Forensic Science Seminar

The Department of Forensic Science hosts a weekly seminar series open to the public each semester featuring presentations by faculty, crime laboratory staff, students, and visiting lecturers.

Forensic science students can enroll in one credit of FRSC 570: Forensic Science Seminar to attend the entire series and receive academic credit.

When

Tuesdays
12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. EDT

Link

Zoom link to join the seminar series

Fall 2025 Presentations
Date	Speaker	Topic
Aug. 26	Amy C. Jenkins Department Counsel - Virginia Department of Forensic Science In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“What Does a Forensic Lab Lawyer Do?”
Sept. 2	Jessemia Meekins Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Student - M.S.F.S. Candidate In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“A Determination of Co-Aerosolization Dynamics of Ethanol and Nicotine in Electronic Cigarettes”
Sept. 9	Jennifer Bonetti, Ph.D Principal Forensic Scientist - Virginia Department of Forensic Science In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Real-world Challenges in a Forensic Lab: Handling Large Cases Using Extrapolation”
Sept. 16	Marin Pilloud Professor of Anthropology - University of Nevada, Reno	“The Role of Forensic Anthropology in Medicolegal Death Investigations”
Sept. 23	Karen Lynne Shafer Master Digital Forensic Examiner - FBI, Adjunct Faculty - VCU In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Digital Forensics: Not Just Cybercrime”
Sept. 30	Paige Riley-Carrier Forensic Laboratory Specialist VI - Virginia Department of Forensic Science In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Xylazine: Evaluation of antemortem and postmortem specimen storage conditions”
Oct. 7	Professor Sarah Hainsworth Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise - University of Bath	“Principles and Applications of Forensic Engineering”
Oct. 14	Jeremy D’Errico Special Agent, Cellular Analysis Survey Team - Federal Bureau of Investigation In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Using Cell Site Records to Locate Mobile Phones, Past and Present”
Oct. 21	Kiersten Fultz Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Student - M.S.F.S. Candidate In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Continued Optimization of a High Resolution Melt-Based Mixture Screening Tool & Evaluation as a Contributor Identification Tool”
Oct. 28	Jerry Buting Attorney - Buting, Williams & Stilling, S.C	"Forensic Science Evidence in Court: A Criminal Defense Perspective"
Nov. 11	Tracey L. Johnson, MSFS Supervisory Physical Scientist - National Institute of Justice In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Forensic Science Research: a presentation on federal programs, open access policies and public datasets”
Nov. 18	Savanah Allinson Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate Student - M.S.F.S. Candidate In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“The Development of a Delta-9 THC Colorimetric Breathalyzer”
Dec. 2	John M. Butler NIST Fellow & Special Assistant to the Director for Forensic Science - National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Programs Office In-person in Academic Learning Commons, Room 2100	“Lessons from “The Trial of the Century” and Early Forensic Science Efforts: Its Impact on Forensic Science in the United States and the Little-Known Role of the National Bureau of Standards”