Dara Neff is a candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic & Investigative Science at West Virginia University (WVU). She is a native of King George, Virginia, pursuing a double major (Forensic Biology and Forensic Examiner), with emphasis on the forensic analysis of fingerprints, shoeprints and DNA.
Most recently, Dara has been actively involved in research to address the discrimination potential of Schallamach (feathering) characteristics on outsoles.
Carleen Lasky is a candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic & Investigative Science at West Virginia University (WVU). She is a native of Chantilly, Virginia, pursuing the Forensic Examiner track, as well as a dual minor in Biology and Psychology.
Carly has been actively involved in research to address the discrimination potential of Schallamach (feathering) characteristics on outsoles.
This summer, she will use her coursework and research experience to assist in forensic science activities planned for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at The Summit (Bechtel Reserve) adventure center.
Tara Fikes earned a Bachelor of Science from Cedar Crest College with a major in Genetic Engineering, a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Forensic Science. During her undergraduate studies, Tara conducted research on the use of frequency filtering of fingerprints to remove noisy backgrounds. Her research involved capturing digital photographs of fingerprints on busy backgrounds (such as prints on currency, magazines, newspaper, etc.). Once collected, Tara computed the Fourier Transform of the digital image, and then selectively filtered out frequencies associated with interfering patterns in the digital image. Ms. Fikes earned the “Best Poster” award at NEAFS in 2011 for her work in this area.
