Forensic Science Research
Forensic Science research in the Faculty of Science is conducted by the LeBlanc Entomology Group and the Stotesbury Research Group.
Forensic Science Research Groups
-
LeBlanc Entomology Group
Under the direction of Hélène LeBlanc, PhD, the LeBlanc Entomology Group covers areas concerning entomology and vertebrate decomposition including:
- Carrion insect succession
- Chemical ecology
- Exploring new ways to improve the determination of post-mortem interval (PMI)
- Insect electrophysiology
- Insect growth studies
- Vertebrate decomposition
The combination of these areas of research come together to help discover which chemical compounds attract insects to a decomposing body by not only isolating attractants but also detecting any repellents, in order to better understand the behaviour of insects on a decomposing body and help determine a more accurate PMI.
To learn more about the LeBlanc Entomology Group, please visit its website:
-
Stotesbury Research Group
Led by Theresa Stotesbury, PhD, the Forensic Chemistry & Materials Laboratory (FCML) blends forensic and analytical chemistry with materials science. From understanding how common forensic evidence degrades and persists in the environment to developing new biomaterials and everything in between, the FCML has been involved with many exciting and intriguing areas of scientific research.
Forensic materials:
- Blood simulants
- Ex-vivo tissue mimetics
- Biosensors for forensic applications
Forensic chemistry:
- Time since deposition estimation methods
- Post mortem interval estimation methods
- Chemometric analyses for evidence identification and interpretation
Forensic science: practitioner-centric research
- Bloodstain pattern analysis
- Chemical enhancement of latent evidence
To learn more about the Stotesbury Research Group, please visit its website: