Research in Forensic Science
The Forensic Science program supports interdisciplinary and applied research that advances forensic practice, scientific understanding, and the justice system. Faculty-led research spans laboratory-based experimentation, field applications, method validation, and policy-relevant forensic inquiry. Students are actively involved at the undergraduate and graduate levels through mentored research and independent projects.
Forensic Decomposition and Biological Evidence Research Laboratory (The BioEvidence Lab)
Principal Investigator (PI)
Dr. Lavinia Iancu - Associate Professor of Forensic Science, Forensic Science Program Director
Research Focus
Dr. Iancu’s research addresses critical challenges in forensic science related to human decomposition and postmortem interval (PMI) estimation, with a particular emphasis on cold and extreme environments. Her work integrates forensic entomology, microbiology, and toxicology to improve the scientific reliability of medicolegal investigations, especially in northern climates.
Current & Ongoing Research Projects
Dr. Iancu’s research program includes five interconnected research areas:
- Succession patterns of necrophagous insects and associated microbiomes
- Necrobiome dynamics and vertebrate scavenging under extreme winter conditions
- Effects of benzodiazepines on blow fly development and microbiome diversity
- Characterization of the human necrobiome during decomposition
- Modeling winter decomposition processes to improve PMI estimation
Collectively, these projects advance forensic methodologies and provide critical insights for death investigations in cold-weather regions.
Student Research & Mentorship
Research is central to Dr. Iancu’s teaching philosophy. She integrates active research into all of her courses and mentors’ students through course-based research, independent studies, capstone projects, and conference presentations. Her students regularly present at the College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase for student research and co-author peer-reviewed publications.
In 2025, Dr. Iancu’s undergraduate research group earned Third Place at the EPSCoR State Conference Poster Competition, demonstrating the competitiveness of UND forensic student research at the state level.
Research Group Members
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Research Thesis
Touch microbiome analysis and its application to forensic investigations.
This research explores the human touch microbiome and its potential utility in forensic investigations, focusing on microbial transfer, persistence, and individual variability to support trace evidence interpretation.
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Research Thesis
Touch DNA degradation over time and its implications for forensic investigations.
This research examines the degradation and persistence of touch DNA over time, evaluating environmental and handling factors that influence DNA quality and interpretability in forensic investigations.
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Research Thesis
Touch DNA persistence on textile substrates in aquatic environments.
This research investigates the persistence and degradation of touch DNA on textile materials exposed to aquatic environments, with implications for evidence recovery and interpretation in water-related forensic investigations.
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Research Project
Optimizing latent fingerprint lifting from painted surfaces.
This research examines and optimizes methods for lifting latent fingerprints from painted surfaces, focusing on surface texture, paint type, and recovery efficiency to enhance forensic fingerprint analysis.
Undergraduate Research Group Members
Entomotoxicology and Taphonomy Research Team
Research Topics: Forensic taphonomy, decomposition studies, insect succession, and forensic entomotoxicology.
- Thomas Sikorski
- Caroline Gravel
- Ellie Freeman
- Megan Gasparini
- Braedyn Hoffman
- Nicole Lee
- Brooklynn Sjostrom
- Abigail Stinnett
- Halle Wavra
Past Undergraduate Research Group Members
- Kristie Jo Larson
- Karlee Anderson
- Ella Haar
Scholarly Output & International Research Dissemination
Research conducted in the BioEvidence Lab is published in peer‑reviewed scientific journals and presented at national and international forensic science conferences, including AAFS and EAFE. Undergraduate students are frequently involved as co‑authors and presenters, reflecting the lab’s strong emphasis on mentored research and professional development.
Interested in Forensic Research?
Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Iancu to explore research opportunities in forensic entomology, microbiology, and taphonomy.
Crime Scene Investigation Research Laboratory (The CSI Lab)
Lindsay Fugleberg's research focuses on the collection and analysis of forensic evidence from crime scenes. Currently, she is investigating the potential of airborne DNA as a source of forensic evidence, including assessments of DNA quantity and quality. Additionally, Professor Fugleberg is working on optimizing methods for the extraction of DNA from air filters.
These air filters may serve as valuable sources of DNA evidence either through existing filtration systems found at crime scenes, such as residential HVAC systems, or through devices deployed upon crime scene arrival to collect airborne DNA following criminal activity.
Professor Fugleberg strongly believes in hands-on learning and the importance of involving students in research. Students participating in research projects gain practical experience while contributing to studies that advance the field of crime scene investigation.
For those interested in research opportunities, please email Professor Fugleberg.
TRACE LAB: Multidimensional Separations | Profiling | Forensic Evidence
An advanced laboratory focused on developing solvent free workflows through the application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry for detecting chemical fingerprints of evidence relevant to forensic investigations.
Principal Investigator (PI)
Dr. Darshil Patel - Assistant Professor of Forensic Science
Research Focus
The primary areas of research are human decomposition chemistry, search and rescue applications, forensic taphonomy, trace evidence analysis, and analytical method development. Fundamentally, the laboratory applies principles of analytical chemistry and biochemistry to forensic analysis. The research aims to advance the application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography to tackle the analysis of complex samples encountered in forensic scenarios. The laboratory also aims to develop workflows across all four stages of the analytical process sample collection, extraction, analysis, and data processing that are crucial for the chemistry divisions of forensic laboratories.
Current & Ongoing Research Projects
- Characterization of Inks Using single and comprehensive Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC/ GC × GC -TOF-MS) for Forensic Document Examination
- Hydrogen Carrier Gas in Forensic Analysis: Implications for Mass Spectral Identification
- Volatile organic compounds as odor cues in scavenger community
- Forensic source attribution for persistent organic pollutants in snow samples
- Determining chemometric approaches for decomposition VOCs acquired through comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph
Student Research & Mentorship
Dr. Patel's goal is to make analytical chemistry simple and accessible for forensic science students. He aims to teach fundamental techniques related to sample extraction, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, skills that are crucial for forensic science students conducting research and entering the workforce.
Research Group Members
Graduate Students
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Research Thesis
Characterization of Inks Using single and comprehensive Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC/GC × GC-TOF-MS) for Forensic Document Examination
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Research Thesis
Hydrogen Carrier Gas in Forensic Analysis: Implications for Mass Spectral Identification
Scholarly Output & International Research Dissemination
Student’s gain chances to present and participate in forensic and analytical chemistry conferences organized by national and international organizations.
Interested in Forensic Research?
The laboratory is actively seeking undergraduate and graduate students interested in research. Please contact Dr. Patel to explore research opportunities in forensic and analytical chemistry.
Trace/Physical Evidence Analysis in Forensic Science (Forensic Analytic Chemistry Lab)
Principal Investigator (PI)
Dr. Anuradha Akmeemana - Assistant Professor of Forensic Science (ORCiD)
Research Focus
Dr. Akmeemana’s research projects mainly focus on applying machine learning and deep learning techniques in analyzing trace and physical evidence in forensics, particularly fire debris and glass evidence.
Current & Ongoing Research Projects
- Effects of UV irradiation in ignitable liquids in soil
- Ignitable liquid degradation in carpet mold
- Effects of limited elemental combinations on likelihood ratios in forensic glass evidence analysis
- Quantitation of standard extraction techniques in fire debris analysis
Student Research & Mentorship
Dr. Akmeemana’s students follow standard protocols for fire debris analysis, use gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for trace evidence analysis, and apply R programming for research data analysis. Her undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to present their work at the college, state, and national levels.
Research Group Members
Graduate Students
- Julia Matthews
- Sydney Zahler
Undergraduate Students
- Baley Bueckers
- Braedyn Hoffman
- Megan Hurley
Graduated Students
- Kristie Jo Larson