Experts say wrongful fire convictions are disturbingly common, because
investigators often lack up-to-date education and advanced training. The prosecutors in Lively's wrongful conviction case hired chemist Glen Jackson to review the case. Jackson's work confirmed that the fire in question was not deliberately set. For the full story, see the Washington Post article.
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.
The WVU Department of Forensic and Investigative Science made a donation of personal protective equipment to WVU Medicine to help them provide the best care possible during this difficult time. The donation included 54000 gloves, 1500 shoe covers, 600 Tyvek suits, 200 goggles/safety glasses, 150 face masks and 50 head covers.
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....
The FIS Club recently painted bowls at the WOW! Factory in Star City to donate for the
upcoming Empty Bowls event which raises awareness about food insecurity in the
surrounding area.
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.
