The State of Forensic Science: Previewing an Upcoming AAFS Video Series

Forensic analysis is an important application area that is seeing constant change, thanks to technological innovations in spectroscopic instrumentation. Currently, portable instrumentation is being refined and utilized in many fields, which has allowed analysts to conduct investigations on site without transporting samples to the laboratory (1). Spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, have played a huge role in forensic analysis and crime scene investigations (1).

It is for this reason that Spectroscopy covered the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference this year. This year, the 77^th annual scientific conference of AAFS took place in Baltimore, Maryland, featuring more than 3,000 forensic science professionals (2). Throughout the week, conference attendees had the opportunity to attend talks and poster sessions, all of which were focused on specific topics and application areas in forensic analysis.

Forensic investigation tools on evidence table, crime scene equipment, magnifier, gloves, tape, forensic science supplies, criminal evidence documentation background. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Ram - stock.adobe.com

As part of our coverage of the AAFS Conference, we conducted video interview with three forensic scientists who are conducting important research: Thomas O. Metz, who is a Laboratory Fellow and the Chief Science Officer of the Biological Sciences Division of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Heidi Eldridge, who is Director of Crime Scene Investigations at George Washington University; and Claire Glynn, who is a professor and research coordinator at the University of New Haven in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences.

In our upcoming video series, we will focus on the state of forensic science. Metz, Eldridge, and Glynn will talk about the AAFS Conference as well as their current research. Through these video clips, readers and subscribers will learn more about the current trends in forensic science and what can be expected to emerge in the field in the future.

Thomas (Tom) Metz is a Laboratory Fellow and Chief Science Officer of the Biological Sciences Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. His research focuses on high-throughput metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics in disease studies, with over 200 publications (3). His recent work explores multidimensional mass spectrometry (MS) and computational molecular signature prediction. He previously led core laboratories for major National Institutes of Health (NIH) programs, including the Undiagnosed Diseases Network and the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young study (3). From 2021–2023, he was President of the Metabolomics Association of North America (3). He currently leads the PNNL m/q Initiative and co-leads the ChemBio Analytical Sciences Hub within the NEXUS Exposome Research Coordination Network (3).

Heidi Eldridge holds an MS in Biology from Duke University and a PhD in Forensic Science from the University of Lausanne. Her dissertation focused on a white box approach to understanding latent print suitability (4). Since 2004, she has worked in forensic science, conducting casework in latent prints, controlled substances, and crime scene reconstruction (4). From 2015 to 2022, she was a forensic science researcher at RTI International, studying error rates, human factors, and latent print analysis (4). She chairs the Friction Ridge Consensus Body of the Academy Standards Board (ASB) and Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), serves on multiple forensic science boards, and is a Certified Latent Print Examiner (4).

Claire Glynn is a professor and Research Coordinator at the University of New Haven. She works in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. Since 2014, Glynn has taught forensic science and led research in Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG), Rapid DNA analysis, RNA analysis, and DNA methylation markers (5). She also founded the university’s online Graduate Certificate in FGG and consults for law enforcement worldwide (5).

Metz, Eldridge, and Glynn have had extensive careers in forensic science. Through their insights, we see how the field of forensic analysis is transforming, and how this is impacting the current state of the field.

References

1. Wetzel, W. Spectroscopy Announces Upcoming Content Series on Forensic Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-announces-upcoming-content-series-on-forensic-analysis (accessed 2025-03-10).
2. Wetzel, W. Previewing the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/previewing-the-american-academy-of-forensic-science-conference (accessed 2025-03-10).
3. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Thomas O. Metz. PNNL.gov. Available at: https://www.pnnl.gov/people/thomas-o-metz (accessed 2025-03-10).
4. George Washington University, Heidi Eldridge. GWU.edu. Available at: https://forensicsciences.columbian.gwu.edu/heidi-eldridge (accessed 2025-03-10).
5. University of New Haven, Claire L. Glynn, Ph.D. New Haven.edu. Available at: https://www.newhaven.edu/faculty-staff-profiles/claire-glynn.php (accessed 2025-03-10).