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Forensic Science

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Forensic Science

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TRENTU.CA / Forensic Science / Meet The Team! / Faculty & Their Research

Faculty & Their Research

Christopher Kyle

Professor/Acting Chair
christopherkyle@trentu.ca
Office DNA C 256
Ext. 7055 

Research Chair in Wildlife Genetics and Forensics -  My research interests include Landscape and Molecular Epidemiology,  Landscape and Conservation Genetics and Molecular Applications in Forensic Entomology. I currently teach the 2nd year "Foundations in Forensic Science", the 3rd year Non-Human DNA Laboratory Forensics and co-ordinate the Forensics Summer Camps for high school students.

 

 


A man smiling with trees in the backgroundBarry Saville

Associate Professor/Director of Graduate Studies
barrysaville@trentu.ca
Office DNA C 246
Ext. 7260

I am interested in microbial forensics and, more specifically, plant pathogen forensics. I am using the model pathogen Ustilago maydis to develop DNA-based tests for species and strain identification in a forensics context. This fungus has been indicated as a potential vehicle for biocrime. I teach the recently-created course on Biocrime and Bioterrorism, the Independent Projects and 'Research Thesis' courses.  If you are interested in reading more about my research, please visit The Saville Laboratory.

 


Shannon Accettone

Assistant Professor
shannonaccettone@trentu.ca
Office ESB A132

Dr. Accettone obtained her B.Sc. Honours Comprehensive Chemistry, Ontario Tech (UOIT) and her Ph.D  Analytical and Physical Chemistry, University of Western Ontario.

Dr. Accettone's research Interests include: 

Curriculum design for interdisciplinary authentic learning practices in analytical and forensic chemistry.
Pedagogical strategies in small and large scale analytical and forensic chemistry classes.
Best practices for student assessment in analytical and forensic chemistry.

 


Joel Cahn

Assistant Professor
joelcahn@trentu.ca
Office DNA B 108.13  
Ext. 7779

I completed my MSc and PhD in Anthropology at the University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr. Tracy Rogers. Over the course of my academic career I have accumulated a wide range of forensic anthropology casework experience. I have assisted with searches for human remains, made in-field animal/human determinations, recovered skeletal remains from a variety of environments, constructed biological profiles and generated forensic reports for cold cases. This casework experience provides me a wealth of examples from which to draw upon when teaching, and informs my research.  

I developed the new Data Analysis in Forensic Science undergraduate course and currently teach Criminology in Forensic Science. I also oversee the various experiential learning-based courses in Forensic Science (Undergraduate and Graduate level). My research interests include data comparison methods in forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and paleopathology, with a current focus on antemortem skeletal trauma.   

 


Mike Illes

​Assistant Professor
​mikeilles@trentu.ca
Office DNA B 108.11 
Ext. 7227

I am a proud alumnus having completed my B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D at Trent University. As an Assistant Professor in the Forensic Science Program I enjoy teaching courses on bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene investigation, new trends in forensic science, scientific methodology and research design. In addition, I am fortunate to be able to work with students on a variety of forensic research projects, from bloodstain pattern analysis to forensic epistemology. Prior to this, I spent 24 years as a forensic practitioner and manager doing crime scene work in Canada, the Netherlands and the United States.

The Scientific Method in Forensic Science: A Canadian Handbook

The Sherlock Blood Spatter Analysis system is an application to help process field data and determine the unique point of impact for your dataset. The above link is supplied to support BPA training and was made possible because of the ongoing research at Trent University.  We would like to acknowledge Amanda Orr, BScFS graduate and Jacques Beland, Computing Systems for their work in the development and validation of the Sherlock software.


Sanela Martic

Assistant Professor
sanelamartic@trentu.ca
Office ESB A117
Martic Lab: http://sites.google.com/trentu.ca/marticlab

Dr. Sanela Martic received M.S. degree in Chemistry from McMaster University (2005) under the supervision of Dr. Michael A. Brook. She then joined Queen’s University where she obtained her Ph.D. degree (2009) in Chemistry under the supervision of Dr. Suning Wang and co-supervision by Dr. Gang Wu. Dr. Martic carried out her post-doctoral work at Western University and University of Toronto Scarborough with Dr. Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz. In 2012, she joined the Department of Chemistry at Oakland University (USA) as a tenure-track Assistant Professor, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. In January 2019, she joined Trent University as Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Science. The research in Martic lab is focused on the biological biomarker identification, detection and toxicology screening using a variety of bioanalytical and biochemical tools. Martic lab research is funded by National Institutes of Health, American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Funds, American Heart Association.


Aaron Shafer

Assistant Professor
aaronshafer@trentu.ca
Office DNA C 245
Ext. 6612

I am interested in applying genomic methods to conservation, wildlife management, and legal issues. My research interests also involve using molecular tools to understand the drivers of important processes like migration and adaptation in nature. I study big and small mammals (sea lions and mountain goats to shrews and voles), and use computer simulations to explore the applicability of different genomic analysis.  Please visit my website for more information.

 


Rhonda L Smith

Associate Professor
rhondasmith@trentu.ca
Office DNA B 108.13  
Ext. 7901

Courses taught:

FRSC1100 Introduction to Canadian Justice, Presentation of Forensic Evidence

FRSC4312 Presentation of Forensic Evidence

Professor Smith  has Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) Degree and a Juris Doctorate in Law from Queen’s University, as well as a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. In her early legal career she practiced criminal law as both Crown and Defence Counsel, as well as labour, employment, and family law. She has worked in both the private and public sectors in various roles throughout her professional life before coming to Trent University.  She is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, ADR Institutes of Ontario and Canada, and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. 

Professor Smith conducts research into alternate ways to  present scientific expert evidence in criminal courts, the presentation of statistical evidence in criminal courts, and experiential pedagogy.


 

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Related Links

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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  • The Scientific Method in Forensic Science: A Canadian Handbook
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