Just Science

In episode five of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Justin Schorr, Principal Collision Reconstruction Engineer, and Tim Primrose, Mobile Forensic Analyst, at DJS Associates, Inc. to discuss utilizing digital evidence in real-world cases. In the digital age, forensic technology has broad applications for investigations. From cell phone, social media account, and car infotainment system data to three-dimensional modeling for crime scene reconstruction, technology is becoming a staple in forensics. Listen along as Dr. Schorr and Tim describe what kinds of digital evidence is applicable to investigations, the limitations and court considerations for forensic technology, and case examples on how mobile forensics and reconstruction simulations were effectively used to further investigations. 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 ma

In episode four of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Josh Yonovitz, expert witness in forensic audio, to discuss the history of utilizing voice identification in investigations and the current state of forensic audio. In the 1960’s, voice identification started being used in forensics, but the original voiceprint analysis used was proven to be inaccurate. Nowadays, forensic scientists use a methodology known as Aural-Acoustic Speaker Identification, which is scientifically accepted, but poorly understood. Listen along as Josh describes components of forensic audio, the software and training needed for forensic voice identification, and how forensic audio analysis has helped solve cases. 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.

In episode three of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Laura Matson, an Advanced Latent Print and Footwear Examiner with the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories, to discuss the value of providing footwear investigative leads. Footwear impressions are commonly found in crime scenes; however, these impressions can be difficult to detect and collect which leads to the underutilization of footwear evidence. While traditional footwear analysis compares unknown impressions to a known shoe, footwear investigative leads provide the makes and models of shoes that may have created the unknown impression. Listen along as Laura describes using footwear investigative leads to accelerate an investigation, how her team is developing an internal footwear database, and advice for other agencies that want to further utilize footwear evidence. 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 ma

In episode two of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Crime Scene Technician Brian Turner and Detective Roberto Caceres from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to discuss a new methodology for processing fired cartridge cases. When a cartridge case is recovered from a crime scene, investigators must typically decide whether to swab it for DNA or process it for latent prints. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has developed a promising new technique that involves processing a cartridge case for both DNA and fingerprints, leading to more evidence available in shooting cases. Listen along as Brian and Detective Caceres describe what factors affect recovery of evidence on cartridge cases, how the M-VAC and the Recover LFT system are utilized in tandem to process for DNA and fingerprints, and case examples highlighting the success of this new method. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some co

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 m

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Kristin Henning, Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative at Georgetown Law and Author of The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth, to discuss the biases that exist in the American criminal legal system, which disproportionally and negatively impact teenagers of color. Decades of developmental psychology research supports that adolescence is a period marked by risk-taking behaviors, experimentation, and susceptibility to peer influence. While these features of adolescence are normal for all teenagers, teenagers of color are disproportionately punished by the American criminal legal system for behaviors that are developmentally appropriate. Listen along as Professor Henning describes what typical adolescent behavior looks like, the depiction of adolescence and race in the media, and the movement to better inform criminal legal system practitioners about this unique developmental period. This episode is funded by RTI I

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an attorney advisor with AEquitas, to discuss her experience working on the Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics training series, as a part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics training series aims to identify and develop resources that help prosecutors and other professionals effectively prepare sexual assault cases for trial and bring a victim’s voice to the courtroom. Specifically, utilizing forensic technology and forensic evidence can be important for advancing justice in a sexual assault case. Listen along as Patti describes some of the innovative tools that have been developed through this training series, her experience taking a multidisciplinary approach to training, and the importance of trauma-informed trial preparation. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bure

In episode four of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Drs. Lilly Yu and Josh Hendrix, research scientists at RTI International, to discuss a project which documents the implementation of school-based human trafficking safety and prevention programs. For decades, school systems have incorporated safety and prevention programs into their day-to-days, and in recent years, funding is being allocated for developing human trafficking prevention education for students, staff, and educators. As a part of the Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education Demonstration Grant Program, researchers are evaluating these new school-based human trafficking prevention programs to understand their implementation across eight local educational agencies. Listen along as Drs. Yu and Hendrix discuss the goals of human trafficking prevention education in schools, the challenges of developing a standard program to be used across diverse educational districts, and the act

In episode three of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Kelle Barrick, Dr. Rebecca Pfeffer, and Natasha Aranguren, research scientists at RTI International, to discuss a study which estimates the prevalence of labor trafficking in Houston as a part of the larger Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. Understanding the scope and nature of human trafficking exploitation is crucial for informing appropriate policy responses both in the United States and internationally. Based on existing knowledge about human trafficking nationwide, researchers from the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project selected constructions workers in Houston, Texas as a key population for studying the prevalence of labor trafficking. Listen along as Dr. Barrick, Dr. Pfeffer, and Natasha discuss the importance of accurately estimating prevalence rates of human trafficking, the recruitment strategies and methodology used in their study, and

In episode two of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Samantha Charm, Christina Melander, Lauren Vollinger, and Brianna D’Arcangelo, research public health analysts at RTI International, to discuss a project which focuses on economic empowerment for those who have experienced human trafficking as part of the larger Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project. 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. As part of the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project, researchers are developing a guide to help service providers understand fundamentals and important considerations of implementing economic empowerment programs for people who have experienced human trafficking, including programming related to financial ed

In episode one of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Elizabeth Tibaduiza and Christina Melander, research public health analysts from RTI, as well as Ada Pecos Melton and Rita Martinez, President and Vice President of American Indian Development Associates, to discuss a formative evaluation of the Demonstration Grants to Strengthen the Response to Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities Program or VHT-NC program. Human trafficking in Native communities is an urgent issue in need of response, which is complicated by several factors, such as a need for increased awareness and understanding of human trafficking and limited availability of culturally responsive services and resources. The VHT-NC program aims to assist six communities in building, expanding, and sustaining their capacity to serve Native peoples who have experienced human trafficking through outreach, service provision, and community training. Listen along as Elizabeth, Chri

In the final episode of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Noni Gaylord-Harden, a researcher from Texas A&M University, and Dr. Vicki Johnson-Lawrence, a researcher from RTI International, to discuss how to thoughtfully conduct research outreach and dissemination in a community setting. At the initial stages of community-based research, it is important for researchers to form meaningful connections with community members and listen to their needs instead of making assumptions about what is most important to study or pay attention to. By taking a slow and mindful approach, researchers will ask questions that will be purposeful for the community and foster a better understanding of how to disseminate their research findings in a way that is valuable to the community being served. Listen along as Drs. Gaylord-Harden and Johnson-Lawrence describe what it means to center community voices in research, the importance of being flexible in your research approach, and the

In episode three of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rebecca Campbell, Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University, to discuss the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach when managing a research team. For research staff who are regularly exposed to traumatic material, it can be difficult to recognize and respond to signs of their own vicarious trauma. While there is no perfect roadmap for navigating trauma-informed project management, research leaders are continuing to explore strategies for mitigating vicarious trauma for their team. Listen along as Dr. Campbell describes her career-long learning process for creating a trauma-informed research environment, how to recognize the signs that you or someone on your research team may need a break, and where to find resources for learning more about vicarious trauma. This episode is funded by the RTI International Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and ma

In episode two of our Trauma-Informed Research Methods mini season, Just Science sat down with Katherine Bright, a sexual violence researcher, to discuss the importance of prioritizing trauma-informed data collection methods. Researchers are often conditioned to collect data in a way that minimizes methodological error and prioritizes scientific output. As a result, there is a need to reevaluate research priorities to ensure that participants and staff are working in an environment where they feel safe and connected. Listen along as Katherine describes a three-pronged approach to trauma-informed research, specific ways to increase choice and agency for participants and research staff, and how she develops her evolving research practice. This episode is funded by RTI International's Justice Practice Area.

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

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.

In episode 3 of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Jody Wolf, Crime Lab Administrator for the Phoenix Police Department; Tim Scanlan, president of Forensic Analysis, Consulting, and Training, LLC; and Mikalaa Martin, Forensic Scientist at RTI International to highlight the impact of human factors on forensic DNA interpretation. Human factors research is a discipline that examines concepts like undue influence, employee wellness, and human error, which impact the decisions that forensic science practitioners make on a daily basis. The National Institute of Standards and Technology/National Institute of Justice Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation is dedicated to exploring a systems-based approach for addressing human factors, where employees can embrace and learn from their mistakes. Listen along as Jody, Tim, and Mikalaa describe the human factors that commonly affect forensic DNA interpretation, the importance of creating a positive error working

In episode 2 of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Henry Maynard to discuss the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Forensic Research Committee (FRC). As researchers work to create better tools and technologies for the forensic science community, it is crucial that they are able consult with practicing forensic professionals to better understand their needs and experiences. The ASCLD FRC includes several global programs that aim to connect forensic practitioners with academic researchers to share information and collaborate on research projects. Listen along as Henry describes how the ASCLD FRC helps create higher quality forensic research, how to sign up for programs within the FRC, and the secret for creating a great forensic science working group. 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 em

In episode one of our Resilient Leadership mini season, Just Science sat down with Jamilla Dick-Quashie, Director of Health and Safety, and Meredith Rosenberg, the Department of Forensic Biology Deputy Director, with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to discuss their most successful strategies for creating a resilient workplace in the field of forensic science. In general, the forensic science workplace can be emotionally and physically taxing, as practitioners are expected to maintain a high quality of work while often being exposed to stressful or sensitive situations. In response to this challenge, many forensic science organizations are implementing mental health and resiliency programs that can help combat burnout and create a more adaptable workplace for their employees. Listen along as Jamilla and Meredith describe what it means to be a resilient workplace, the specific strategies utilized by the OCME, and suggestions for other organizations looking to find resources on workplac

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