Careers for Biologists in the FORENSIC SCIENCES Sarah Seashols, PhD Department of Forensic Science Virginia Commonwealth University www.has.vcu.edu/forensics
What is Forensic Science? ME SCENE DO NOT CROSS CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS C OR crime scene investigation analysis of physical evidence
What is forensic science? Forensic Science Anthropology Toxicology Pathology Engineering Odontology Firearms/ Criminalistics CSI Toolmarks Digital Evidence Trace Controlled Fingerprints QD Substances Biology
analysis of physical evidence Fingerprint and Latent Impressions
analysis of physical evidence Forensic Hair Analysis & Comparisons
analysis of physical evidence Firearms and Toolmarks
analysis of physical evidence Paint Chip Analysis: microscopic & microchemical tests
analysis of physical evidence Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Science Careers for Biologists Forensic Pathology Forensic Odontology Forensic Toxicology Forensic DNA Analysis
Forensic Pathology Medical Examiners Manner/Cause of Death Death Investigations
Forensic Pathology - Requirements Medical School Pathology Residency Forensic Pathology Fellowship
Forensic Odontology Forensic Dentists Use Jaw/Teeth pattern to: Identify deceased individuals Estimate Age Bitemark Analysis
Forensic Odontology - Requirements Dental School Additional Training and Certification by ABFO
Forensic DNA Analysis Serology
Forensic DNA Analysis Utilizes STRs: Short Tandem Repeats Size differences vary between individuals Found throughout the genome Analyzed by: PCR amplification of target regions with known STRs Gel (slab or capillary) electrophoresis
STRs
DNA for Determining Paternity Child #1 Mother Alleged Father Child #2
Who does DNA? >375 Accredited Public Crime labs Organization Police of Public labs is random department County/ Multi-county State Federal DA s office Medical Examiner/ Coroner 28 private commercial labs 4 University- affiliated labs Boston University
Forensic DNA Analyst: Requirements B.S. (preferred MS) in natural sciences Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, Population Genetics coursework 6-month minimum OTJ training
analysis of physical evidence Forensic Toxicology MS of Norfenfluramine 159H F3C 240O CH3 C C H H N H C C F2 F2 C CF3
analysis of physical evidence Forensic Toxicology Analysis of Biological fluids for drugs, poisons, and metabolites Extraction of compounds from complex matrices Analysis GC-MS (MS-MS, TOF, FID) LC-MS DART Raman Spectroscopy
Forensic Toxicology: Requirements BS, MS or PhD, natural sciences Analytical Chemistry background Recommended: Biochemistry Toxicology Instrumental Analysis
Jobs and Careers federal forensic laboratories state forensic laboratories local forensic laboratories medical examiner s office fire marshal armed services drug enforcement administration (DEA) environmental protection agency (EPA) alcohol, tobacco and firearms (ATF) private employers
AAFS (American Academy of Forensic Sciences) www.aafs.org Job Listings Career Information FEPAC (Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission) www.aafs.org/fepac List of Accredited Undergraduate and Graduate programs ASCLD-LAB (American Society of Crime Lab Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board) http://www.ascld-lab.org/labstatus/accreditedlabs.html List of Accredited Crime Labs State-by-State http://www.aafs.org Resources