News and Events
Can Vaping Cause You To Fail a Sobriety Test?
September 12, 2022
Five years ago, researchers led by Virginia Commonwealth University forensic science professor Michelle Peace, Ph.D., revealed that e-liquids — the flavored nicotine solution used in e-cigarettes — frequently contain ethanol, or alcohol, as an unlisted ingredient.
Department of Forensic Science Seminar Series- starting August 30
August 30, 2022
Join the VCU Department of Forensic Science for our Seminar Series on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:45 beginning August 30, 2022. See https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/forensic-science-seminar/ for more information.
Professor says war crimes investigation in Ukraine could take years.
June 17, 2022
It’s critical to find both the physical, testimonial, and the documentary evidence of war crimes,” said Tal Simmons, who has examined evidence at multiple scenes, including in Sri Lanka and the former Yugoslavia.
Forensic science graduate student collaborates with VCU Police
May 18, 2022
VCU Department of Forensic Science graduate student Jamie Zaleta needed cartridge casings for her thesis project, the VCU Police Department's room became both a firing range and a classroom. Zaleta was interested in undertaking research on fingerprint development, which is the use of chemicals to find unseen (latent) fingerprints on different surfaces. To complete the initial phase of her project, Zaleta needed 500 fired cartridge casings – 250 brass and 250 nickel plated.
VCU Forensic Science Class of 2022: Kendall Gehring is driven to solve cold cases with forensic anthropology
May 18, 2022
VCU Forensic Science Class of 2022 Outstanding Undergraduate: Kendall Gehring is driven to solve cold cases with forensic anthropology "I’ve always loved puzzles,” says Gehring, who has had two internships with the FBI and has been a leader in VCU’s Department of Forensic Science
Peace testifies at House of Delegates on cannabis industry
February 21, 2022
VCU lab testing delta-8 products finds misleading labeling, lack of safety standards
January 31, 2022
The Peace Lab in the Deaprtment of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University has been analyzing products made with the newly popular delta-8 THC cannabis analog available in most CBD and tobacco retail outlets. They have found an alarming lack of safety standards, accurate labeling and quality control.
As 19th century ancestral remains arrive at VCU, Forensic Science Department researchers Dr. Tal Simmons and Dr. Baneshwar Singh aim to learn more about who they were.
January 10, 2022
VCU Department of Forensic Science Tours Begin
July 14, 2021
The VCU Department of Forensic Science is beginning our in-person tours again and look forward to meeting prospective students interested in Forensic Science.
VCU Department of Forensic Science Prospective Graduate Student Open House on Friday, November 12.
October 21, 2021
Are you interested in obtaining an MS in Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University? Join us at the VCU MS in Forensic Science Open House on Friday, November 12 either in-person or remotely.
Search and rescue group gets training in bone identification with VCU professor
September 16, 2021
Members of the Search and Rescue Tracking Institute are trained to look for clothing on bushes or broken tree limbs but don’t have as much experience identifying and documenting human remains.
VCU forensic science instructor appears on ‘Forensic Files II’
August 2, 2021
Carlo Rosati, a retired FBI firearms and ballistics examiner who teaches in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University, was featured as an expert in Sunday’s episode of “Forensic Files II” on cable channel HLN.
Rosati, an adjunct instructor who has taught the department’s undergraduate firearms course and is planning to teach a new elective on vehicle identification, appeared in the episode “The Orange Shorts,” which tells the story of the forensic investigation in the 2010 murder of Monica Schmeyer in Pennsylvania.
https://news.vcu.edu/article/
VCU Forensic Science alum receives Fulbright research award
March 26, 2021
Forensic Science undergraduate alum Dylan Naitraj David will travel to Trinidad, the nation his parents emigrated from, through the Fulbright research award . This award not only allowed David the opportunity to learn more about his heritage but also expanded the scope of his cancer research. His passion for research is undeniable as he continuously seeks opportunities to study with experts in the field.
He spoke of Marilyn Miller, Ed.D. (VCU Dept. of Forensic Science) as having a very large positive impact on him as a scientist and aspiring physician!
The extremely difficult task of identifying Miami condo victims.
June 30, 2021
Advances in DNA technology will aid in identification of victims in collapsed condo in Surfside, FL. Dr. Tracey Dawson GreenPeople, VCU Department of Forensic Science Professor and Chair, provides insight to USA Today readers.
Marilyn Miller, crime scene guru and founding forensic science faculty member, retires after 17 years at VCU
June 7, 2021
If you ask the colleagues of Marilyn Miller, Ed.D., about the impact she's had on the forensic science community, you'll get a clear, consistent answer: For the past 20 years, Miller has been a driving force in legitimizing scientific analysis as a sub-discipline of crime scene investigation. "It's more than just following a checklist, taking a couple pictures and packaging a little bit of evidence. [It’s] about understanding how that evidence is left at the crime scene."
VCU Forensic Science graduate, Tiffany Role, named to list of inspiring Black scientists
February 4, 2021
Tiffany Rolle has been recognized by the website Cell Mentor. As a Department of Forensic Science undergraduate, she honed her research skills through VCU’s Center on Health Disparities.
https://www.news.vcu.edu/article/Two_VCU_grads_named_to_list_of_inspiring_Black_scientists
Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Forensic Science Virtual Graduate Open House November 6, 11:00-2:00 (EST).
October 27, 2020
Join the VCU Department of Forensic Science for a virtual Informational Session where you can learn about the graduate program curriculum, the admissions process and the University, meet faculty and current graduate students, tour the department and our partner agency, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. Friday, November 6 from 11:00-2:00 (EST). To join us, complete the form at https://forms.gle/kjT9Q8V3XB8ECdVFA. A Zoom link and agenda will be sent to you.
Election 2020: Our Future is at Stake!
September 23, 2020
The 2020 election has Virginia and the rest of the country at a crossroads.
Visit https://chs.vcu.edu/election-2020/ to learn all about this year's critical elections!
Guidelines for a productive return to VCU
June 3, 2020
The One VCU website will serve as your hub for information and resources for a safe return to campus.
Meet the Forensic Science Department
July 30, 2020
More cases will be solved’ now that Virginia has eliminated its rape kit backlog, VCU expert says
July 14, 2020
The announcement that Virginia’s rape kit backlog has been eliminated is a “momentous occasion,” said Tracey Dawson Cruz, professor and chair of the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Department of Forensic Science Donates PPE to VCU Health
April 1, 2020
‘Everyone seems, even if momentarily, uplifted by the idea of helping our colleagues on the MCV campus respond to those that are most vulnerable.’
Silent No More Symposium
January 24, 2020
More than 170 law enforcement, addiction treatment, medical, education, and community services professionals gathered in James Branch Cabell Library on Tuesday, January 14, to discuss and collaborate on ways to address the opioid crisis.
VCU forensic science researchers receive $2.28M for crime scene evidence research
December 3, 2019
E-liquids often contain alcohol as an unlisted ingredient. What are the health and safety implications?
December 3, 2019
After discovering ethanol in vape juice samples, a VCU professor is leading a major study to explore the ramifications for public safety. E-liquids — the flavored nicotine solution used in e-cigarettes — frequently contain the unlisted ingredient ethanol, or alcohol, according to research conducted in the lab of Virginia Commonwealth University professor Michelle Peace, Ph.D.
A Journey Home
December 3, 2019
The remains of more than 50 African Americans discovered in 1994 on VCU’s campus have been returned to Richmond.
CBD Related Poisonings Reach Highest Level Yet. Here's Why
August 6, 2019
Forensic toxicologist Michelle Peace has found dangerous synthetics in dozens of CBD vape products. She says a lack of FDA regulations is to blame.
Forensic science lecture series
August 30, 2019
A series of forensic science lectures this fall will explore topics in the field and past cases, including the so-called “collar bomb” case in which a pizza delivery driver in Erie, Pennsylvania, robbed a bank in 2003 with a bomb clamped around his neck that ultimately exploded and killed him.