Gateway Analytical is very excited to be presenting at the 2013 AAFS Annual Meeting in Washington DC this year! Cara Plese and Antonio Scatena will be presenting “What Judges and Lawyers Need to Know about the Science Behind Trace Evidence” on Friday, February 22nd at 10:40am. As our presentation date is quickly approaching, we wanted to give a short summary of what attendees should expect.
On January 22nd, Dave Exline, Senior V.P. and Rebekah Wagurak, Forensic Scientist at Gateway Analytical, hosted a webinar designed for police and attorneys and built upon the information provided in our previous webinar, “Forensic Analysis of Gunshot Residue for Police & Attorneys.” During this webinar, our presenters provided police officers with tips on the proper collection of gunshot residue (GSR) evidence, as well as, the methodology used to analyze and interpret the data utilizing automated scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Our presenters also took attendees into the courtroom, providing attorneys with insight into the significance of GSR evidence during a case, and what implications can be made from this type of evidence during expert testimony.
We are now one (1) of only two (2) private labs in the country that is accredited to this standard for trace evidence, and we are the only private lab in the country to be accredited for gunshot residue analysis.
At the upcoming AAFS Annual Meeting, which is being held on February 18-23, 2013 in Washington, DC, Gateway Analytical will be giving a presentation on "What Lawyers and Judges Need to Known about the Science behind Trace Evidence Examination". Authored by Cara Plese, Antonio Scatena, and David Exline this presentation will help attendees gain a general introduction and exposure to the scientific method employed in the analysis of trace evidence, as well as the conclusions that can be expected from the various types of trace evidence examinations.
On October 24, 2012, Forensic Magazine and Bruker will be hosting a webinar on the topic of "Trace Analysis by Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy".
Trace evidence encompasses a number of possible sample types, from fibers to hairs to gunshot residue. One of the commonly encountered types of trace evidence is tape evidence. In order to properly understand tape from a trace evidence perspective, it is helpful to understand the manufacture process of the product.
On August 8th, David Exline, Senior V.P. & Court-Qualified Trace Evidence Expert and Rebekah Wagurak, Forensic Scientist at Gateway Analytical presented a webinar that covers the forensic investigation process for paint and tape evidence. Topics include the most current methods used for today’s investigators and discuss the interpretation of paint transfer evidence. Case studies related to the analysis of duct tapes, automotive and architectural paints were also discussed.
Recently, Gateway Analytical scientists Cara Plese and Antonio Scatena presented a half hour webinar focused on the forensic analysis of condom lubricants. The webinar covered the collection, documentation, and investigative value of condom lubricants and sexual assault evidence along with discussing the scientific principles and current methods of condom lubricant analysis.
Forensic science is a field that has taken leaps and bounds over the past several years. From the advent of DNA analysis to the continued technological advancements in the sciences, the progress made in criminalistics has been remarkable.