Graduate Faculty
Joel Cahn
Assistant Professor
Director, Master of Science in Forensic Science
Adjunct Faculty
joelcahn@trentu.ca
Office DNA B108.15 @7779
Graduate Courses
FRSC5090H: Preparation for Work-Integrated Learning
FRSC5009H: Research Placement
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 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.
Barry Saville
Associate Professor
barrysaville@trentu.ca
Office DNA C 246 @ 7260
Graduate Course: FRSC5570H: Biocrime and Bioterrorism
I am interested in microbial and environmental forensics. My research investigations include transcriptomics, functional RNA analysis, gene function analysis, control of gene expression, emergence of new pathogens, and microbe response to heavy metals in the environment. I am using the model fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis which has been indicated as a potential vehicle for Biocrime and a protist Euglena which can tolerate extreme adverse conditions. If you are interested in reading more about my research, please contact me by email.
Christopher Kyle
Professor
Director - Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensics Centre
christopherkyle@trentu.ca
Office DNA C 256
Ext. 7055
My research interests include wildlife genomics, wildlife disease, and wildlife forensics. Current research systems include: bats, badgers, black bears, Arctic fox, wolverines, wolves and muskoxen. I teach the 2nd year Foundations in Forensic Science and 3rd year Non-human DNA Forensic courses. For the MScFS specifically, I have taken on placement students to work in the Wildlife Forensics Lab at Trent and collaborations with CFS and CBSA.
Aaron Shafer
Chair & Assistant Professor, Forensic Science
aaronshafer@trentu.ca
Office DNA C 245 @ 6612
Graduate Course: FRSC5800H: Bioinformatics
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 @ 7901
Graduate Course: FRSC5030: Presentation of Exper Evidence and the Courts
Professor Smith has Honours Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctorate in Law Degrees 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’s research activities include investigation into alternate ways to present scientific expert evidence in criminal courts, the presentation of statistical evidence in criminal courts, and experiential pedagogy.
Sanela Martic
Assistant Professor
sanelamartic@trentu.ca
Office ESB A117 @ 7710
Martic Lab: http://sites.google.com/trentu.ca/marticlab
Graduate Courses:
FRSC5020H: Advanced Forensic Chemical Analysis
FRSC5007H: Advanced Forensic Toxicology
FRSC5700H: Forensic Biosensor Development
Dr. Sanela Martic received M.S. degree in Chemistry from McMaster University and Ph.D. from Queen’s University. Dr. Martic carried out her post-doctoral work at Western University and University of Toronto Scarborough. 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 NSERC, National Institutes of Health, American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Funds, American Heart Association.
Shannon Accettone
Assistant Professor, Teaching Intensive
shannonaccettone@trentu.ca
Office ESB A132 @
Graduate Course: FRSC5070H: Advanced Topics in Forensic science
I obtained my B.Sc. Honours degree in Comprehensive Chemistry from Ontario Tech University and my Ph.D. in Analytical and Physical Chemistry from the University of Western Ontario. My current research interests lie in the area of chemical education. Specifically, in the exploration of peer instruction and student engagement techniques and pedagogical best practices. My curriculum design interests are currently focused on the implementation of project-based inquiry learning within upper-year chemical laboratories.
Mike Donaldson
Adjunct Faculty (MSc. Forensic Science)
Course Instructor
Laboratory Demonstrator
michaeldonaldson@trentu.ca
Office DNA D220 @ 6126
Graduate Course: FRSC5010H: Advanced Forensic DNA Typing
I graduated from Trent in 2013 with a PhD in Environmental and Life Sciences (with a focus in molecular biology). My research interests range from fungal genomics to host-pathogen dynamics in mammals using massively parallel sequencing based techniques that generate large transcriptomic and genomic datasets. I have five years experience developing and instructing upper year Forensic Science undergraduate courses and providing support for undergraduate and MScFS human/non-human DNA-typing labs.
Sumiko Polacco
Course Instructor
Forensic Law Teaching Assistant
spolacco@trentu.ca
Office DNA B108.7 @6291
Graduate Course: FRSC5001H: Communication Science and Forensic Reporting
I received both my B.Sc. (Hons) in Forensic Science and in M.Sc. in Environmental and Life Sciences from Trent University. During this time, I was fortunate enough to be apart of the Illes, Wilson, and Stotesbury research groups where we focused on developing forensic blood substitute materials for educational and commercial applications. I have held teaching roles with the Forensic Science Department since 2016, and am also involved with the Forensic Science enrichment and summer camps. I am pleased to continue my Trent Experience as a Course Instructor for the Communication Science and Forensic Reporting course (FRSC 5001; MScFS) and Workshop Leader for the undergraduate law courses (FRSC 1100 and 2100;BScFS).
John Aitkenhead
Course Instructor
johnaitkenhead@trentu.ca
Graduate Courses
FRSC5006H: Leadership in Forensic Science
FRSC5040H: Complex Crime Scene Analysis
John studied at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Windsor prior to starting
his 31 year career in policing. He worked extensively as a crime scene examiner including 12 years
as the Supervisor of the Ontario Provincial Police forensic services unit in Peterborough. He has been involved in various committees including the Canadian Friction Ridge Working Group (CanFRWG) and the Hart House report (A Report on Forensic Science in Canada). Currently he is teaching Leadership in Forensic Science and Complex Crime Scene Analysis in the Masters degree program.
Elisabeth Leroux
Assistant Professor – Limited Term
Adjunct Faculty
Graduate course
FRSC5320H: Forensic Psychology
I have a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Carleton University and a Master’s in Psychological Science from Ryerson University. I primarily conduct clinical forensic research regarding the assessment and treatment of individuals who have committed sexual offences. My research also focuses on advancing evidenced-based policies and practices for justice-involved youth and young adults, with an emphasis on community-based policing initiatives.
As a forensic research psychologist I have worked alongside frontline forensic assessment and treatment practitioners, legal professionals, community-based correctional social workers, and police officers – I am excited to share this breadth of experience with students in the MScFS program this year!