Just Science

In episode five of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Travis Rusch, a postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University, about fluctuating temperatures in forensically important blowflies. Forensic entomologists use predictable developmental rates of certain necrophagus insects to estimate time of colonization, postmortem interval, and time of death. However, extreme fluctuations in temperature can affect these development rates in unknown ways. Dr. Rusch hopes to shed light on this issue and advance the field of forensic entomology through his grant work. Listen along as he discusses the utility of forensic entomology, the life cycle of blowflies, and the next phase of his research in this episode of Just Science.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

In this episode of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Tatiana Trejos, Assistant Professor of the Department of Forensic and Investigative Sciences at West Virginia University, about the rapid detection of organic and inorganic gunshot residue. Speed and accuracy are vital when it comes to the analysis of gunshot residue. Dr. Trejos and her team are working on a comprehensive method for studying both organic and inorganic gunshot residue utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. This method focuses on providing accurate results, reducing wait time, and preserving the evidence. Listen along as she discusses chemometrics and a novel tool for analyzing organic and inorganic gunshot residue in this episode of Just Science.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

In episode three of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Carl Wolf from the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals about 40 plus ways NOT to analyze beverages for cannibinoids. From professional student, to a leading researcher in the analysis of cannabinoids, Dr. Wolf has been involved in academia for decades. In that time, he has consulted and lectured on toxicology, given expert testimony, contributed to over 100 presentations and peer-reviewed publications, and worked on multiple NIJ-funded grants. Tune in as he talks about academia, analyzing beverages for cannabinioids, and the value of failure in this episode of Just Science.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

In episode two of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Heather Garvin, Associate Professor of Anatomy at Des Moines University, about her work with OSTEOID, an online resource for species identification of skeletal remains. Approximately 30-40% of cases involving skeletal remains received by forensic anthropologists end up being animal bones. Forensic anthropologists can use their expert knowledge to quickly determine if the remains are human. Dr. Garvin and her team are working on a free, practical, and user-friendly online tool to help forensic anthropologists, death investigators, crime scene personnel, and law enforcement identify the species of skeletal remains. Tune in as she discusses being a forensic anthropologist, the driving need behind OSTEOID, and her work cataloging bone specimens for this project.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

In episode one of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Ling Wang, post-doctoral associate at Florida International University, about the detection and quantitation of fentanyl mixtures by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics. Opioid abuse has grown considerably in the last few years. New fentanyl analogs appear in street drugs at an alarming rate. Researchers like Dr. Wang are working to create alternative screening methods to detect the ever-evolving fentanyl compounds in today’s seized drugs. Listen along as she discusses graduate programs, the nuances of analyzing fentanyl, and her work in the detection and quantitation of emerging drug compounds in this episode of Just Science.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights action in the field of forensic sciences. This effort would not be possible without the support provided by NIJ’s FTCoE and AAFS. The HHRRC improves the practice of forensic science and strengthens its impact on humanitarian and human rights issues through education and dissemination of best practices and guidelines. In this Just So You Know episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Duarte Nuno Vieira and Dr. Cláudia Plens for a look at how NIJ’s support of the HHRRC aids their mission. Tune in as we gain a broader understanding of humanitarian forensic action and how the HHRRC impacts forensic research around the world.

This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].

Hello and welcome to Just Science, a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system.

This announcement was funded by the Center for Forensic Sciences at RTI International

In episode four of the Improving the System season. Just Science interviews Sarah Chu, Senior Advisor on Forensic Science Policy at the Innocence Project, about their work to end wrongful conviction.

Currently, there are over 2,500 cases on the National Registry of Exonerations. Organizations like the Innocence Project work tirelessly to put an end to wrongful convictions. They rely on people familiar with both policy and forensic science – people like Sarah Chu. Listen along as she discusses the Innocence Project and the impact that it has had on the criminal justice system in this episode of Just Science.

The recording originally took place on May 5th, 2018 and some data may have changed since then.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

In episode three of the Improving the System season, Just Science interviews John Paul Jones and Mark Stolorow of NIST about the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science.

The 2009 National Academy of Sciences report on forensic science cited a lack of national leadership and scientifically sound standards. Its authors specifically looked to NIST to bridge these gaps in the forensic science arena. Listen along as our guests from NIST discuss developing standards and the creation of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

In episode two of the Improving the System season, Just Science met with Gerry LaPorte, former Director of the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss forensic science research and development innovations.

Over the course of his career, Gerry LaPorte has worked with scores of agencies across multiple disciplines on varied, high-profile cases. From granular points about chemistry to the philosophy of science at large, this 2018 conversation reflects the diversity of his résumé.

Listen along as our guest discusses the value of statistics, the definition of light, and his experience working as Chief Forensic Chemist with the Secret Service in this episode of Just Science.

This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.