The Future of Forensic Analysis: Under the Magnifying Glass With the Experts

We are excited to share with you our written Q&A interviews conducted for “The Future of Forensic Analysis.”

“The Future of Forensic Analysis” spotlights the current and ongoing research in forensic analysis, highlighting the essential role that spectroscopic techniques and instrumentation are playing that propel this field forward into the future.

Below is the compilation of Q&A interviews that the Spectroscopy team conducted for this event. Happy reading!

Applying Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Analysis

For "The Future of Forensic Analysis” series, we interviewed Barry Lavine, regents professor from The Department of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to describe his most recent work in applying Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy in forensic paint analysis (1).

Fuel Forensics Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometric Approaches

The Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology of Bundelkhand University (Jhansi, India) has used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square regression (PLSR) to investigate adulteration in petroleum products and to design an adulterant profiling method. In this interview, Spectroscopy managing editor John Chasse sat down with lead investigator Vijay Kumar Yadav to discuss this research (2).

The Role of LIBS in Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology: An Interview with Matthieu Baudelet, Kristen Livingston, and Katie Zejdlik

Matthieu Baudelet, an associate professor of Chemistry at the National Center for Forensic Science at the University of Central Florida, is currently exploring how laser-based spectroscopic techniques can be used in forensic anthropology. Spectroscopy recently sat down with Matthieu Baudelet, Kristen Livingston, and Katie Zejdlik to discuss their research as part of “The Future of Forensic Analysis” content series (3).

Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy to Probe Artificial Dye Degradation on Hair Buried in Multiple Soils for Up to Eight Weeks

Researchers at Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) presented a novel approach to forensic hair analysis that is based on high-throughput, nondestructive, and non-invasive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning (ML). Using this approach, Dmitry Kurouski and his team investigated the reliability of the detection and identification of artificial dyes on hair buried in three distinct soil types for up to eight weeks (4).

The Future of Forensic Analysis: Using ATR FT-IR Spectroscopy in Identifying Animal Hair Samples in Wildlife Crimes

As part of “The Future of Forensic Analysis” content series presented by Spectroscopy, we sat down with Dr. Rajinder Singh of Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, to talk about his recent work using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) to distinguish different animal species based on hair samples (5).

Identification of Body Fluid Traces for Forensic Purposes: An Interview with Igor Lednev

As part of "The Future of Forensic Analysis," executive editor Jerome Workman, Jr. sat down with Igor Lednev to discuss several of his recent papers related to his spectroscopic research in forensic analysis (6).

How the New Jersey State Police Are Using FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy

Pakorn Patimetha, Detective Sergeant with the New Jersey State Police's Hazardous Materials Response Unit spoke to Spectroscopy about how officers use portable spectroscopy technology to detect potentially harmful materials at crime scenes (7).

The Vital Role of Spectroscopy in Modern Emergency Response

Spectroscopy sat down with Brandon Gayle, who specializes in training first responders to use FT-IR, Raman, and other analytical techniques in emergency situations (8).

Miniaturized Near-Infrared Spectrophotometers in Forensic Analytical Science

The advent of miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) instruments has revolutionized forensic technology by enabling portable and efficient analysis. A recent research paper offers a comprehensive review of these devices, highlighting their key features and forensic applications (9).

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. Applying Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/applying-raman-and-infrared-spectroscopy-in-forensic-paint-analysis (accessed 2024-09-12).
2. Chasse, J. Fuel Forensics Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometric Approaches. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/fuel-forensics-using-atr-ftir-spectroscopy-and-chemometric-approaches (accessed 2024-09-12).
3. Wetzel, W. The Role of LIBS in Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology: An Interview with Matthieu Baudelet, Kristen Livingston, and Katie Zejdlik. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-role-of-libs-in-forensic-anthropology-and-bioarchaeology-an-interview-with-matthieu-baudelet-kristen-livingston-and-katie-zejdlik (accessed 2024-09-12).
4. Chasse, J. Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy to Probe Artificial Dye Degradation on Hair Buried in Multiple Soils for Up to Eight Weeks. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-surface-enhanced-raman-spectroscopy-to-probe-artificial-dye-degradation-on-hair-buried-in-multiple-soils-for-up-to-eight-weeks (accessed 2024-09-12).
5. Wetzel, W. The Future of Forensic Analysis: Using ATR FT-IR Spectroscopy in Identifying Animal Hair Samples in Wildlife Crimes. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-future-of-forensic-analysis-using-atr-ft-ir-spectroscopy-in-identifying-animal-hair-samples-in-wildlife-crimes (accessed 2024-09-12).
6. Workman, Jr., J. Identification of Body Fluid Traces for Forensic Purposes: An Interview with Igor Lednev. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/identification-of-body-fluid-traces-for-forensic-purposes-an-interview-with-igor-lednev (accessed 2024-09-12).
7. Hroncich, C. How the New Jersey State Police Are Using FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-jersey-state-police-are-using-ft-ir-and-raman-spectroscopy (accessed 2024-09-12).
8. Hroncich, C. The Vital Role of Spectroscopy in Modern Emergency Response. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-in-modern-emergency-response (accessed 2024-09-12).
9. Chasse, J. Miniaturized Near-Infrared Spectrophotometers in Forensic Analytical Science. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/miniaturized-near-infrared-spectrophotometers-in-forensic-analytical-science (accessed 2024-09-12).