorney's Office, Digital Forensics Laboratory NY Digital evidence Dr. David Olson, 

Deputy Director, Planning and Analysis Unit
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: (713) 308-2680
C: (832) 993-0148

Dr. Preshious Rearden, Director of Research and Development
O: (713) 308-2615
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
 Lisa Yoshida, Training, Research, and Development Manager
O: 303-463-7025
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 Created: November 19, 2019