Our work in forensic science is driven by our backgrounds as practitioners – either working with UK police, forensic service providers or through academia. We are interested in applied science projects that have practical applications in forensic case work scenarios. Much of our research is based around Masters and Masters by Research projects, often in collaboration with industrial partners. We are part of the University’s Crime, Justice and Security accelerated development area.
Current research focusses upon several areas of developing and utilising techniques for the analysis of trace evidence, including using Video Spectral Comparator Technology for the determination of distinguishing features in questioned documents, the effects of hand sanitiser on the deposition of fingerprints, and the evaluation of marks such as fingerprints after submersion in water. Our research relating to trace evidence also includes methodologies for its recovery from crime scenes and exhibits, novel methods of analysis and the critical evaluation of its evidential significance. Research areas include forensic geoscience, soil analysis, microscopic techniques to determine damage sustained to textiles and fabrics in a forensic context, the recovery of fingerprints and footwear marks and forensic entomology.
Evidential analysis of soils from footwear
Current projects include the development and application of drug screening methods using state-of-the-art instrumentation involving chromatographic and mass-spectroscopic techniques and the use of the Joint Expert Speciation System to determine the low molecular mass metal-ion species which are present in a range of biological fluids including saliva and blood plasma, looking specifically at the bioavailability of species which may pose toxicity. We are currently studying the effects that the mouthing of toys and pacifiers may have upon the production of highly bioavailable lead and cadmium species in the mouths of infants. Several active projects including the evaluation of the stability of cocaine in urine when stored under specified conditions, the detection of ethylene glycol via GC-MS in a variety of different substances, the effect of storage on antidepressants in blood and their detection in overdose scenarios, and computer aided chemical speciation analysis of the risk posed by radionuclides in blood plasma.
Forensic research in biological fluids and DNA includes the evaluation of biological fluids using spectroscopic techniques and alternative light sources. Research in this area currently focusses upon method development and applications in relation to establishing the authenticity of foodstuffs, and the detection of biological fluids such as semen and blood on clothing after exposure to different environmental conditions for periods of time using traditional presumptive and spectroscopic methods of analysis. We are also currently investigating the impact of simulated exposure to a wide variety of external environmental factors upon the ability to detect blood on clothing items through a time and weathering-effects study. We are interested in determining the authenticity of a range of foodstuffs including meat, vegetarian and vegan products using modern DNA profiling techniques.
Our multidisciplinary research involves collaboration with industry, academia and Government. These include:
Forensic soil characteristics can allow the identification of unknown geographical locations
Donnelly, L., Pirrie, D., Harrison, M., Ruffell, A. & Dawson, L. (eds) 2021. A guide to forensic geology. Geological Society, London.
Traditional soil forensics allows the comparison of soil characteristics from known locations such as crime scenes with soil recovered exhibits seized during an investigation. However, because there is a very strong linkage between soil characteristics, the underlying bedrock geology and near surface processes, it is also potentially possible to use soils to predict geographical locations based on soil samples of unknown origin. Such analysis can be of use in missing victim murder enquiries where trace evidence recovered from items used during the criminal activity can be used to lead the investigator towards the location of a clandestine grave.
Fragments of concrete constructed using fly ash residue imaged using electron microscopy and automated mineralogy
Pirrie, D., Pidduck, A., Crean, D.E. & Nicholls, T.M. 2019. Identification and analysis of man-made geological product particles to aid forensic investigation of provenance in the built environment. Forensic Science International, 305, 1-15.
Surfaces in the urban and semi-urban environment are covered with particulate materials including geological and biological soil particles, but also man-made anthropogenic particles, such as fragments of building materials (e.g. road stone, tarmac, concrete, building stone etc), domestic wastes (e.g. plastics, metals, paints), industrial wastes from both current and past activity (e.g. metals, coke, airborne particulates etc).
What is not known is whether or not such particles can be used in criminal investigations – what is the evidential significance of these particle types when recovered from exhibits. This research project is looking at the origin and significance of urban particulates.
Illegal mining. Image by Julien Harne is is licensed under CC
DiMaggio, R.M., AL Naimi, K.S., Barone, P.M., Da Silva, F.A., Dawson, L.A., Dixon, R., Donnelly, L.J., Fitzpatrick, R., Gradusova, O., Gallego, C.M.M., Nesterina, E., Peleneva, M., Pirrie, D., Ruffell, A., McKinley, J., Sagripanti, G., Schneck, B., Sugita, R., Ushacova, O. & Villalba, D. 2017. Global developments in forensic geology. Episodes, 40, 120-131.
Mining underpins the supply of raw materials used by society. However, there can also be globally significant criminal activity associated with mining. At its simplest this includes artisanal mining, outside of any regulatory control and with minimal environmental or health and safety constraints.
More significantly, and of global concern is the trade in the so-called “conflict minerals” the sale of which supports global conflict and significant human rights abuses. In addition, globally mined commodities may be stolen and then resold into the global supply chain, with the revenue earned supporting terrorism and major international crime cartels. This research funded by the International Union of Geological Sciences is aiming to understand the global scale of mining crime and then identify measures to manage, mitigate and detect such criminal activity.
Mark Boulter's research interests include contact DNA, DNA degradation studies of blood/tissue subjected to different environments and food forensics.
His areas of expertise are DNA, conventional blood grouping, laboratory information management systems, crime scene processing, computer forensics and forensic science search techniques.
Dr
Dr Sorcha Diskin's research falls under three main themes: Geochemistry and mineralogy; Quaternary climate changes; and Pedagogy in geology.
The first two strands are linked in the application of geochemical and mineralogical techniques to problems in sediment provenance, archaeology and landscape evolution in southern Africa. The latter is a more recent development where collaborations are being developed to consider applications of CGI and related techniques to teaching in the earth sciences.
Duncan Pirrie is Associate Professor of Geology at USW. Prior to joining USW he was Associate Professor of Geology at the University of Exeter, before setting up a commercial consultancy company.
He has published over 115 scientific papers and books. Research on applications of forensic geology has included linking soil characteristics with crime scenes and using soils to identify geographical locations.
He is co-author of a book, "The Guide to Forensic Geology" to be published by the Geological Society of London. New work, funded through the International union of Geological Sciences is investigating the detection and mitigation of mining crime.
Hannah Minton is a lecturer in Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation.
Her current research is focussed on the enhancement of fingerprints using alternative lighting alongside chemical and powder techniques;
We welcome UK and international applications from suitably qualified graduates interested in joining us for either Masters by Research or PhD research programmes. Find out more on the Graduate School website or contact Dr Paul Jones for an informal discussion.
In addition to our dedicated crime scene training facility (above), our analytical laboratories comprise one whole floor of the purpose-built George Knox laboratories on the Univerity's Glyntaff Campus.
The laboratories comprise:
Dr Paul Jones, Academic Subject Manager, Forensic Analytical Science
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