This season of Just Science highlights the strategies to support the economic empowerment of people who have experienced human trafficking. Economic abuse is inherent to the experience of human trafficking and often leaves survivors with many financial needs to be addressed.  Access to financial support, professional development, and safe and sustainable employment are often cited as top needs among those seeking support. Throughout this season, members of the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project sit down with experts in the anti-trafficking field to discuss the emergence of a wide range of economic empowerment programs. Episodes will cover core concepts in economic empowerment as they relate to human trafficking, and practical implementation of potential solutions including job training, career development, and direct financial assistance programs. 
This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project (Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I). The views expressed in these podcasts belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Economic Empowerment for Human Trafficking Recovery

Through discussing and reflecting on real-world case examples, we are able to better understand the capabilities and limitations of forensic technologies and processes. In this year’s Case Studies season, host Mikalaa Martin sits down with forensic science practitioners, representing expertise in a diverse set of forensic disciplines, to discuss their presentations from the 2024 International Association for Identification Forensic Educational Conference.  With topics ranging from inadvertently photographed ridge detail to mass disaster response and more, listen along as guests share their lessons learned through case examples and describe how they are utilizing both emerging and established methodologies and technologies to more effectively resolve cases and respond to catastrophes.

2024 Case Studies

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month; a national campaign which aims to support sexual assault survivors while also highlighting innovations in sexual assault response and prevention. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month, Just Science host and forensic scientist, Mikalaa Martin, sat down with several subject matter experts to discuss innovative methods for sexual assault evidence processing and workflows.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025

In episode one of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an Attorney Advisor with AEquitas to discuss the concept of Conviction Integrity and how practitioners can utilize a multidisciplinary team around them. Attorneys, law enforcement agents, advocates, medical professionals, and crime laboratory staff all play crucial roles as a case navigates from the crime scene to the courtroom. Allied professionals lean on one another to ensure all perspectives are heard and have the best interest of a victim or family in mind. Listen along as Patricia Powers dives deep into the relationships of these allied professionals and how having a formalized case review process can assist in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just Multidisciplinary Teams Enhancing Conviction Integrity

In episode two of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Amy Durall, a Project Manager with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to discuss the incorporation of advocacy into the judicial proceedings. Advocates play a critical role in addressing the needs of a victim or family, as well as providing insight to other allied professionals that they work alongside. It is important to understand the varieties of advocates and how their respective roles may slightly differ. Listen along as Amy Durall dives deep into advocacy models, victim wellbeing, and opportunities for agencies to enhance their response to victims and their families. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just Incorporating Advocacy To Enhance Conviction Integrity

In episode three of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Jim Markey, a Senior Research Public Health Analyst with RTI International to discuss the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. Law enforcement officers are oftentimes the “gatekeeper” of information on any given case, including details about the crime, the status of evidence being tested, and even whereabouts of a suspect or victim.  Working alongside their allied professionals, officers certainly bring an important perspective to the process. Listen along as Jim Markey dives deep into the details of a law enforcement officer’s relationship with attorneys, clearance rates, and how agencies can enhance their relationship within the community. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just The Law Enforcement Perspective On Conviction Integrity

In episode four of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Patti Powers and John Wilkinson, two Attorney Advisors with AEquitas to discuss the application of best practices in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. Attorneys hold the responsibility of seeking justice for victims and their families and, therefore, must treat each case with an incredible level of care and discipline. The critical role of attorneys to drive a case forward reflects deeply on the need for maintaining victim care while holding offenders accountable. Listen along as Patti Powers and John Wilkinson dive deep into the ways practitioners can seek training opportunities, rethink positive case outcomes, and implement key strategies and policies to enhance their response to violent crimes.  This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just Best Practices In Maintaining Conviction Integrity

In episode one of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Cory Russo, Medical Examiner Investigator at the Utah State Office of the Medical Examiner, and Chelsea Brown, Senior Deputy Coroner at the Orange County Coroner’s Office, to discuss how internship programs at medical examiner and coroner’s offices can be a great way to pursue a career in the field.    
While medicolegal death investigators are often heard about in the media, the path to join this profession is often unclear. A great way to get exposure to a career in medicolegal death investigation (MDI) is through internship programs, which are available in some offices. Listen along as Cory and Chelsea discuss the requirements of applying to these internship programs, what an average day looks like for an intern, and how an internship can prepare you for a career in the MDI field.  This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).  Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Internships For Death Investigation

In episode three of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Rebecca Reid, Laramie County Coroner in Wyoming, and Meghan Clarke, Family Advocate Coordinator at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, to discuss the development of new roles in medicolegal death investigation (MDI) offices that focus on providing support to the families of decedents.  On a daily basis, the staff of medical examiner and coroner offices encounter grieving families who are in need of compassion, resources, or just a listening ear. In response to this need, MDI offices across the country are developing programs and staff positions that are entirely devoted to supporting the families of decedents. Listen along as Rebecca and Meghan describe the historic need for family and community advocates, specific strategies for support and remembrance, and advice on how more offices can start building this kind of program. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).  Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Family Support During Death Investigations

In episode two of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, the Associate Dean of the Brigham Young University College of Nursing, to discuss the factors that contribute to low prosecution rates for sexual assault cases.  In our last episode, Dr. Valentine highlighted the importance of sexual assault kit submission and DNA evidence as the groundwork for prosecution in sexual assault cases. Despite national efforts to improve the submission rate of sexual assault kits for forensic testing and to support the investigation of sexual assault cases, Dr. Valentine’s research indicates that prosecution rates for sexual assault cases remain low. Listen along as Dr. Valentine discusses the challenges associated with resource allocation for improved sexual assault response reform, the outcome of her research related to prosecution rates for sexual assault cases, and how future legislation may positively impact response reform efforts.   

Dr. Valentine is also participating in the FTCOE’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinar series. Listen to Dr. Valentine present on the use of dating apps, the value of trace/touch DNA, and research on prosecution rates associated with sexual assault cases. Go to ForensicCOE.org today to register! 

This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).  

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Improved Response To Sexual Assault

In this Special Release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mohammed Almazrouei, a forensic practitioner with the Abu Dhabi Police, to discuss his dissertation work, which examines how workplace stressors may affect decision-making in the field of forensic science. In their daily jobs, forensic science practitioners are tasked with making countless decisions that could make a large impact on people’s lives. As a result of this experience in forensic science, Dr. Almazrouei conducted a pivotal research study to examine how stress affects the way that forensic practitioners make these important decisions. Listen along as Dr. Almazrouei highlights some of the most salient workplace stressors in forensic science, how those stressors affect decision-making, and how he has laid the foundation for future research on this topic. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Workplace Stress And Its Impact On Decision-making In Forensics

In the final episode of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Brian Hoey from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory to discuss the importance of practicing good followership within a resilient workplace. In the field of forensic science, there is often an emphasis on practicing good leadership, while few resources are devoted to cultivating good followership. As all practitioners oscillate between positions of leadership and followership, there is a need to better understand how both roles contribute to a resilient workplace. Listen along as Brian describes his experience as both a leader and a follower, creating a culture of mutual respect, and how to identify effective future supervisors.  This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.  Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Good Followership In Forensics

In episode one of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Drs. Jaclyn Houston-Kolnik, Hannah Feeney, and Rebecca Pfeffer, research scientists at RTI International, sat down to discuss incorporating trauma-informed practices when conducting research. Given the prevalence of trauma among the population, it is important for researchers to be mindful and aware of trauma in their research participants, regardless of whether their studies focus on trauma. Prioritizing a trauma-informed approach from the study design to data collection and dissemination promotes safety and support for all involved. Listen along as Drs. Houston-Kolnik, Pfeffer, and Feeney describe what it means to use a trauma-informed approach in all aspects of the research process, the importance of training research staff to incorporate trauma-informed principles, and their own experiences with creating trauma-informed study designs. This episode is funded by the RTI International Justice Practice Area. 
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Trauma-Informed Research Methods

In episode one of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Ian Oxton, Forensic Identification Specialist for the Calgary Police Service, to discuss a triple homicide case involving the longest lasting Amber Alert in Alberta, Canada’s history. Operation Amber started as a race against the clock for a missing child and his grandparents, then quickly evolved into a massive search effort on a 40-acre property. During the investigation, a wide range of forensic techniques, including aerial photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic odontology, and footwear analysis, were utilized to resolve the case. Listen along as Ian describes his role as the Primary Forensics Investigator on the case, the challenges of prosecuting a no-body homicide, and the many lessons learned from this groundbreaking case. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Investigating A No-Body Homicide In Canada

In episode 6 of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Richard Vorder Bruegge, Senior Physical Scientist at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to discuss how facial recognition technology was used to help identify individuals in photographs in two landmark cases. Many individuals encounter facial recognition technology in their everyday lives like when they unlock their phones. This same technology can help significantly speed up and improve forensic investigations. Listen along as Dr. Vorder Bruegge describes how pattern-based matching is used to compare faces in images, how facial recognition technology was used to assist in the identification of unknown victims in the case against serial killer Israel Keyes, and the quest to determine the identities of the Marines in the famous World War II Iwo Jima flag raising photograph. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Facial Recognition For Forensic Investigations

In this 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month special release episode, Just Science sat down with Erin House, Special Assistant Attorney General in Michigan; Richard Johnson, Kalamazoo SAKI Investigator; and Lindsey King, Kalamazoo Community-based Victim Advocate, to discuss their team-based approach for investigating sexual assault cold cases. While DNA can be a helpful tool for convicting sexual assault offenders, many sexual assault cold cases do not include DNA evidence. As a result, it is important for investigators and prosecutors to utilize a variety of methods to bring a sexual assault case to justice. Listen along as Erin, Rich, and Lindsey discuss how their team first approaches a cold case, examples of case success stories, and how a multidisciplinary approach ensures that survivors are always supported and heard. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences

Just Sexual Assault Response For Cases Without DNA Evidence

In episode one of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Dr. Samantha Tolliver, Chief Toxicologist for the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, or DC OCME, to discuss how their agency uses their Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, or COSSUP, funding to improve their drug testing and analysis processes. For forensic toxicologists, it is important to be able to quickly and accurately identify which substances have contributed to an accidental overdose, so that they can monitor emerging drug trends in the area. The DC OCME’s COSSUP funding has allowed their office to use reference labs to reduce their casework and focus on adopting new methods for drug testing and analysis. Listen along as Dr. Tolliver discusses challenges faced by forensic toxicologist in keeping up with drug trends, the benefits of adopting technology such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, and how improving drug testing methods can contribute to broader community overdose prevention efforts. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Just Improving Forensic Toxicology Testing In DC

In episode two of our Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges season, Just Science sits down with Bill Barbour, Fatal Overdose Surveillance Program Manager at King County Medical Examiner’s Office, to discuss his team’s methods for rapid toxicology results after a suspected overdose death. For many medical examiner and coroner offices across the country, it can take several weeks to receive results for post-mortem toxicology reports, which leads to outdated drug trend data and an inability to efficiently address and prevent overdoses in the area. In response to this issue, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office in Washington applied for funding to implement the Fatal Overdose Surveillance Program, which takes a multi-pronged approach to quickly screen for drugs after a suspected overdose. Listen along as Bill discusses the goals of the Overdose Surveillance Program, the challenges of implementing drug screening technologies for rapid death certification, and how the King County office uses their findings to educate the community on emerging drug trends and prevention opportunities. This Just Science season is supported, in part, by RTI Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, and by RTI Award No. 15PBJA-23-GK-02250-COAP, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Both are agencies within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Just Rapidly Identifying Drugs Involved In Suspected Overdoses

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Pattie Melton, Co-Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Forensics Training and Technical Assistance, or TTA, Program, and Paige Presler-Jur, Associate Project Director for State-based Awards TTA team on BJA’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use (COSSUP) Program and the COSSUP Post-arrest, Pretrial, Defense Counsel, and Courts TTA team, to discuss the importance of TTA – a component of many federal grant programs that helps grant recipients meet their goals and improve program outcomes. When an agency receives a federal grant, they may be faced with a myriad of challenges including setting scalable goals, tracking important program metrics, and planning for sustainability. As a result, training and technical assistance is built into many federal grant programs, so that experts from a separate organization can provide resources and support grant recipients throughout their period of performance. Listen along as Dr. Melton and Paige describe the strategies that TTA providers use when working with grant recipients, the importance of tailoring TTA to meet the unique needs of a community, and how TTA enhances the impact of important federally funded projects.  This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.

Just Enhancing Grant Outcomes Through TTA

In episode 1 of our economic empowerment season, Just Science down with Carolyne Ouya, Program Manager at Futures Without Violence, to discuss core concepts in economic empowerment for human trafficking. For those who have experienced human trafficking, economic or financial consequences are often inextricably linked to their trafficking experience and may leave those people without the skills, resources, or social capital to meet their needs in the community. Listen along as Carolyne talk about the role that victim advocates or social service providers can play in supporting someone’s economic empowerment journey. 
This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. The views expressed in this podcast belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(Not) Just Money- Exploring Economic Empowerment For Survivors Of Trafficking

In episode 2 of our economic empowerment season, Just Science sat down with Lenore Shaffer of Restore NYC, Tiffany McGee of Survivor Ventures and Laura Hackney of Annie Cannons experts in the anti-trafficking field to discuss their economic empowerment work. Economic empowerment programs include skill building, job training, and career development for people who have experienced human trafficking. These programs seek to overcome barriers many survivors experience in the workforce and set them on a path for long-term economic mobility. Listen along as Tiffany, Lenore, and Laura talk about their programs, common barriers survivors encounter, and practical solutions for supporting survivors’ economic empowerment journey. This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. The views expressed in this podcast belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(Not) Just Jobs - Survivor Empowerment Through Skill - Building And Career Growth

In episode 3 of our economic empowerment season, Just Science down with Megan Lundstrom, the inaugural Director of the Polaris Project’s Resilience Fund, to discuss how flexible cash assistance can support people who have experienced human trafficking.  Direct financial assistance, such as stipends or grants, play an important role in supporting economic empowerment for people who have experienced human trafficking. They can be used to seed a small business, participate in a job training program, or further one’s education. Listen as Lauren and Megan talk about the types of direct financial assistance available, and the benefits of these programs for people who have experienced human trafficking. This season is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. The views expressed in this podcast belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Just Direct Financial Assistance A Strategy To Support Survivors Of Human Trafficking

In episode one of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Anthony (Tony) Earles,  Forensics/Identification Unit Supervisor at the Maui Police Department, to discuss the Maui wildfires that occurred on August 8, 2023, including the collaborative nature of the mass disaster emergency response effort; the forensic methodologies and technologies used to identify recovered human remains; and the various challenges encountered during response mobilization due to the isolated geographic location of Maui County, Hawaii. When deadly wildfires impacted Maui County, available resources and existing infrastructure were put under strain. Despite these initial obstacles, through the collaborative response of over one-hundred individuals from federal agencies, external partners, state and local forensic science service providers, as well as members of the Lahaina community, Maui Police Department was able to expand its response capacity, recover unidentified human remains, and identify these remains using a variety of forensic identification techniques including Rapid DNA technology, and more. Listen along as Tony describes how Maui Police Department and the many forensic professionals and first responders involved were able to locate and identify unidentified human remains, the importance of collaboration and communication in mass disaster response, and lessons learned that may support mass disaster response preparedness planning efforts within the forensic community.  This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Just Mass Disaster Emergency Response In Maui, Hawaii

In episode two of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Tim Fayle, Training Capability Lead for IDEMIA Australasia and Chair of the International Association for Identification’s Latent Print Certification Board, to discuss the utility of friction ridge detail inadvertently captured via photographs as a valuable and potentially underutilized type of evidence within a variety of case types. While the use of latent fingerprints recovered from crime scenes has been established as an important type of forensic evidence for decades, the increasingly widespread use of social media and other digital platforms has contributed to even more opportunities to garner friction ridge detail evidence following a crime. Practitioners and researchers alike have demonstrated the value of utilizing photographs presenting inadvertently captured finger and palm friction ridge detail – obtained via social media posts, other digital forums, and cellphone data – to identify perpetrators and help bring justice to victims. Listen along as Tim describes several cases where inadvertently photographed friction ridge detail was utilized to make an identification to a perpetrator, the various methods and techniques latent print examiners can add to their toolkit to analyze and compare this type of friction ridge detail, and his recommendations for ensuring this type of evidence is not overlooked or underutilized within future cases. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Just Using Inadvertently Photographed Ridge Detail As Evidence

In episode three of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a clinical and forensic podiatrist and current President of the American Society of Forensic Podiatry, to discuss how analyzing a perpetrator’s gait and footprint evidence located at a crime scene can help advance investigations and resolve cases. While locomotive characteristics, like the way our hips swing when we walk, are not as individualizing as fingerprints or DNA, forensic podiatrists can analyze and compare video footage of a perpetrator’s gait to a person of interest’s gait to develop supplemental forensic evidence. This additional information can be used to support a conviction or the exoneration of a falsely accused individual. Listen along as Dr. Nirenberg describes the role digital evidence plays in gait analysis, how forensic podiatrists analyze and compare the gait of a perpetrator to a person of interest, and several cases where the analysis of gait or footprint evidence were key to supporting investigations. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Just Forensic Podiatry Supporting Investigations

In the final episode of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Ashleigh Berg, Senior Forensic Investigator for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, to discuss a capital murder case, where a combination of a variety of forensic evidence types aided the resolution of the case. When a homicide occurs in a dynamic environment, like inside a moving vehicle that was involved in two car crashes, it can pose challenges for reconstructing the timeline of events and differentiating incident-related evidence from post-incident artifacts. For a fatal shooting case that took place in Denton, Texas, forensic practitioners needed to utilize a wide range of forensic evidence, such as bloodstain patterns, surveillance footage, and real-time tracking data, to help locate the suspect and provide insight to the investigative questions in the case. Listen along as Ashleigh describes her role in collecting and analyzing evidence in this capital murder case, the importance of considering all evidence and forensic findings in the context of a case, and how a combination of physical and digital evidence was crucial in bringing this case to justice. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Just Resolving A Capital Murder Case In Denton Texas

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Chuck Heurich, Senior Physical Scientist with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and Dr. Jennifer Snippen, experienced medicolegal death investigator and consultant, to discuss recent updates to NIJ’s Guide for the Death Scene Investigator. Twenty-five years ago, NIJ released a guide to help medicolegal death investigators navigate complex scenes and cases; a document that has since evolved with the development of best practices and technological advancements. In 2024, a new version was released after a multi-disciplinary group of experts collaborated to make four major changes, including updates to documentation for death notifications to the office, procedures for child death investigations, partnering with law enforcement, and more. Listen along as Chuck and Dr. Snippen describe why the Death Investigation Guide was developed, how the newest updates came to be, and implications for day-to-day operations for medicolegal death investigators.  

This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). 

Just Advancements in Death Investigation Practices

In episode one of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month season, Just Science sat down with Jody West, the Forensic Science Manager for the Forensic Biology Section at the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, and Dr. Patricia Melton, a Senior Research Forensic Social Scientist at RTI International, to discuss resources aimed to help forensic science service providers (FSSPs) increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of sexual assault kit testing. Among FSSPs, there is variability in how they approach testing sexual assault kits; some conduct serology testing of samples before moving to DNA testing, while others forego initial serology testing for a Direct-to-DNA approach. Because each processing workflow has distinct costs and benefits, the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) has developed a no-cost tool that helps FSSPs decide on, and advocate for, an approach that is efficient and feasible considering their available resources and needs. Listen along as Jody and Dr. Melton describe the varied approaches to processing workflows in the field, the challenges that FSSPs face when transitioning from one workflow to another, and how the FTCOE’s Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool for Labor Expenditure Associated With Sexual Assault Kit Processing Workflows can foster important conversations about improving sexual assault kit testing workflows.    

This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).    

Just Improving Sexual Assault Kit Testing Workflows

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Stacy Sechrist, community violence researcher at RTI International, Jesse Brey, criminal justice researcher and PhD student at Temple University, and Harrod Emmanuel Clay Jr., pastor and community-based advocate, to discuss findings from RTI’s Victim and Witness Participation research project, which is supported by the philanthropy Arnold Ventures.

For individuals who have experienced or witnessed severe community violence, there is often hesitation to report the crime, participate in law enforcement interviews, or engage in court proceedings. To better understand these barriers, community violence researchers at RTI International and Temple University conducted interviews with individuals who had recently experienced incidents of severe community violence, and found that fear of retaliation, concerns about social consequences, and poor communication from law enforcement are among the most significant obstacles to victim and witness engagement in the criminal legal system. Listen along as Stacy, Jesse, and Pastor Clay describe the importance of giving victims and witnesses a voice after violent crime, common themes found across the research interviews, and important considerations for improving the legal system’s response to victim and witness participation.

 This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.

Just the Cost of Speaking Up: Why Victims and Witnesses Stay Silent

JUST CASE STUDIES: MEL HALL – A SEXUAL PREDATOR

For the second season of Just Science we will be delving into case studies. These case interviews include victim accounts, lawyers, investigators, and crime lab directors.  They will tell you about cases they have personally worked during their career, and what tactics they used to bring their victims justice.  Episode one is a case involving a former Yankee baseball player, Mel Hall, who was convicted on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child. We phone interviewed the prosecutor of his case, Kim Davignon, and one of his victims Chaz Easterly. Just Science discusses with them victimology, and how to handle cases involving children who have experienced sexual assault. Some content in this podcast is sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences. This recording took place during the From Cradle to Cane Conference: Crimes Against Vulnerable Victims in Charleston, SC March of 2017.

If you are a victim of sexual assault or would like to talk to a trained advocate, there is a National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline you can call at 800.656.4673, or visit RAINN.ORG or Victimsofcrime.org.

Some content in this podcast is sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

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

Just Case Studies: Mel Hall - A Sexual Predator_015

Season two, episode three of Just Science involves a case through the eyes of an investigator.  Mike Weber, an investigator with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children Unit, walks us through a case involving Munchausen Syndrome by proxy. Munchausen Syndrome by proxy is a rare form of child or elderly abuse where a primary caretaker exaggerates or creates their victim’s symptoms of illnesses, in this case through manipulation, deceit, and forgery. Not much is known about this type of crime because it is so rarely recognized and so difficult to prosecute. Listen along as Investigator Weber navigates us through his journey to justice in this horrific case involving an abusive and attention crazed chemist, a poisoned child, and an investigator who wants justice.

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

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

Just Case Studies: A Mother's Tale Part 1_017

Atlanta Olympic Bombing

Season two, episode five of Just Science interviews John Collins during the annual ASCLD symposium in Dallas, Texas. This episode takes us back to a time when the United States was hosting the summer Olympics, in Atlanta, in 1996.  The summer of 1996 was meant to be an important moment for the heart of Georgia on the world’s stage, but instead is remembered by a horrific explosion, whose percussion echoed the planet.  Join us as John Collins walks us through the timeline of when law enforcement received an anonymous phone call warning of the bomb, to the forensic analysis of explosive devices, and how a pre 9/11 America tried to cope with such a shocking event.

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

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

Just Case Studies: Atlanta Olympic Bombing_019

In episode five of the Identification season, Just Science interviews Erin Sims, Lab Manager of the Forensic Identification Unit for the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department, about a case involving methamphetamine use and a double homicide.

In the early hours of a seemingly normal morning outside Grand Island, Nebraska, Brandon Crago fled a drug rehabilitation center. 19 hours later, Crago had stolen four different cars, evaded police, and traveled 300 hundred miles. At the end of his journey, he took the lives of a retired couple on a farm just outside Lincoln, NE. Using wound and bloodstain pattern analysis, Erin Simms and her team pieced together the story and linked Crago to the killings. Listen along as she recalls the details of the methamphetamine-fueled car chase that led to a double homicide in this week’s episode of Just Science. 
 
This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

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In this special release episode, Just Science interviews Dr. Hope Smiley-McDonald and Connor Brooks about the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners.

The last Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners was conducted in 2004 and stands as one of the most important resources for budget makers and policy changers. Since then, the realm of MDI has changed dramatically. With that in mind, BJS and RTI International are working tirelessly to create a useful tool that captures all the nuances of this field. Listen in as our guests discuss the development of the survey, the types of data being collected, and the impact that the survey will have on the MDI community.

Please visit www.bjscmec.org for more information. 

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

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In episode three of the Case Studies Season, Just Science sat down with Heather Conner, Latent Print Unit Technical Leader in Mesa Police Department’s Forensic Services, about the investigation of a grisly murder in Arizona. 

In June of 2008, Travis Alexander was found dead in the bathroom of his home. His killer, ex-girlfriend Jodi Arias (air ias), was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Heather Conner and her team used a variety of forensic disciplines to piece together the crime scene and affirm the conviction. Listen along as she discusses her journey in forensics, the investigation of the murder of Travis Alexander, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to crime scene analysis in this episode of Just Science. 

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

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In episode five of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Rockne Harmon, forensic consultant and former senior deputy district attorney for Alameda County in California, to talk about familial DNA searching and the case of the Grim Sleeper Serial Killer. 

From the mid 80s to 2007, Lonnie David Franklin Jr, otherwise known as the Grim Sleeper, was responsible for at least 10 murders in California. Although he started killing in the 1980s, large gaps of time between murders and underutilized DNA evidence left at the crime scenes made it exceptionally difficult to find a suspect.  

Franklin was arrested in 2010 after investigators used familial DNA searching to connect DNA recovered at multiple crime scenes to one of Franklin's relatives. Rockne Harmon was instrumental in convincing the California Department of Justice to implement familial DNA searching in cold cases, ultimately leading to the arrest of the Grim Sleeper and many other offenders. Listen along as he discusses familial DNA searching and the case of the Grim Sleeper in this episode of Just Science.  

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

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Just Science is 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 podcast deals with a range of issues, including human trafficking, firearms, policing, leadership in the crime lab, new technologies, sexual assault response, and broader challenges for science and public security. We cover various types of topics across RTI's Justice Practice Area. 

Some seasons of Just Science were developed by RTI International's Justice Practice Area through various funding sources. Please visit the individual episode to learn more about its funding.

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