Department News

West Virginia University’s Department of Forensic and Investigative Sciences Forensic Graduate Seminar invites you to attend this guest lecture on January 29, 2021 at noon via Zoom.

Jason Lively spent 14 years behind bars for a fire he didn’t set, until science supported his innocence.

Researchers Dr. Tatiana Trejos and Dr. Luis Arroyo in the West Virginia University Department of Forensic and Investigative Science have received two grants from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Institute of Justice totaling nearly $1 million.

Job Description and Profile (Español abajo)

The 2020 American Academy of Forensic Science meeting was productive for the FIS students and faculty!  WVU FIS was represented with nineteen oral and/or poster presentations. It is always rewarding to share our work with the professional forensic science community.  

Heather Massey is a junior Honors EXCEL student from Culpeper, VA. She is a forensic and investigative science major on the examiner track.

Her project deals with oral fluid testing devices for law enforcement, something that combines her love of law enforcement and forensics, specifically related to the field of drugs. Similar to a roadside breath test for alcohol, the oral fluid drug testing device is used by patrol officers after they have noticed symptoms of potential drug use by a driver. They collect a saliva sample with a swab, a less intrusive, alternative method to blood draws or urine samples. She has researched different manufacturers and their products, and is researching the legal implications and policies behind the device.

Outside of school, she enjoys exercising, cooking, watching police or Investigation Discovery shows, reading and finding new places that serve brunch. Her dream job is to become a sworn crime scene investigator.

As part of President Gee’s initiative to learn more about our Mountaineers’ educational experiences, he surprised FIS Graduate Seminar students with a visit to their class during Valentine’s day.

Sara Kuberski recently presented her research at the 17th annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol (URDC) in Charleston, WV. The event highlights the accomplishments of undergraduate researchers throughout the state of West Virginia and demonstrates the importance of research for the future of the state.