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 support from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for student research projects as they prepare for a career in forensic science. During this season of Just Science, we sat down with distinguished university faculty, FEPAC Commissioners, and forensic practitioners to shed light on the benefits of accreditation, student research, and NIJ involvement in collegiate programs. Our guests provide insight on their FEPAC-accredited programs across forensic disciplines and share advice for current students, professors, and forensic professionals.

Strengthening the Forensic Workforce

In episode one of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. José Almirall, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Director of the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science at Florida International University, and Dr. Sarah Kerrigan, Professor and Chair of the Forensic Science Department at Sam Houston State University and Director of the Institute for Forensic Research, Training and Innovation, to discuss the inception of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and chemistry programs in forensic science. Built on the foundation of the Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Forensic Science, or TWGED, FEPAC became an official standing committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and awarded its first accreditation in February 2004. Since then, over 50 undergraduate and master’s level forensic science programs have been accredited in the United States. Listen along as Dr. Almirall and Dr. Kerrigan discuss their roles as founding members and early adopters of FEPAC, training the next generation of forensic chemists, and the importance of expanding the number of forensic science Ph.D. programs. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just FEPAC Accreditation And Forensic Chemistry Programs

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 & 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. Recent years have also presented unique challenges for hands-on research with the COVID-19 pandemic and misconstrued expectations stemming from the CSI effect, forcing universities and their students to adapt. Listen along as Dr. Morris and Dr. Williams discuss Ph.Ds. in forensic science and the role of NIJ and FEPAC in providing research and education opportunities for the next generation of forensic science professionals. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Higher Education And The CSI Effect

In 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 Cyber Security Program at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute, and Josh Brunty, an Associate Professor of Digital Forensics in the School of Forensic & 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. 
Digital forensics is still considered one of the newer forensic science disciplines; however, it is a field that is rapidly growing. With devices from smart refrigerators to video game consoles constantly collecting user data, the science behind digital forensics must be ready to pivot with every software update and additional device available on the market. Tune in as Dr. McCoy and Professor Brunty discuss digital forensics versus cyber security, careers and research opportunities for those with strong computer science backgrounds, and an outlook for the field of digital forensics. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Digital Forensics Program Development And Outlook

In episode four of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Assistant Professor Jessica Zarate and 5th 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, or IUPUI, to discuss their hands-on impression and pattern education programs.
Many people will immediately think of fingerprints or bloodstain patterns when mentioning impression and pattern forensics. However, the section is quite diverse and includes the analysis of additional types of evidence such as footwear impressions, firearm toolmarks, and questioned documents. Listen along as Dr. Picard, Professor Zarate, and Kristen Szabelski discuss the importance of research, and experiences in impression and pattern education programs from their different perspectives. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just The Analysis Of Impressions And Patterns

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 in 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. These techniques have evolved over the years with increasing sensitivity, are routinely used to identify individuals through DNA, and provide information on biological materials present at a crime scene. Listen along as Dr. Cotton and Dr. Podini discuss their interesting career journeys, the importance of criminal law and ethics training, and the value of student research involving statistical analysis and interpretation. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just The Components Of Forensic Biology And DNA

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 Assistant Director of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, 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. These analysts utilize chemical, microscopic, and physical comparisons of evidence to make conclusions and provide investigative leads. Listen along as Dr. Kammrath and Dr. Trejos discuss available collegiate courses, such as microscopy and testimony practice, for those interested in trace evidence analysis, and what it takes to succeed. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Trace Evidence From Classroom To Courtroom

In episode seven of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Karen Scott, an Associate Professor, Forensic Toxicology Consultant, and Director of the Master of Science in Forensic Science program at Arcadia University, and Dr. Jarrad Wagner, a Professor and Director in the Oklahoma State University School of Forensic Sciences, to discuss research collaborations and keeping on top of the dynamic drug landscape encountered in forensic toxicology casework. One of the requirements of FEPAC accreditation is that programs maintain partnerships with external collaborators, such as forensic science laboratories and professional organizations. This is especially important for rapidly evolving disciplines like forensic toxicology where there is a constant influx of new drugs and analytical challenges such as a lack of available reference standards and complex biological matrices. Because of these issues, students and researchers at universities and practitioners in crime laboratories must work together to develop new techniques for novel drug detection and analysis in real-time. Listen along as Dr. Scott and Dr. Wagner discuss their FEPAC partnerships, on-going research efforts, and the importance of hands-on learning in their forensic toxicology programs. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Forensic Toxicology And Professional Partnerships

In the eighth episode of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science 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 in FEPAC-accredited programs. FEPAC-accredited institutions are preparing students for future jobs in crime laboratories across the United States. Lab directors use these institutional standards to help guide them in their hiring processes. Listen to part one of this two-part episode as our guests discuss crime laboratory accreditation, hiring challenges, and the importance of multidisciplinary training. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just the Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 1

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 alone does not adequately emulate what working in a forensic laboratory and pursuing a career in forensic science will entail. Listen along as our guests discuss court readiness, training gaps, and other valuable insights for anyone considering a career in forensics. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just The Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 2

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.