2024 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
2024 Case Studies
Through discussing and reflecting on real-world case examples, we are able to better understand the capabilities and limitations of forensic technologies and processes. In this year’s Case Studies season, host Mikalaa Martin sits down with forensic science practitioners, representing expertise in a diverse set of forensic disciplines, to discuss their presentations from the 2024 International Association for Identification Forensic Educational Conference. With topics ranging from inadvertently photographed ridge detail to mass disaster response and more, listen along as guests share their lessons learned through case examples and describe how they are utilizing both emerging and established methodologies and technologies to more effectively resolve cases and respond to catastrophes.
This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).
Some content in this podcast season may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
Just Mass Disaster Emergency Response in Maui, Hawaii
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Guest: Anthony Earles
Community-based Solutions for Substance Use Challenges
In this season of Just Science, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) and the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) collaborate to provide highlights and experiences on evidence-based research and programs that address substance use and overdoses in the United States. Throughout the season, host and Forensic Scientist Dr. Lawrance Mullen speaks with grantees about a diverse range of state and local projects, which incorporate reentry services for those being released from prison, peer support, crisis response, and more. Episodes also discuss innovative research for drug monitoring programs through wastewater drug epidemiology, overdose data, and drug checking and related technology implementations. Listeners will hear about lessons learned, exciting successes, and advice for other agencies who want to implement similar programs.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program.
Just Improving Forensic Toxicology Testing in DC
Release Date: June 21, 2024
Guest: Dr. Samantha S. Tolliver
Just Rapidly Identifying Drugs Involved in Suspected Overdoses
Release Date: June 28, 2024
Guest: Bill Barbour
Just Wastewater Drug Surveillance in Kentucky
Release Date: July 5, 2024
Guest: Dr. Chris Delcher
Just Increasing Access to Drug-Checking Services
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Guests: Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta & Erin Tracy
Just Navigating Reentry Using Peer Support
Release Date: July 19, 2024
Guests: Dr. Nicole Swiderski & Jass Pelland
Just Outreach Teams for Substance Use in Rural Nevada
Release Date: July 26, 2024
Guests: Dr. Terry Kerns, Dr. Katie Snider, & DJ Mills
Just All Hands On DECK for Drug Endangered Youth
Release Date: August 2, 2024
Guests: Cristi Cain & Sally Wright
Just Public Health and Safety Data Sharing in Georgia
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Guests: Kristen Lee, Lizann Roberts, & Tara Jennings
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month; a national campaign which aims to support sexual assault survivors while also highlighting innovations in sexual assault response and prevention. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month, Just Science host and forensic social scientist, Jason Chute, sat down with several subject matter experts to discuss sexual assault evidence collection, cold case investigation, and survivor advocacy. Listen along as our guests provide valuable insight into the field of sexual assault response and discuss the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Sexual Assault Response for Cases without DNA Evidence
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Guests: Erin House, Richard Johnson, & Lindsey King
Just Technology to Improve Sexual Assault Bruise Detection
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Guest: Dr. Katherine Scafide
Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition
The National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Work Group, or FLN-TWG, brings together a diverse group of forensic researchers and practitioners to advise, assess, and exchange information about the technology needs of state and local forensic laboratories. One of the largest challenges faced by these laboratories is transitioning new research and technology innovations into real-world laboratory practice. As a result, a FLN-TWG subcommittee has developed a roadmap report, which provides actionable guidance to improving the research, development, testing, evaluation, and implementation of new forensic research products into the forensic laboratory. In this season, innovation advisor and roadmap author Rebecca Shute speaks with the co-authors of the roadmap who are on the FLN-TWG research subcommittee to discuss the culture of the forensic science community, the need for guidance, and the lessons learned along the way.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Improving Forensic Technology Transition
Release Date: January 12, 2024
Guests: Lucas Zarwell & Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller
Just Building Partnerships to Advance Forensic Technology
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Guests: Cleveland Miles & Henry Maynard
Just Enhancing Research To Improve Tech Transition
Release Date: January 26, 2024
Guests: Dr. Catherine Grgicak & Henry Maynard
Just Lessons Learned in Forensic Technology Transition
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Guests: Dr. Catherine Grgicak & Stephanie Stoiloff
2023 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
Case Studies
Reviewing case studies is an important way to better understand forensic and criminal legal practices in the context of real-world events. While new cases arise every day, each has their own unique details, nuances, and lessons to be learned. In this year’s Case Studies season, host Jaclynn McKay sits down with several diverse and experienced practitioners at the 2023 International Association for Identification Forensic Educational Conference to hear about how they are applying forensic technologies to their casework and discuss lessons learned from their career defining cases. Listen along as guests discuss how they are applying new methodologies to better resolve cases, building internal databases to generate forensic leads, exploring the use of current forensic technologies in new ways, and much more!
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Investigating a No-Body Homicide in Canada
Release Date: October 6, 2023
Guest: Ian Oxton
Just Collecting More Evidence from Cartridge Cases
Release Date: October 13, 2023
Guests: Brian Turner & Roberto Caceres
Just Footwear Forensics to Further Investigations
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Guest: Laura Matson
Just Adding Value Using Voice Identification
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Guest: Josh Yonovitz
Just Forensics in the Digital Age
Release Date: November 3, 2023
Guests: Dr. Justin Schorr & Tim Primrose
Just Facial Recognition for Forensic Investigations
Release Date: November 10, 2023
Guest: Dr. Richard Vorder Bruegge
Just Collecting Fingerprints Without Contact
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Guests: Ross Krewenka & Michael Ransom
Just Footwear Impressions on Fabric
Release Date: November 24, 2023
Guest: Brian McVicker
Resilient Leadership
Each year, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Symposium convenes a diverse group of forensic science practitioners from around the country in one place where they can discuss their challenges, successes, and shared experiences. This year’s symposium was held in Austin, Texas, where the theme was Resilient Leadership. The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence recorded on-site in the hopes of bringing a bit of this year's symposium magic to you. Listen along as Just Science sits down with attendees and speakers at the 2023 ASCLD Symposium to discuss the importance of resilient leadership in forensic science, especially following the worst global pandemic in the past hundred years.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Thriving in a Forensic Workplace
Release Date: June 9, 2023
Guest: Jamilla Dick-Quashie
Just Collaboration in Forensic Research
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Guest: Henry Maynard
Just Embracing Imperfection in Forensic Science
Release Date: June 23, 2023
Guests: Jody Wolf, Tim Scanlan, and Mikalaa Martin
Special Release Episode: Workplace Stress Impact
In this Special Release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mohammed Almazrouei, a forensic practitioner with the Abu Dhabi Police, to discuss his dissertation work, which examines how workplace stressors may affect decision-making in the field of forensic science. Listen along as Dr. Almazrouei highlights some of the most salient workplace stressors in forensic science, how those stressors affect decision-making, and how he has laid the foundation for future research on this topic.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Workplace Stress and Its Impact on Decision-Making in Forensics
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Guest: Dr. Mohammed Almazrouei
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month; a campaign designed to raise awareness for and provide methods to prevent sexual violence. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month, Just Science sat down with several experts whose research and career experience encompass a wide range of topics related to sexual assault cases. From conducting research on sexual violence to prosecuting assailants and caring for survivors, listen along as our guests provide invaluable insight into the ever-evolving field of sexual assault response reform.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just DNA Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Guest: Dr. Julie L. Valentine
Just Improved Response to Sexual Assault
Release Date: April 14, 2023
Guest: Dr. Julie L. Valentine
Just DNA Searches in CODIS
Release Date: April 21, 2023
Guests: Orlando Salinas, Lt. Trampas Gooding, and Jennifer Pollock
Just Sexual Assault Response in Indigenous Communities
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Guest: Mark Pooley
Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators
When someone dies unexpectedly or of unnatural causes, their death will likely be subject to a medicolegal death investigation to determine the cause and manner of death, identification of the decedent, and circumstances surrounding the death. This community is made up of forensic pathologists, medical examiners, coroners, autopsy technicians, forensic anthropologists, and more. These professionals ensure deaths are thoroughly investigated, while ensuring respect and dignity for the decedents and their families after what is likely one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives. Our host for this mini season, Kelly Keyes, has over 20 years of experience as a medicolegal death investigator in a large coroner’s office. Listen along as Kelly interviews guests to learn more about how to get started in the field of medicolegal death investigation and some of the many roles that are involved in this community.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Internships for Death Investigation
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Guests: Cory Russo and Chelsea Brown
Just Lending a Hand During Autopsy Exams
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Guest: Lindsey McNaughton
Just Family Support During Death Investigations
Release Date: March 10, 2023
Guests: Rebecca Reid and Meghan Clarke
Just Certification for Death Investigation
Release Date: March 17, 2023
Guests: Bridget Kinnier and Bethany Smith
Unidentified Human Remains
In cases where a decedent’s identity is unknown, forensic scientists can utilize a range of identification methods in order to give a victim their name back and bring closure to their families. However, access to these important resources may vary across communities. In the Unidentified Human Remains mini season, we sit down with experts who explain how teeth, DNA samples, and more can contribute to identifying unknown human remains. Tune in as we discuss specific cases where identification methods are utilized, the future of human identification technology, and much more.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Teeth and Technology
Release Date: January 27, 2023
Guests: Dr. Kenneth W. Aschheim
Just DNA Results in Rapid Time
Release Date: February 3, 2023
Guest: Neal Parsons
Just Investigative Support for Indigenous Communities
Release Date: February 10, 2023
Guests: Mark Pooley and Dustin Driscoll
Just Managing Mass Fatality Incidents
Release Date: February 17, 2023
Guests: Katharine Pope and Elissia Conlon
2022 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification
Identifying unknown human remains requires the strategic use of investigative techniques and scientific methods. This includes utilizing various forensic methods to gather the decedent’s biometrics, collecting familial reference samples for comparison, and inputting available information into comprehensive databases to facilitate connections to cases nationwide and internationally. These efforts can help bring closure to families, identify victims of mass disasters, and find missing persons. Listen along as our guests detail techniques for human identification including forensic genetic genealogy, postmortem fingerprinting, forensic anthropology, and forensic art, as well as the application of comprehensive databases to casework.
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Identifying Individuals with Forensic Genetic Genealogy
Release Date: September 9, 2022
Guests: Dr. Heather McKiernan and Ashley Rodriguez
Just Identifying Decedents through Postmortem Prints
Release Date: September 16, 2022
Guest: Bryan Johnson
Just Leveraging Databases for Human Identification
Release Date: September 23, 2022
Guests: Lori Bruski and Amy Jenkinson
Just Using Forensic Art and Anthropology for Identification
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Guests: Katharine Pope, Dr. Bruce Anderson, and Joe Mullins
Case Studies: Part 2
Case Studies are an important tool for providing insight and expanding knowledge into the criminal justice field. Hearing how scientific processes are applied to real-life cases can provide avenues for ingenuity, opportunities for learning, and ways to support other cases. In Part 2 of our Case Studies mini-season, listen along as our guests recount their experiences using autopsy information for crime scene reconstruction, using forensic services to help solve cold cases, identifying unknown victims, and more!
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Guest: Kelly Ayers
Just Identifying Gacy's Victims Part 1
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Guest: Jason Moran
Just Identifying Gacy's Victims Part 2
Release Date: December 9, 2022
Guest: Jason Moran
Just Identifying Lake Erie John Doe
Release Date: December 16, 2022
Guests: Dr. Thomas Gilson, Dr. Harmeet Kaur, and Hristina Lekova
Case Studies: Part 1
Case studies generate in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of complex issues in real-life contexts. As the criminal justice landscape continues to evolve, practitioners see and experience new and different cases every day. No two cases are alike and though it would be impossible to learn from all of them, this special Case Studies mini-season provides something for everyone. Listen in as our guests share tales of curious latent print evidence, a Sin City hit-and-run, forensic archeology in “no-body” homicides, an elusive serial rapist in the South, and more!
This season of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.
Just A Curious Case of Print Persistence
Release Date: August 5, 2022
Guest: Michael Fagert
Just Solving A Hit-and-Run In Sin City
Release Date: August 12, 2022
Guest: Stacey Chepren
Just Forensic Archaeology And Body Dump Sites
Release Date: August 19, 2022
Guest: Dr. Sharon Moses
Just Solving Cold Cases With Forensic Genetic Genealogy
Release Date: August 26, 2022
Guest: Leighton D'Antoni
Strengthening the Forensic Workforce
The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) was established by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) in 2004 to maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education. FEPAC-accreditation is one way for students and hiring managers to recognize and distinguish high-quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs. In addition to FEPAC, university faculty and forensic practitioners also emphasize the importance of support from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for student research projects as they prepare for a career in forensic science. During this season of Just Science, we sat down with distinguished university faculty, FEPAC Commissioners, and forensic practitioners to shed light on the benefits of accreditation, student research, and NIJ involvement in collegiate programs. Our guests provide insight on their FEPAC-accredited programs across forensic disciplines and share advice for current students, professors, and forensic professionals.
Just FEPAC Accreditation And Forensic Chemistry Programs
Release Date: May 6, 2022
Guests: Dr. José R. Almirall and Dr. Sarah Kerrigan
Just Higher Education And The CSI Effect
Release Date: May 13, 2022
Guests: Dr. Sarah Williams and Dr. Keith Morris
Just Digital Forensics Program Development And Outlook
Release Date: May 20, 2022
Guests: Dr. Mark R. McCoy and Josh Brunty
Just The Analysis Of Impressions And Patterns
Release Date: May 27, 2022
Guests: Jessica Zarate, Kristen Szabelski, and Dr. Christine Picard
Just The Components Of Forensic Biology And DNA
Release Date: June 3, 2022
Guests: Dr. Robin Cotton and Dr. Daniele Podini
Just Trace Evidence From Classroom To Courtroom
Release Date: June 10, 2022
Guests: Dr. Brooke Kammrath and Dr. Tatiana Trejos
Just Forensic Toxicology And Professional Partnerships
Release Date: June 17, 2022
Guest(s): Dr. Karen Scott and Dr. Jarrad Wagner
Just The Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 1
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Guest(s): Dr. Peter Stout, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, and Matthew Gamette
Just The Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 2
Release Date: July 1, 2022
Guest(s): Dr. Peter Stout, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, and Matthew Gamette
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2022
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed every April as a campaign to increase awareness about sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. In honor of this effort, Just Science sat down with multiple subject matter experts to discuss recent developments in sexual assault response reform. Listen along as our guests discuss the latest research associated with the prevalence of strangulation in sexual assault cases, understanding how to identify and document strangulation while supporting safety concerns for victims in these cases, supporting and effectively prosecuting sexual assault cases with male and transgender victims, supporting victims of non-reported and anonymous sexual assault kits, and much more in this season of Just Science.
Just Sexual Assault Response and Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Release Date: April 1, 2022
Guest: Mary Weston
Just Research Of Dating Apps And Violent Sexual Assault Cases
Release Date: April 8, 2022
Guest: Dr. Julie Valentine
Just Trauma-Informed Patient Interviewing and Prevalence of Strangulation
Release Date: April 15, 2022
Guest: Kelly Taylor
Just Research On Anonymous And Unreported Sexual Assault Cases
Release Date: April 22, 2022
Guests: Dr. Rachael Goodman-Williams and Dr. Jessica Volz
Just Trauma-Informed Approaches and Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
Release Date: April 29, 2022
Guest: Natasha Simone Alexenko
Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits
Just Science is excited to release our next season: Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits. This season takes a closer look at DNA collection in sexual assault cases, with an emphasis on analyzing the efficacy of at-home sexual assault kits. In this new season of Just Science, tune in as we speak to a range of subject matter experts – all with varying perspectives on the topic – to discuss the role of at-home sexual assault kits when responding to sexual assault cases.
Just Supporting Evidence Collection In Sexual Assault Cases
Release Date: January 7, 2022
Guest: Dr. Julie Valentine
Just the Intersection of At-Home Kits And Healing
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Guest: Monica Gardner
Just A Pediatrics Viewpoint On At-Home Sexual Assault Kits
Release Date: January 21, 2022
Guest: Dr. Toni Laskey
Just Addressing Child Sexual Violence
Release Date: January 28, 2022
Guest: Laurieann Thorpe
Just Key Considerations for Investigations of Sexual Assault Cases
Release Date: February 4, 2022
Guest: Scott Mourtgos
Just Analyzing At-Home Kits
Release Date: February 11, 2022
Guest: Jay Henry
Just A Prosecutor's Perspective On At-Home Kits
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Guest: Patti Powers
Just A Trauma-Informed Response To At-Home Sexual Assault Kits
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Guests: Natasha Alexenko, Lieutenant Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons
2021 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
Special Release Episode: Firearms Research
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) supports the implementation of innovative technologies that address the challenges faced by the forensic science community. In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Nicole Jones and John Grassel to discuss toolmark analysis and advanced capabilities in firearms. Listen along as these expert forensic scientists discuss the work the FTCOE performs to address firearm violence, how evidence is collected from a firearm, and the FTCOE’s upcoming Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum on January 11-14, 2022 in this episode of Just Science.
Just Advanced Capabilities In Firearm And Toolmark Analysis
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Guests: Nicole Jones and John Grassel
Special Release Episode: Diversity & Inclusion
Forensics is a fast-growing field making the need for racial and gender representation among its practitioners critically important. In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Donia Slack and Dale Hart to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in forensics. From confronting biased research to experiencing microaggressions and feelings of “imposter syndrome,” our expert panelists know the realities of being underrepresented in the field. Listen along as they detail their experiences as forensic scientists of color, articulate how bias and underrepresentation can produce flawed findings, and discuss the impact that diversity and inclusion has had in their careers in this episode of Just Science.
Just Diversity & Inclusion in Forensic Science
Release Date: November 19, 2021
Guests: Donia Slack and Dale Hart
Workforce Resiliency
Just Science is excited to release our next mini season: Workforce Resiliency. From sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) to medicolegal death investigators (MDIs), this season takes a closer look at forensic science practitioners performing their jobs under difficult circumstances. Tune in as we discuss the realities of work-related stress and vicarious trauma, as well as strategies to mitigate their effects in this new season of Just Science.
Just Workforce Resiliency for MDIs
Release Date: October 22, 2021
Guests: Dr. Jennifer Rineer and Kelly Keyes
Just Workforce Resiliency for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, Part 1
Release Date: October 29, 2021
Guest: Dr. Cara Berg Raunick
Just Workforce Resiliency for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, Part 2
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Guest: Dr. Cara Berg Raunick
Just Literature on Stress & Resiliency in Forensic Science
Release Date: November 12, 2021
Guest: Donia Slack
Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases
In response to the success of our sexual assault response reform mini season for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April of 2021, Just Science is excited to release our next season: Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases. This multi-faceted season covers a variety of topics within the arena of sexual assault response reform, including sexual assault kit standardization, crossover offending, lawfully owed DNA, victim-centered interviewing, touch DNA, partially tested sexual assault kits, and much more. Tune in as we unpack sexual assault myths and address some of the key issues currently associated with sexual assault response reform in this new season of Just Science.
Just Lawfully Owed DNA
Release Date: July 13, 2021
Guests: Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston
Just Touch DNA and Sexual Assault Groping Cases
Release Date: July 23, 2021
Guests: Dr. Julie L. Valentine and Heather Mills
Just Trauma-Informed Victim-Centered Interviewing
Release Date: July 30, 2021
Guests: Jordan Satinsky, Marya L. Simmons, and Natasha Simone Alexenko
Just a Cost Benefit Analysis of Sexual Assault Investigation
Release Date: August 6, 2021
Guests: Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston
Just Advocacy for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Release Date: August 13, 2021
Guest: Marya L. Simmons
Just Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Release Date: August 20, 2021
Guest: Patricia Powers
Just Partially Tested Sexual Assault Kits
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Guests: Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston
Just Considerations for Older Survivors
Release Date: September 3, 2021
Guest: Patricia Powers
Just Advocating for Older Survivors
Release Date: September 10, 2021
Guest: Marya L. Simmons
Just Crossover Offending
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Guests: Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston
Just Standardizing Sexual Assault Kits
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Guests: Maureen Platt, Denise S. Covington, Danielle Lindgren, and Bonnie R. Bentley
NIJ R&D and Beyond
Despite being virtual, NIJ’s 2021 R&D Symposium was one of the most successful iterations of this meeting to date. With over 600 attendees across the globe, the audience was exceptionally diverse in terms of location and forensic discipline. In this Just Science mini-series, we sat down with the program managers of the four NIJ forensic portfolios to discuss the symposium and the future of their respective research areas. Listen along as our guests discuss research and emerging topics in various forensic disciplines, including seized drugs and toxicology; impression, pattern, and trace evidence; anthropology and forensic pathology; and DNA and biology!
Just Seized Drugs and Toxicology Portfolio
Release Date: June 4, 2021
Guest: Dr. Frances Scott
Just the Impression and Pattern/Trace Evidence Portfolio
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Guest: Dr. Gregory Dutton
Just Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Pathology Portfolio
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Guest: Danielle McLeod-Henning
Just the Biology and DNA Portfolio
Release Date: June 25, 2021
Guest: Tracey Johnson
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
As national efforts to address sexual assault response reform continue to grow, more and more jurisdictions are resolving their sexual assault kit backlog and identifying causes associated with the accumulation of sexual assault kits. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Just Science sat down with leaders in the field of sexual assault response reform to talk about current issues in this arena, including the impact of COVID-19. Listen along as our guests discuss methods for supporting victims of sexual assault while presenting considerations and resources for improving sexual assault response reform in this special release season of Just Science.
Release Date: April 16, 2021
Guest: Natasha Simone Alexenko
Just Victim Advocacy During a Pandemic
Release Date: April 23, 2021
Guest: Marya L. Simmons
Just a Guide to Sexual Assault Response Reform
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Guest: Dr. Patricia Melton
Illicit Substance Use Response
Despite national efforts to reduce the impact, illicit substance abuse continues to rise in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there were an average of 128 opioid related deaths per day in 2018. These numbers continue to rise. In order to meet the challenge head on, scientists, community leaders, justice professionals, and everyday citizens are working tirelessly to slow the abuse of opioids and reduce the impact that they have on our communities. In this season of Just Science, we’re sitting down with experts in the field to discuss topics like stigma, recovery, policy solutions, public safety systems, identifying drug trends, and much more.
Release Date: January 22, 2021
Guest: Dr. Jon E. Zibbell
Just the Intersection of Opioids and Illicit Stimulants Part 2
Release Date: January 29, 2021
Guest: Dr. Jon E. Zibbell
Just the Importance of Identifying Emerging Drug Threats
Release Date: February 5, 2021
Guests: Dr. Alex J. Krotulski and Amanda L.A. Mohr
Just the Story of the Healthy Grandfamilies Program
Release Date: February 12, 2021
Guest: Bonnie Dunn
Just Partnerships to Enhance Overdose Fatality Review
Release Date: February 19, 2021
Guest: Mallory O’Brien
Just Alternative Crisis Response: One Community's Experience
Release Date: February 26, 2021
Guest: Tim Black
Just Building Policy From the Ground Up
Release Date: March 5, 2021
Guest: Dr. Alex H. Kral
Just the DEA National Forensic Laboratory Information System
Release Date: March 12, 2021
Guest: DeMia Pressley
Just Addressing the Stigma of Substance Abuse Disorder
Release Date: March 19, 2021
Guest: Clarence Jordan
Just Polysubstance Use and the Importance of Data Trends
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Guest: Josh Yohannan
2020 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
Case Studies
Criminal investigations often necessitate the application of a multitude of forensic disciplines. While some cases can be solved by a single piece of evidence, most have a myriad of evidence types to forward and investigation. Bloodstains, DNA analysis, latent prints, digital evidence, and reliable police work lead to arrests and can stop a criminal before any more damage is done.
In our latest season, Case Studies, we sat down with a variety of experts and talked about their most interesting cases. Join us as we discuss bloodstain pattern analysis, photography, serial killers, and much more in this dynamic season of Just Science!
Episodes Include:
Just Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior
Release Date: November 6, 2020
Guest: Mitchell Pilkington
Just the Story Behind Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Release Date: November 13, 2020
Guest: Erin Sims
Just the Jodi Arias Case
Release Date: November 20, 2020
Guest: Heather Conner
Just Fingerprints And Lasers
Release Date: November 27, 2020
Guest: Brian Dalrymple
Just the Grim Sleeper Serial Killer
Release Date: December 4, 2020
Guest: Rockne Harmon
Just Identifying Fingerprints Through Photographs
Release Date: December 11, 2020
Guest: Karen Oswald
Just Erroneous Identification
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Guests: John Vanderkolk and Marcus Montooth
Just Off The Shelf Forensics
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Guests: Tim Schade and Brian Cochran
Special Release Episode: Forensic Genetic Geneaology & GEDmatch
In this Forensic Science Week special episode, Just Science interviews Brett Williams, the CEO of Verogen, about the GEDmatch database, how it can be used by law enforcement to perform forensic genealogy searches for investigative leads, and the short- and long-term plans Verogen has for the widely used database and related services.
Verogen is a spin-off of the Illumina corporation and has grown to be an innovator in the realm of forensic genomic technologies. Since their inception, Verogen has evolved from forensic applications to focus on biometrics-based human identification, as a whole. Following this vision, in December of 2019 Verogen acquired GEDmatch, a crowd-sourced database used by millions of genealogy enthusiasts to trace their family trees, but more recently it has been adopted by law enforcement to aid in cold case investigations. Listen along with our guest host, Donia Slack, as she and Brett Williams discuss the impact that genetic genealogy and GEDmatch have had on the criminal justice system in this episode of Just Science.
Just Forensic Genetic Genealogy and GEDmatch: Verogen’s Approach
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Guest: Brett Williams
Digital Evidence
While the realm of digital evidence is still relatively new, it requires validation and testing like all forensic disciplines. Digital evidence is a dynamic discipline that can often provide greater insight into the investigation of a crime or the defense of the alleged perpetrator. In this season of Just Science, we will be covering the history and interpretation of digital evidence, emerging technologies used in investigation and as evidence, and the validation of digital forensic tools.
Just the Evolution of Digital Evidence
Release Date: July 16, 2020
Guest: Paul Reedy
Just A Public Defender’s Perspective
Release Date: July 23, 2020
Guest: Nicolas Hughes
Just Digital Evidence in the Courts of Appeals
Release Date: July 30, 2020
Guest: Martin Novak
Just Data Stories
Release Date: August 6, 2020
Guest: Paul Reedy
Just Digital Evidence 101
Release Date: August 13, 2020
Guest: Matt Ruddell
Just NIST’s Digital Forensics Black Box Study
Release Date: August 20, 2020
Guest: Barbara Guttman
Just Deepfakes
Release Date: August 27, 2020
Guests: Dr. Catalin Grigoras and Cole Whitecotton
Just the Impact of Disturbing Media
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Guest: Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar
Special Release Episode: Resiliency in Crime Scene Investigators
In this special release episode of Just Science, we sat down with Ashley Church and Erin West, founders of Gap Science, to discuss stress and resiliency in crime scene investigators. Traumatic death investigation can have adverse, long-term effects on crime scene analysts. As Ashley Church and Erin West moved through their respective careers, they noticed a lack of training around protecting the psychological well-being of forensic scientists. Gap Forensics is working to fill this void in knowledge and address the challenges that investigators are experiencing every day. Listen along as our guests discuss compassion fatigue, the supervisor’s role in protecting their people, and the impact of violent crime scenes on forensic scientists in this episode of Just Science.
Just Applied Leadership for Resiliency in CSIs
Release Date: May 25, 2020
Guests: Ashley Church and Erin West
Special Release Episode: COVID-19 & Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault
This week on Just Science, we are publishing a special release episode in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Social distancing, shelter in place, and other responses to COVID-19 can create a stressful environment for survivors of sexual assault especially if they feel they cannot access resources or are physically unable to seek help. In addition, highly stressful situations that result from significant amounts of change, such as unemployment, disruption in ‘normal’ activities, and social isolation may increase the risk of domestic violence and sexual assault. In this podcast, we will discuss what services are available to survivors of sexual assault, including leveraging on-line platforms and modified strategies for first responders, rape crisis centers, and victim advocates. We will also discuss how we as a friend, family member, and community can be prepared to respond to a victim of sexual assault in this challenging time.
Just COVID-19: The Impact to Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault
Release Date: April 24, 2020
Guest: Marya Simmons
2020 NIJ R&D
The 2020 NIJ R&D Season of Just Science features some of the research presented at the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium. Some of the interviews in this season were recorded at the 2020 AAFS 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting in Anaheim, CA, a professional meeting where attendees work to advance science, foster research, and promote collaboration within the various forensic science disciplines. This season’s topics include the analysis of fentanyl compounds in emerging drugs, a tool for species identification of skeletal remains, methods for analyzing beverages for cannabinoids, the detection of firearm discharge via electrochemical sensors, and more. Tune in this spring to learn more about NIJ’s diverse research portfolio!
Just Another Method for Detecting Fentanyl
Release Date: March 19, 2020
Guest: Dr. Ling Wang
Just Skeletal Remains Identification
Release Date: March 27, 2020
Guest: Dr. Heather Garvin
Just Analyzing Beverages for Cannabinoids
Release Date: April 3, 2020
Guest: Dr. Carl Wolf
Just Quick Screening Methods for Firearm Discharge Residues
Release Date: April 10, 2020
Guest: Dr. Tatiana Trejos
Just Blowflies and Extreme Temperatures
Release Date: April 17, 2020
Guest: Dr. Travis Rusch
Just a Statistical Approach to Glass Evidence
Release Date: May 1, 2020
Guest: Dr. José Almirall
Just Mitochondrial DNA
Release Date: May 8, 2020
Guest: Kimberly Sturk-Andreaggi
Special Release Episode: HHRRC's Impact
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights action in the field of forensic sciences. This effort would not be possible without the support provided by NIJ’s FTCOE and AAFS. The HHRRC improves the practice of forensic science and strengthens its impact on humanitarian and human rights issues through education and dissemination of best practices and guidelines. In this Just So You Know episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Duarte Nuno Vieira and Dr. Cláudia Plens for a look at how NIJ’s support of the HHRRC aids their mission. Tune in as we gain a broader understanding of humanitarian forensic action and how the HHRRC impacts forensic research around the world.
Just So You Know: The HHRRC's Impact
Release Date: March 4, 2020
Guests: Dr. Duarte Nuno Vieira and Dr. Cláudia Plens
Improving the System
Researchers, academics, and forensic scientists are constantly striving to make improvements to existing processes within the criminal justice system. While many advancements have been made in recent years, there will always be room for growth and change. To begin 2020, Just Science will be meeting with leaders in the field to discuss the current state of the criminal justice system and the advancements they anticipate in the coming years. Listen along as we talk to representative from the National Institute of Justice, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Innocence Project about their efforts to support and improve the criminal justice system.
Just the NIJ Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices
Release Date: January 13, 2020
Guest: Dr. Jonathan McGrath
Just a Profile in Forensic R&D Innovations
Release Date: January 23, 2020
Guest: Gerry LaPorte
Just the Organization of Scientific Area Committees
Release Date: January 30, 2020
Guests: John Paul Jones and Mark Stolorow
Just the Innocence Project
Release Date: February 7, 2020
Guest: Sarah Chu
2019 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
DNA
DNA evidence has had a significant impact on the criminal justice system. Since the National Commission on the Future of DNA evidence in the 1990s, DNA has evolved into one of the most respected disciplines in forensic science. The DNA season of Just Science focuses on DNA evidence and its use in forensic investigation. Topics include the impact of DNA evidence, the use of familial DNA in investigations, databases, case studies, and strategies to improve workflow efficiencies.
Just DNA and the Post-Conviction Dynamic
Release Date: September 16, 2019
Guest: Chris Asplen
Just Genetic Variation
Release Date: September 24, 2019
Guest: Dr. Kenneth Kidd
Just Lean Six Sigma and Your Lab
Release Date: October 1, 2019
Guest: Julie Sikorsky
Just Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Release Date: October 10, 2019
Guest: Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter
Just the Golden State Killer
Release Date: October 16, 2019
Guest: Dr. Barbara Rae-Venter
Just Improving Workflow Efficiency
Release Date: October 24, 2019
Guests: Leslie Parke and Jamie Haas
Just USACIL and Direct-to-DNA
Release Date: October 31, 2019
Guest: Molly Hall
Just the Impact of Lawfully-Owed DNA Collection
Release Date: November 6, 2019
Guest: Jayann Sepich
Special Release Episode: Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners
The last Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners was conducted in 2004 and stands as one of the most important resources for budget makers and policy changers. Since then, the realm of MDI has changed dramatically. With that in mind, BJS and RTI International are working tirelessly to create a useful tool that captures all the nuances of this field. Listen in as our guests discuss the development of the survey, the types of data being collected, and the impact that the survey will have on the MDI community. Unchanged: The last Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners was conducted in 2004 and stands as one of the most important resources for budget makers and policy changers. Since then, the realm of MDI has changed dramatically. With that in mind, BJS and RTI International are working tirelessly to create a useful tool that captures all the nuances of this field. Listen in as our guests discuss the development of the survey, the types of data being collected, and the impact that the survey will have on the MDI community.
Just the Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners
Release Date: August 26, 2019
Guests: Dr. Hope Smiley-McDonald & Connor Brooks
2019 NIJ R&D
The 2019 NIJ R&D Season of Just Science will focus on the research featured at the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium. Some of these interviews were recorded at the 2019 AAFS 71st Annual Scientific Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. This conference, held by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, is a multidisciplinary professional meeting that provides leadership and opportunities to advance science, foster research, and promote collaboration within the various forensic science disciplines. Some of the episode topics include research with alternative light sources and bruising, infant abuse, age estimations of bloodstains, image cloud platform use, raman microspectroscopy, and much more.
Just Skin Deep
Release Date: May 14, 2019
Guests: Dr. Katherine Scafide and Dr. Daniel Sheridan
Just Fundamental Mechanics and Infant Skull Fractures
Release Date: May 21, 2019
Guest: Dr. Brittany Coats
Just RNA and Bloodstains
Release Date: May 29, 2019
Guest: Dr. Robert W. Allen
Just Detecting Gunshot Residue
Release Date: June 6, 2019
Guest: Dr. Suzanne Bell
Just Screening Blood and Urine
Release Date: June 13, 2019
Guest: Dr. Rebecca Wagner
Just Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction
Release Date: June 20, 2019
Guest: Dr. Jorn Yu
Just Putrid Databases
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Guest: Dr. Audris Mockus
Just Raman Spectroscopy and GSR
Release Date: July 4, 2019
Guest: Dr. Igor Lednev
Just Flies and Their Artifacts
Release Date: July 12, 2019
Guest: Dr. David Rivers
Just Imaging Flow Cytometry
Release Date: July 22, 2019
Guest: Dr. Christopher Ehrhardt
Special Release Episode: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a campaign designed to raise awareness about sexual violence and provide methods to prevent it. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Just Science interviewed Pat Speck, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and professor at the University of Alabama – Birmingham School of Nursing, about sexual assault testing and victim-centered care.
Just the Evolution of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Guest: Dr. Patricia M. Speck
Identification
The Identification season of Just Science will focus on many of the different aspects of identification in forensic investigations. A majority of these interviews were recorded at the 2018 International Forensic Educational Conference in San Antonio, Texas. This conference, held by the International Association for Identification, represents a diverse and knowledgeable membership that meets annually to educate and share techniques, methods, and research into the various forensic science disciplines. The conference features lectures, poster presentations, and workshops dedicated to sharing knowledge and enhancing the forensic sciences. This season will include episodes covering sexual assault kit processing, psychological survival in violent careers, latent print examination, forensic art, microanthropology, and more.
Just the Sole of Impression Pattern Evidence
Release Date: February 4, 2019
Guest: Lesley Hammer
Just Drawing Knowledge from a Forensic Artist
Release Date: February 11, 2019
Guest: Suzanne Birdwell
Just a Modified Direct to DNA Approach to Sexual Assault Kit Testing
Release Date: February 18, 2019
Guest: Caitlin Rogers
Just the Molalla Forest Serial Killer
Release Date: February 25, 2019
Guest: Robert Thompson
Identification: Just 19 Hours and 300 miles
Release Date: March 7, 2019
Guest: Erin Sims
Identification: Just Improvised Explosive Devices
Release Date: March 14, 2019
Guest: Hillary Daluz
Identification: Just Forensic Microanthropology
Release Date: March 18, 2019
Guest: Carlos Gutierrez
Identification: Just Forensic Technician Vicarious Trauma
Release Date: March 25, 2019
Guest: Selena McKay-Davis
Identification: Just the Double Loop Podcast Crossover
Release Date: April 1, 2019
Guests: Eric Ray and Glenn Langenburg
2018 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
Forensic Advancement
The Forensic Advancement season of Just Science will focus on many areas that challenge forensic leadership within the community. A majority of these interviews were recorded at the 2018 American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD) Annual Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia. The ASCLD Symposium is an industry-leading conference designed for leaders and managers in the forensic laboratory space. The symposium boasts workshops and plenary talks designed around all aspects of forensic science, but particularly focuses on enhancing leadership and management in a forensic laboratory. This season will include episodes covering performance tools, ASCLD efforts in rapid DNA, return on investment for DNA databases, witness testimony, millennial personnel, laboratory public relations, and more.
Just the Soul of the Profession
Release Date: November 5, 2018
Guests: John Collins and Jay Henry
Just Cognitive Bias Awareness
Release Date: November 12, 2018
Guest: Dr. Cecilia Crouse
Just FORESIGHT on Sexual Assault Kits
Release Date: November 19, 2018
Guest: Dr. Paul Speaker
Just Psychological Resiliency
Release Date: November 26, 2018
Guest: Dr. David Christiansen
Just ASCLD Rapid DNA Committee
Release Date: December 3, 2018
Guests: Katie Featherston, Brian Hoey, and Jeremy Triplett
Just Millennials
Release Date: December 10, 2018
Guest: Ben Swanholm
Just Throwing DARTs at the Opioid Crisis
Release Date: December 17, 2018
Guest: Amber Burns
Just a Paradigm Shift for Forensic Scientists
Release Date: December 31, 2018
Guest: Ron Smith
Just Transparency in Public Communications
Release Date: January 7, 2019
Guest: Ramit Plushnick Masti
Just Blind Proficiency Testing
Release Date: January 14, 2019
Guest: Dr. Peter Stout
Just Mass Casualty Events
Release Date: January 21, 2019
Guest: Richard Marx
Special Release Episode: AAFS HHRRC
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights in the field of forensic sciences and the NIJ. The FTCOE will help to support key international agencies chosen by the HHRRC to improve the practice of forensic science and strengthen its impact on humanitarian and human rights issues through training and education and dissemination of best practices and guidelines. Some of the main focuses for the program are evidence preservation, training, research, and capacity building around the world. Research discussed in this Just So You Know episode includes looking at skeletal remains from the mass violence in Cambodia, develop the capacity of anthropology in Mexico, how nerve agents are incorporated into bones, and much more. Just Science interviews Dr. Douglas Ubelaker about the HHRRC’s efforts and his contributions to an in-brief about how the NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence aids their mission.
This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].
Just So You Know: AAFS Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center
Release Date: December 3, 2018
Guest: Dr. Douglas Ubelaker
Medicolegal Death Investigation
Just Science's Medicolegal Death Investigation season will consist of episodes recorded with guests from the IAC&ME board. This season is to promote the ways in which IAC&ME supports, trains, and aids the community of coroners and pathologists. Episodes will include topics like vicarious trauma, work/life balance, wellness, forensic nurses as coroners, and understanding not only the logistical difficult of a mass shooting but the strain involved on the justice community.
Just Being Vocal About Vicarious Trauma
Release Date: October 1, 2018
Guest: Kelly Keyes
Just Coroners Versus Medical Examiner Systems
Release Date: October 8, 2018
Guest: John Fudenberg
Just Forensic Nurse Coroners
Release Date: October 15, 2018
Guests: Bobbi Jo O'Neal
Just Planning For The Aftermath Of A Mass Shooting
Release Date: October 22, 2018
Guest: John Fudenberg
2018 NIJ R&D
Just Science is releasing a season for the 2018 NIJ funded Research and Development. These guests were NIJ awardees that traveled to the annual AAFS Symposium this year in Seattle, Washington. Dive into the community's efforts to forward science and create a stronger justice system through knowledge. Some of the episode topics include research with skin microbiomes, SNP genotypes, implementing portable mass spec, and CT image databases.
Just Speak into the Microbe-phone
Release Date: August 6, 2018
Guest: Dr. Bruce Budowle
Just Microhaps Perhaps
Release Date: August 13, 2018
Guest: Dr. Kenneth Kidd
Just Skin Microbiomes as Evidence
Release Date: August 20, 2018
Guest: Dr. David Carter
Just a Whole-Body CT Image Database
Release Date: August 27, 2018
Guest: Dr. Shamsi Berry
Just Portable Mass Spectrometer Possibilities
Release Date: September 3, 2018
Guests: Dr. Jamie Wieland and Dr. Christopher Mulligan
Just Genetic Marker Linkages
Release Date: September 10, 2018
Guest: Dr. Michael "Doc" Edge
Drugs
In this season, Drugs, topics will range from legalization of marijuana in relation to police officers, the opioid epidemic, Electronic Dance Music Festivals, how witnesses’ and victims’ memory of events can be affected by alcohol, current vaping research, drug courts, and much more.
Just Field Identification Drug Officer
Release Date: April 23, 2018
Guest: Nancy Crump
Just Drug Courts
Release Date: April 30, 2018
Guest: Preeti Menon
Just Electronic Dance Music Festivals
Release Date: May 7, 2018
Guests: Amanda Mohr and Alex Krotulski
Just Liver Die
Release Date: May 14, 2018
Guest: Dr. Carl Wolf
Just Doobious Driving
Release Date: May 21, 2018
Guests: Jennifer Knudsen and Glenn Davis
Just The State of Pathology
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Guest: Dr. Randy Hanzlick
Just Alcohol and Witness Recall
Release Date: June 4, 2018
Guest: Dr. Nadja Schreiber Compo
Just Chasing the E-Cig Dragon
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Guest: Dr. Michelle Peace
Just Solving the Opioid Crisis
Release Date: June 18, 2018
Guests: Dr. Jeri Ropero Miller and Dr. Gary Zarkin
Just Fentanyl Lab Fads with ASCLD
Release Date: June 25, 2018
Guest: Bruce Houlihan
Just Classifying Emerging Compounds
Release Date: July 2, 2018
Guest: Dr. Barry Logan
Just Opioid Financial Burden on Crime Labs
Release Date: July 11, 2018
Guest: Dr. Paul Speaker
2018 Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence Symposium
In this season we will cover content given at the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence’s Impression Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium. The symposium was held January 22nd -25th 2018 in Arlington, Virginia, it had over 200 onsite attendees and over 400 online attendees. This season will include episodes discussing nature's patterns, fracture mechanics, juror's interpretations of testimony, toolmarks, and footwear with each topic discussing real-world examples. If you missed the symposium and wish to watch the archives, please click here.
Just Nature's Patterns
Release Date: February 7, 2018
Guest: John Vanderkolk
Just Fracture Matches
Release Date: February 12, 2018
Guest: Dr. Ashraf Bastawros
Just A Juror’s Perception
Release Date: February 19, 2018
Guests: Dr. Alicia Wilcox and Heidi Eldridge
Just Shoeprint Statistics
Release Date: February 26, 2018
Guest: Andrew Kimble
Just Geeking Out on Patterns
Release Date: March 5, 2018
Guest: John Vanderkolk
Just Footwear Size Does Matter
Release Date: March 12, 2018
Guests: Chris Hamburg and Jeff Jagmin
Just Consecutively Manufactured Toolmarks
Release Date: March 19, 2018
Guest: Robert Thompson
Just Handwriting Statistics
Release Date: March 26, 2018
Guest: Cami Fuglsby
Just Bayesian Brawl
Release Date: April 2, 2018
Guests: Dr. Jose Almirall, Dr. Steven Lund, Dr. Hari Iyer, Dr. Cedric Neumann, Dr. Daniel Ramos, and Dr. Alex Biedermann
Just Talking Testimony
Release Date: April 9, 2018
Guests: Xiaoyu Alan Zheng, Henry Swofford, Mr. Chris Fabricant, Dr. Steven Lund, Dr. Hari Iyer, and Dr. Alicia Wilcox
2017 Seasons & Special Release Episodes
Leadership
In this special release season on Leadership, you will hear interviews highlighting different areas where guests have excelled, along with some of their lessons learned. The season will highlight forensic professionals and teachers of leadership including Ben Swanholm, Jody Wolf, Martina Bison-Huckaby, Jeremy Triplett, and Dr. John Morgan. We will discuss their personal philosophies on leadership, how they came to be leaders in their own lives, and what their affiliations have added to the conversation. Stay tuned as Just Science helps to shed light on the complex issues of leadership.
Just Servant Leadership
Release Date: November 27, 2017
Guest: Ben Swanholm
Just Strategic Leadership
Release Date: December 4, 2017
Guest: Jody Wolf
Just Motivational Leadership
Release Date: December 11, 2017
Guest: Martina Bison-Huckaby
Just Guidance Leadership
Release Date: December 18, 2017
Guest: Jeremy Triplett
Just So You Know: Leadership Series
Release Date: December 21, 2017
Guest: Dr. John Morgan
Special Release Episode: Rapid DNA Technology
In this “Just So You Know” episode of Just Science, we discuss this year’s Rapid DNA forum with Chris Asplen, the Executive Director of the National Criminal Justice Association. The 3-day forum, hosted by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, was held in Alexandria, VA in August of 2017. This forum provided more than 130 attendees from the forensic DNA community an opportunity to be updated on commercially available Rapid DNA technologies, hear lessons learned from several early adopters spanning local law enforcement and federal agencies, and discuss moving forward as a community. As one of the many distinguished presenters from the forum, Chris discusses how Rapid DNA is moving forward slowly but surely saving jurisdictions time and money, and that getting the policy right is just as important as getting the technology right.
Just So You Know: Rapid DNA Technology
Release Date: November 20, 2017
Guest(s): Chris Asplen
Case Studies
In the second season, Case Studies, Just Science interviews the prosecutors, investigators, victims, and crime lab directors that were involved with high profile cases. This season will highlight cases that seemed unsolvable at the time, but with some new technologies and innovation, these criminals were brought to justice. Topics include Munchausen syndrome by proxy, Human Trafficking, Odontology, Atlanta Olympic Bombing, International cases, Louisiana Serial Killer, and many more!
Mel Hall – A Sexual Predator
Release Date: September 4, 2017
Guests: Chaz Easterly and Kim Davignon
A Child’s Injustice
Release Date: September 11, 2017
Guest: Andrew Greenfield
A Mother’s Tale – Part 1
Release Date: September 18, 2017
Guest: Mike Weber
A Mother’s Tale – Part 2
Release Date: September 18, 2017
Guest: Mike Weber
Atlanta Olympic Bombing
Release Date: September 25, 2017
Guest: John Collins
A Gruesome Murder in Mesa
Release Date: October 2, 2017
Guest: Kimberly Meza
From Teeth to Trafficking
Release Date: October 9, 2017
Guest: Dr. John Kenney
Two Murders, One Trace Fiber
Release Date: October 16, 2017
Guest: Dr. Jan De Kinder
Derrick Todd Lee – Baton Rouge Serial Killer
Release Date: October 23, 2017
Guest: Ray Wickenheiser
2017 R&D Symposium
R&D Symposium
Just Science released a special season for NIJ funded Research and Development. Dive into the community's efforts to forward science and create a stronger justice system through knowledge. Episode topics include research with one-pot meth, bath salts, gunshot acoustics, and postmortem interval estimation.
Just One Pot Methamphetamine
Release Date: July 10, 2017
Guest: Dr. Jarrad Wagner
Just Bath Salts
Release Date: July 17, 2017
Guest: Lindsay Glicksberg
Just Postmortem Interval Estimation Research
Release Date: July 24, 2017
Guests: Dr. Jeffrey Wells and Dr. Lynn LaMotte
Just Gunshot Acoustics Research
Release Date: July 31, 2017
Guest: Dr. Rob Maher
Numbers
The first season of “Just Science,” titled Numbers will give listeners content focusing on issues that forensic scientists are faced with, such as error data or proof of data. We will explore new technologies and systems that provide more efficient ways of delivering quantitative results, as well as the human factors that go into producing solid data.
Just Lab Management
Release Date: May 1, 2017
Guest: Barry Fisher
Just Human Factors
Release Date: May 1, 2017
Guests: Dr. Tom Busey and Heidi Eldridge
Just 3D Optical Topography
Release Date: May 8, 2017
Guests: Dr. Ryan Lilien and Todd Weller
Just Subjective Probability
Release Date: May 15, 2017
Guests: Dr. Christophe Champod and Dr. Tacha Hicks
Just DNA Mixture Interpretation
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Guest: Dr. Catherine Grgicak
Just Budgets
Release Date: May 29, 2017
Guest: Dr. Paul Speaker
Just Dry Bones
Release Date: June 5, 2017
Guests: Dr. Melissa Connor, Dr. Eriek Hansen, and Christiane Baigent
Just the Facts About Campus Sexual Assault
Release Date: June 12, 2017
Guest: Dr. Christopher Krebs
Just Blood Spatter
Release Date: June 19, 2017
Guest: Dr. Marc Smith
Just Hairy Isotopes
Release Date: June 26, 2017
Guest: Dr. Gwyneth Gordon