Research

The International Forensic Research Institute serves local and national law enforcement efforts through original research and the application of scientific principles to the administration of justice. The institute also provides a platform for interdisciplinary work across several disciplines. 

Research Areas

Some of the research and training areas available through the institute include:

  • Arson and explosive residue analysis
  • Counterfeit currency detection
  • Detector dogs
  • DNA evidence and population substructuring
  • Drug analysis
  • Environmental forensics
  • Fingerprint development
  • Forensic anthropology
  • Forensic facial approximation
  • Forensic toxicology
  • Glass analysis
  • Human performance under the influence of alcohol and drugs
  • PCR applications and quality assurance
  • Trace elemental analysis of biological samples
  • Courtroom persuasion
  • Effect of pretrial publicity
  • Eyewitness memory
  • Eyewitness testimony of children
  • Cognitive bias
  • Homicide patterns and trends
  • Improving witnesses' recall
  • International drug money laundering
  • Jury decision making
  • Jury selection
  • Narcotics trafficking
  • Substance abuse