Graduate Faculty - Forensic Science - Trent University

	Joel Cahn Assistant Professor Director, Master of Science in Forensic Science 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.
	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.
	Mary-Claire Buell Assistant Professor (cross-appointed with The School of the Environment) maryclairebuell@trentu.ca Dr. Mary-Claire Buell’s research interests include investigating the source, fate, transport, and impacts of legacy and contemporary contaminants. Her research also includes examining the connections between contaminants and environmental justice through transdisciplinary approaches bringing together environmental toxicology, chemistry, and community knowledges. Dr. Buell is the founder and CEO of Collective Environmental, a consulting and research firm focused on collaborative approaches to investigating environmental issues impacting Indigenous communities.
	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.
	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.
	Sanela Martic Associate 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.
	Arun Moorthy Assistant Professor arunmoorthy@trentu.ca Dr. Arun Moorthy works at the interface of applied mathematics and analytical chemistry. He has a proven track-record of developing computational approaches to support data interpretation in the forensic sciences. He has been particularly successful supporting mass spectrometry-based analysis of seized drugs. His work includes fundamental algorithm design and analysis all the way through to implementing user-friendly software tools that are used in forensic labs. His broader interest is in understanding how we can better utilize data and measurements when making complex decisions.
	Sumiko Polacco Course Instructor Forensic Law Teaching Assistant (FLTA) spolacco@trentu.ca Office DNA B108.7 Ext. @6291 Graduate Courses FRSC 5000Q: Fundamentals in Forensic Science FRSC 5001H: Communicating Science & Forensic Reporting FRSC 5030H: Expert Evidence and the Court (FLTA) 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 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. I am also involved with the Forensic Science enrichment and summer camps, and sit on the Education and Informatics Committee for the Canadian Society of Forensic Science. I am pleased to continue my Trent experience as a Course Instructor (FRSC 5000, 5001) and Teaching Support (FRSC 5030).
	Barry Saville Associate Professor (on sabbatical 2023-2024) 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.
	Aaron Shafer Associate Professor/Department Chair aaronshafer@trentu.ca Lab website: http://www.aaronshafer.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 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.