Just Science

In episode four of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Mark Pooley, founder of Native Search Solutions, to discuss how the challenges faced by indigenous communities impact sexual assault investigations. In the United States, many indigenous communities are geographically isolated, which contributes to a lack of resources such as police staff and training, healthcare, or even access to the internet. These challenges in conjunction with other cultural and historical considerations, can make it difficult to effectively conduct sexual assault and other violent crime investigations in indigenous jurisdictions. Listen along as Mark describes his experience with violent crime investigations within Native American populations, the specific needs of indigenous communities, and possible steps forward in sexual assault response reform. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

In episode three of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Orlando Salinas, Lieutenant Trampas Gooding, and Jennifer Pollock from the Texas Department of Public Safety to discuss how statutes regarding lawfully owed DNA and familial DNA searches are utilized in sexual assault investigations. When an unknown DNA profile is found in samples collected within a sexual assault kit, the unknown profile is searched within national DNA databases such as the Combined DNA Index System or CODIS. To ensure a comprehensive national database and enhance its use as an investigative tool, all states have legislation requiring the collection of DNA from known offenders of qualifying offenses and subsequent entry into CODIS. Some states also allow the use of familial DNA searching in CODIS. Listen along as Orlando, Lieutenant Gooding, and Jennifer describe how they collect lawfully owed DNA samples, conduct familial DNA searches, and talk about specific cases that were solved by using t

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

In episode one of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, to discuss how large-scale data collection can provide a better understanding of sexual assault cases and improve sexual assault response practices, policy, and education. Throughout her career, Dr. Valentine identified a gap in data-driven practices for responding to sexual assault cases. Using her experience providing care to survivors, Dr. Valentine embarked on research to collect comprehensive data regarding which factors assist in developing an assailant’s DNA profile so that it can be entered into local, state, and national databases. Listen along as Dr. Valentine describes the relationship between research and providing care, her goals for developing best practices and public policy, and some of her specific research findings. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No.

In episode four of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Bridget Kinnier and Bethany Smith, the President and Executive Director of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI), to discuss the importance of standardization and accreditation within the medicolegal death investigator community. Because of the complex and multidisciplinary role of a medicolegal death investigator, it is important that there are national standards of knowledge for those who work in the field. In 1996, the ABMDI developed a certification process for practicing investigators, and the board continues to update this process to meet the evolving needs of the field. Listen along as Bridget and Bethany describe what it means to be ABMDI certified, what the certification exam looks like, and an exciting new development in the certification process. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ

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 Te

In episode two of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Lindsey McNaughton, founder of the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians, to discuss the importance of forensic autopsy technicians, and her efforts to create more resources for this community. When someone dies unexpectedly or of unnatural causes, performing a full autopsy examination can be an extensive process that requires many steps and close attention to detail. To make sure autopsy examinations go as smoothly as possible, forensic pathologists are assisted by forensic autopsy technicians, who complete tasks ranging from photographing remains, prepping tools, and much more. Listen along as Lindsey describes the many unexpected roles of an autopsy technician, the training required for the position, and why she created the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No.

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

In episode four of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Katharine Pope, a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, and Elissia Conlon, a Special Advisor to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, to discuss mass fatality incident management and disaster victim identification. A mass fatality incident includes any incident where there are enough fatalities to require the involvement of a special operation or organization, such as natural disasters, large transportation accidents, or terrorist attacks. In the event of a mass fatality incident, significant time and resources are often needed to manage the situation and identify as many victims as possible. Listen along as Katharine and Elissia discuss methods for identifying disaster victims, agencies that assist with mass fatality management, and developing best practices for disaster planning. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award N

In episode three of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Mark Pooley, founder of Native Search Solutions, and Dustin Driscoll, Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, to discuss the many barriers faced by indigenous communities when it comes to identifying missing and murdered persons. In order to properly investigate cases of missing and murdered individuals, it is crucial that law enforcement agencies have access to necessary resources and technologies, including DNA analysis capabilities, national databases, and sufficient manpower. Unfortunately, many tribal law enforcement agencies currently work with limited access to these basic investigative tools, making it much more difficult to find and identify missing members of native and tribal groups. Listen along as Dustin and Mark discuss common causes of missing indigenous persons, specific gaps in investigative resources, and the growing community working to support indigenous groups. This episode is funded by

In episode two of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Neal Parsons, a Research Forensic Scientist at RTI International, to discuss how rapid DNA analysis has become an important method for identifying unknown human remains, especially in cases of mass fatality. Rapid DNA analysis is a fully automated process of developing DNA profiles without the need for a DNA laboratory or human interpretation. Due to its quick turn-around time, rapid DNA technology has become a valuable tool that is used by law enforcement agencies, accredited crime laboratories, coroner’s offices, and the military. Listen along as Neal discusses the capabilities of rapid DNA analysis, cases in which rapid DNA analysis was used, and the importance of incorporating novel technologies within the field of forensic science. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

In episode one of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Kenneth Aschheim, Assistant Chief Forensic Odontologist for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, to discuss how dental evidence can be used to help identify human remains. Due to their strength, heat resistance, and lack of decomposition over time, teeth are one of the most resilient substances found in the human body. As a result, forensic odontologists can use the teeth of decedents to match with antemortem dental records in order to help identify unknown human remains. Listen along as Dr. Aschheim discusses the process of forensic odontology, the benefits of using teeth alongside other methods of human identification, and using technology to advance the 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

In the final episode of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Thomas Gilson, Dr. Harmeet Kaur, and Hristina Lekova with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, to discuss a puzzling case in which the identity of a decedent from 2014 still remains unknown. Since 2011, it has been uncommon for the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office to have a case in which a decedent remains unidentified for an extended period of time. In the case of an unidentified body found in Lake Erie, forensic scientists have utilized techniques such as fingerprinting, DNA matching, facial reconstruction, and more, in attempts to give this individual his name back. Listen along as Dr. Gilson, Dr. Kaur, and Hristina discuss details of the Lake Erie case, the wide range of resources used for human identification, and the benefits of allowing medical examiners and forensic scientists to work in close proximity. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Cen

In episode three of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down again with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to continue discussing how his Forensic Services Initiative team re-opened the John Wayne Gacy case, in attempt to identify the eight remaining victims. Once Commander Moran’s cold case unit announced the re-opening of the Gacy case, his team was contacted by hundreds of families across the country who were still looking for their missing loved ones. Although the team planned to identify the eight remaining victims, it turned out they were able to provide answers for more families than they could have ever predicted. Listen along as Commander Moran discusses the hurdles of forming a cold case unit, the methodology behind identifying a victim, and the incredible results from his cold case investigation. This episode is funded by The National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some con

In episode two of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to discuss how he and his colleagues set out to identify the remaining victims of John Wayne Gacy, decades after their bodies were found. Technological limitations can sometimes make it very challenging to identify decomposed human remains. In the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, eight of his thirty-three victims remained unidentified for more than thirty years. Listen along as Commander Moran discusses how the Forensic Services Initiative team re-opens cold cases, utilizes modern DNA analysis for human identification, and began the journey to give Gacy’s victims their names back. 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.

In episode one of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Kelly Ayers, an International Association for Identification certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst, to discuss how preliminary autopsy results can help investigators piece together a story of what happened at a crime scene. For crime scene investigators, preliminary autopsy results issued by forensic pathologists and medical examiners can be used in conjunction with other disciplines, such as bloodstain pattern analysis, to provide pivotal information about a case. For example, medical information about the injuries a victim sustained may help investigators determine the weapon that was used, or the sequence of events that occurred within the scene. Listen along as Kelly discusses how preliminary autopsy results may be used to alleviate unnecessary laboratory testing, add case context that can be used in court, and offers advice on effective communication while working a scene. This episode is funded by the National Institute o

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Michelle Aurelius, the Chief Medical Examiner for North Carolina, and Alfarena McGinty, the Chief Deputy Coroner for Marion County in Indianapolis, to discuss misperceptions regarding the nature of medicolegal death investigation among the public, criminal justice professionals, and policy makers. Over the past few years RTI International, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been working on understanding the main stressors which impact medicolegal death investigation or MDI professionals. One of the top stressors burdening the community was a lack of understanding from political stakeholders and community leaders. Listen along as Dr. Aurelius and Coroner McGinty discuss their firsthand experiences, funding gaps, and efforts to tackle this complex topic. This episode is funded by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials in collaboration with the Center

In episode four of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Christina Melander, a research public health analyst at RTI International, to discuss the ongoing role of human trafficking survivors in advising and guiding systems professionals. Human trafficking systems professionals, such as researchers and policy makers, may value the opinions of those with formal academic credentials; however, real human trafficking survivors possess the experience to contribute meaningful expert information as well. Engaging in these conversations may be beneficial for survivors by providing an avenue for healing, leadership, and professional growth. Listen along as Christina discusses the ongoing effort to involve human trafficking survivors in research, the ethical challenges of survivor engagement, and her current research projects involving vulnerable populations. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may e

In episode three of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rebecca Pfeffer and Dr. Kelle Barrick, both research criminologists at RTI International, to discuss the importance of labor trafficking research as a specialized field within the broader scope of human trafficking. Labor trafficking cases can be difficult to identify and are thereby often overlooked and underfunded. Due to key differences between labor trafficking and other forms of human trafficking, it is important to independently investigate best practices for prosecution, resource allocation, and response to labor trafficking. Listen along as Dr. Pfeffer and Dr. Barrick define labor trafficking, discuss myths and misconceptions, and identify differences between labor trafficking and sex trafficking. 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 two of our Human Trafficking Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Stacey Cutbush Starseed, a social scientist at RTI International, to discuss the importance of conducting human trafficking survivor outcome research. Service providers and treatment program directors are dedicated to the long-term health and recovery of human trafficking survivors; however, it is often difficult and complicated to understand the best way to provide support. To evaluate the impact and success of treatment programs, human trafficking researchers work to systematically measure a constellation of survivor outcomes over time. Listen along as Dr. Cutbush Starseed discusses the application of survivor outcome research to the creation of evidence-based treatment programs, challenges faced by researchers, and the potential effects on broad policy reform. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.