Forensic Sciences
Overview
The Forensic Science Research Cluster builds on SHSU’s nationally recognized strengths in forensic science by advancing interdisciplinary research that improves forensic methods, technologies, and applications within the justice system.
This cluster highlights areas where faculty expertise, laboratory resources, and active research projects are already producing impact, while also supporting continued growth aligned with federal and state funding priorities.
THEMES
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Forensic biology and chemistry
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Reliability and evaluation of forensic techniques
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Policy, ethics, and justice system impact
Objectives
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Advance research that strengthens the scientific foundations of forensic science
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Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across science, justice, and policy fields
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Align projects with national forensic research and funding priorities
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Support translation of research into practice
Upcoming Events
STRATEGIC FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Research Infrastructure
The Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility (STAFS) is a state-of-the-art research, education, and training center designed to advance academic and technical knowledge in the application of anthropology, human anatomy, forensic science, biology, and chemistry.
Learn more about STAFS.
Housed within the Department of Biological Sciences, the Microscopy Core Facility (MCF) serves students, faculty, and external users with a variety of instruments which are common to many scientific disciplines.
Learn more about the Microscopy Core Facility.
Designed around three biology disciplines — molecular, systemic and environmental — the Biology Laboratory Building contains modern teaching and research labs and collaboration areas to enhance STEM educational trends toward active and team-based learning. This modern design positions Sam Houston State University to expand their biology program by providing much needed space and updated technology.
Learn more about the Life Sciences Building.
The TRIES Analytical Laboratory provides quality analytical services and method development to Sam Houston State University's academic community, local communities, and industrial, commercial, and municipal clientele.
Learn more about TRIES.
The Department of Chemistry at Sam Houston State University is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages scholarly pursuit, intellectual growth, and the mastery of essential knowledge and techniques for future chemists.
Learn about the Department of Chemistry's Research Instrumentation.
Get INVOLVED
Faculty, staff, and students interested in contributing to or learning more about this research cluster are invited to join. Completing the interest form allows ORSP to share relevant updates, events, and funding opportunities.
Cluster Members
| Name | College/Department | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Boccaccini | Psychology | Psychiatry; psychology; behavioral sciences; correctional practice; forensic psychiatry; jurisprudence |
| Sibyl Bucheli | Biological Sciences | systematic entomology; biodiversity; entomology; microbial ecology; microbial diversity |
| Patrick Buzzini | Forensic Science | Trace evidence; questioned documents; probabilistic reasoning; physical evidence interpretation; forensic chemistry; statistics |
| Daniella Cash | Psychology | Eyewitness memory; testimony; police decision-making; jury decision-making; deception detection; consent perceptions |
| Elizabeth Hartsell | Criminal Justice | Courts; substance use; mental illness; program evaluation; mixed methods; criminal justice policy |
| Donovan Haines | Chemistry | Biochemistry; forensic chemistry; toxicology; drug metabolism; spectroscopy; space forensics |
| Rob Greenberg | Computer Science / CFIC | Computer science; cyberforensics |
| Sheree Hughes | Forensic Science / STAFS | Forensic genetics; forensic anthropology; human anatomy; disaster victim identification; genetic genealogy; DNA markers |
| Tiffany Frugé Jones | Mathematics | Mathematical modeling; numerical analysis; differential equations; finite difference methods; exponential splitting; finite element methods |
| Li-Jen Lester | COSET Office of the Dean | Data analysis; assessment plans; computing education |
| Aaron Lynne | Biological Sciences | Forensic biology; forensic microbiology |
| Junkun Ma | Engineering Technology | Product design; CAD; prototype fabrication; robotics; computer vision; machine learning |
| Holly Miller | Criminal Justice | Psychological assessment; malingered mental illness; offender risk; sexual offenders; psychopathy |
| Danielle Rudes | Criminal Justice | Prisons and jails; probation and parole; problem-solving courts; organizational theory; implementation science; qualitative methods |
| Britni Skillman | Forensic Science / IFRTI | Novel psychoactive substances; sedative hypnotics; metabolism; alternative matrices; postmortem toxicology; mass spectrometry |
| Cihan Varol | Computer Science | Digital forensics; cybersecurity; data quality |
| Dennis Wooten | Clinical Anatomy | Chemical pathology; toxicology; heavy metals; body fluids; environmental fluids; metal reclamation |
| M.E. Wood | Psychology | Forensic mental health; psychometrics; intellectual disability; mental illness; expert testimony; legal admissibility |
| Darren Williams | Chemistry | Quantum science; quantum mechanics; physics; physical chemistry; spectroscopy |
| Jorn (Chi Chung) Yu | Forensic Science | Analytical chemistry; trace evidence; pattern evidence; field-deployable devices; AI; crime scene reconstruction |
| Christopher Zall | Chemistry | Inorganic chemistry |