Current Research Activities in Forensic Science

The department is currently active in four principal areas of research:

• The Production of National Trace Evidence Databases ( Claire Gwinnett, Email: c.gwinnett@staffs.ac.uk).

Trace evidence can be taken to mean any physical or biological evidence left at a crime scene that is not visible to the naked eye. Some classes of trace evidence, such as DNA and latent fingerprints, have existing national databases, whereas other types of trace evidence, such as fibres, glass, paint and soils do not. There is a clear need for the generation of national databases of these types of trace evidence. If such databases were available they would greatly enhance the evaluation of the significance of finding such materials at a crime scene.
The series of National Trace Evidence Databases will have two main purposes. The first of these will be for users of the database to be able to compare their own unknown trace evidence samples to samples of known provenance. The second purpose will be to give statistical information about the significance of trace evidence found at crime scenes. The first database under construction will be a textile fibres database.

Poster presented at the 1st National FORREST (Forensic Research and Teaching) Forensic Science Conference held at Lincoln University in July 2005: CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTER.

• Utilising DNA from Cartridge Cases as a Means of Identification and Studying the Potential for DNA Deposition and Secondary Transfer of DNA. (Laura Walton, Email: l.m.walton@staffs.ac.uk).

Due to a recent rise in gun related crime, the ability to positively identify the individual who handled or discharged a weapon has become more important. Although fingerprints are an ideal form of identification, the ability to develop identifiable fingerprints on spent cartridge cases is variable. Other methods of identifying the handler of the cartridge case, in the form of a DNA profile, would be a useful alternative. This project will initially look at identifying the factors that affect the potential for retrieving a DNA profile, determining whether these factors can be overcome and using a variety of techniques in order to improve the quality of the DNA profile.
If a DNA profile can be recovered, it would be important to be able to state with confidence that the presence of an individuals DNA indicates that he/she was the final person to handle that object. Research will be carried out looking at the persistence and transfer of DNA to examine if the DNA profile found on an object is indicative of the final person to handle that object, and also to determine the potential for an individual to transfer another persons' DNA onto that object.

Poster presented at the 'Advances in Forensic DNA Analysis Conference' organised by the Forensic Science Society and Centre for Forensic Investigation held at the University of Teesside in September 2006. Also presented at the 2nd National FORREST (Forensic Research and Teaching) Forensic Science Conference held at the University of Central Lancashire in September 2006: CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTER.

Poster presented at the 'Human Identification In the 21st Century Conference' organised by the British Association for Human Identification held at the University of Surrey in April 2007: CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTER.

• Cyanoacrylate Fuming at The Crime Scene – Evaluation of Methodology ( Sarah Fieldhouse, Email: s.j.fieldhouse@staffs.ac.uk).

A range of techniques are currently employed for the detection and enhancement of latent fingerprints. One of the most widespread and successfully employed methods of chemical enhancement of latent fingerprints is cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming. Cyanoacrylate fuming was first devised by the Criminal Identification Division of the Japanese National Police Agency in 1978, and has experienced extensive use on crime scene samples ever since.
The development containers used for cyanoacrylate fuming range from small aquariums to large plate glass cabinets. However it is also possible to apply the technique to crime scenes, both indoors and outdoors. This project will look at the feasibility of applying this practice to a crime scene. Considerations will include undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of cyanoacrylate fuming at the ‘crime scene’ and establishing a reliable method of determining the concentration of cyanoacrylate fumes in air in order to devise suitable health and safety guidelines for the operation of cyanoacrylate fuming at the ‘crime scene’.

Poster presented at the 1st National FORREST (Forensic Research and Teaching) Forensic Science Conference held at Lincoln University in July 2005: CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTER.

Poster presented at the Annual Presentations by Britain's Top Younger Scientists, Engineers and Technologists held at the House of Commons in March 2006: CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTER.

• The use of trace metals to determine the origin of cultivated drugs ( Jodie Stuart, Email: j.c.stuart@staffs.ac.uk).

As well as being able to identify and quantify a seized drug it is also important to be able to identify the country or region from which the drug originated. This is particularly important when analysing cultivated drugs such as heroin, cocaine and cannabis.
Previously, there have been a few articles published relating to the analysis of trace metals in cultivated drugs but there has not been any research conducted linking the ratio of such metals to the geographical region of origin.
In this project techniques such as atomic spectroscopy, polarography and capillary electrophoresis will be used to establish suitable methods for identifying and quantifying trace metals in drugs. These methods will then be applied to the analysis of seized drugs (of known origin) to determine if geographically-related patterns in the ratios of the trace metals exist.

 

PhD Studentships in Forensic Science

All studentships for September 2007 start have now been filled. When further studentships become available they will be advertised on this page. Any enquiries regarding research positions should be directed to Dr Graham Harrison at the address below.
An application form for studentships can be downloaded from: www.staffs.ac.uk/postgradform/. Applications should then be sent to the address below by the closing date indicated:

Dr Graham Harrison,
Head of Forensic Science,
Faculty of Sciences,
Staffordshire University,
Mellor Building,
College Road,
Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 2DE.