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.

Speir, J., Hietpas, J. and Fikes, T. Fast Fourier Transformation and Frequency Filtering to Suppress Background Noise in Fingerprint Evidence: Quantifying the Fidelity of Digitally Enhanced Fingerprint Evidence. Online Poster: Impression & Pattern Evidence Symposium (IPES), Clearwater Beach, Florida, 2012.

Lee, M. and Speir, J. Assessing the Fidelity of a Semi-Automated Shoeprint Classication Algorithm. Poster: Impression & Pattern Evidence Symposium (IPES), Clearwater Beach, Florida, 2012.

Phillips, E. and Speir, J. Dispersion Staining and the Christiansen Eect as a Means of Detecting Heat-Induced Changes in Glass Refractive Index. Poster: Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS) Annual Meeting. Allentown, Pennsylvania, 2012.

Khalil, M. and Speir, J. Assessing the Degree of Similarity between Accidental Patterns on Shoeprints Associated with Wearers that Participate in Shared and Independent Activities. Poster: American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Meeting. Atlanta, Georgia, 2012.

Fikes, T. and Speir, J. Fast Fourier Transformation and Frequency Filtering to Suppress Background Noise in
Fingerprint Evidence. Poster: Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS) Annual Meeting. Newport, Rhode Island, 2011. Best Poster” Award.

Manal Khalil was recently awarded a grant from the National Institute of Justice and the Forensic Sciences Foundation for research entitled “The Degree of Similarity Between Accidental Patterns on Shoeprints Associated with Wearers that Participate in Shared and Independent Activities”.   

Congratulations, Manal!

Manal has a Master of Science in Forensic Science from Cedar Crest College.  She currently works as a Crime Scene Technician in High Point, North Carolina.

CHE 241 students worked in a small group to collect a tire tread impression.  The image depicts the students dusting the petroleum jelly-based print with magnetic powder. 

Present:  Katie Brown, Barbara Colburn, Kate Lang, Laura McGrath, Kamala Sutton and Shannon Wenner.