Forensic Sciences

$1 Million Awarded to Chaminade in Recognition of National Excellence in Science Programs

June 7, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade joins select group of 24 universities nationwide recognized for inclusivity and quality in STEM programs

Chaminade University of Honolulu today announced a grant of $1 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) as an awardee in the 2017-22 ‘Inclusive Excellence’ program. Chaminade was selected as one of 24 awardees from a pool of over 500 universities who applied for the prestigious recognition as a Howard Hughes Undergraduate Institution. The program will fund culture-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programs, Hawai‘i-centered research, and activities that link science to family and community for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

“Chaminade has been building excellence in STEM for a decade with support from agencies such as National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and Kamehameha Schools, and this award recognizes the tremendous progress we have made in preparing the next generation of Hawai‘i and Pacific scientists” says Dr. Helen Turner, Chaminade’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Principal Investigator of the HHMI Program. “This award takes us to the next level of national recognition for the curriculum and cutting-edge teaching methods our faculty have developed. The HHMI program confronts the challenge of connecting STEM education with culture, family and community – which are critical for our local students to be successful and to build a strong Hawai‘i for the future.”

“Finding a way to include all students, from all backgrounds, in STEM is critical for building future generations of American scientists”, says David Asai, HHMI Senior Director for Science Education. “HHMI recognizes that science excellence depends on having a community of scientists that is rich in diversity of people and perspectives. This national experiment expects that the selected universities will produce useful models to address inclusivity in STEM.”

ABOUT THE HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is the largest private, nonprofit supporter of science education in the United States. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has created an Inclusive Excellence Commission whose role will be to evaluate the outcomes of this national experiment, and to disseminate to the broader community what is being learned.

HHMI’s announcement
HHMI’s essay on science education by David Asai

Microbes are Hot Topic in Forensic Science; Book by Chaminade’s Dr. David Carter Tells All About It

May 9, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

After more than a century of absence from forensic science investigations, microbes are once again in the spotlight. And a new book by Associate Professor David Carter, director of Chaminade University’s Forensic Sciences Program, explains why.

“Forensic Microbiology,” edited by Dr. Carter and co-authored with two Chaminade graduate students, tells all about those tiny bugs. Specifically, the book details how microbes help scientists determine when a person died, how they died and where they were before they died.

“Using microbes is the hottest, trendiest, sexiest area of forensic science right now,” Dr. Carter says. “This is the thing everybody wants to know about because it’s new.”

Actually, the use of microbes in forensic science is both old and new. The new part involves cutting-edge technology that enables scientists to extract DNA evidence from microbes and sequence the material with a genetic analyzer.

The old part of using microbiology to solve crimes is really old. So old, in fact, that the practice far predates “CSI” TV shows and the invention of television itself.

“There were folks using microbes in the 19th Century as evidence,” Dr. Carter says, “and then people forgot about them for a hundred years. Now people are coming back to microbes and going: ‘Huh. Maybe this is worthwhile.’”

Although Dr. Carter emphasizes that microbes won’t replace more mundane forms of evidence – such as fingerprints, cell phone records, etc. – these tiny organisms do have “one huge advantage.”

“Microbes are present everywhere a human goes,” Dr. Carter says, “because they are always on you, they are always in you. And not all forms of evidence do that.”

Dr. Carter’s book, which he describes as “the first of its kind,” provides a much-need resource for university students and forensic science professionals, including investigators, microbiologists and pathologists. Among those contributing to the book were leading scientists from America, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and other countries.

Helping Dr. Carter write the 424-page book was Emily Junkins, who graduated from Chaminade in 2016 with a master’s degree in forensic science. She’s currently pursuing a doctorate degree in microbiology at the University of Oklahoma.

“Being a co-author for two chapters in this book, and chapters in other books or manuscripts, has had a major impact on me pursuing a Ph.D.,” according to Junkins, who credits her Chaminade education with providing valuable opportunities for in-depth research.

“I would not be the scientist I am now without these opportunities,” says Junkins, who plans a career in academia as a professor and principal investigator focused on microbial biology.

Also serving as a book co-author was Whitney Kodama, who’s graduating from Chaminade this spring with a master’s degree in forensic science.

“I think this experience helped me gain a better understanding of the scope of my research project as well as insight into a field of forensics that I was not aware of before entering the program,” Kodama says.

“I also think this experience has helped the quality of my scientific writing,” adds Kodama, who recently accepted an investigator position with the City and County of Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner.

“I learned that stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something that seems intimidating/difficult at first can only benefit you in the future,” Kodama says. “One can grow from these experiences, and I feel that has happened to me.”

Editing “Forensic Microbiology” with Dr. Carter were Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin from Texas A&M University’s Department of Entomology, Dr. M. Eric Benbow from Michigan State University’s Department of Entomology, and Dr. Jessica L. Metcalf from Colorado State University’s Department of Animal Sciences.

All royalties from book sales support student research projects of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Chaminade University’s Division of Natural Science and Mathematics is accepting applications for its bachelor’s degree program in forensic sciences. This degree provides students with a wide range of graduate school and career options in the fields of law, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

‘CSI: Chandler’? Alumna Doss Could be the Star

March 1, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

A love of science and a fascination with the “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” television franchise drew Chelcey Doss to Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Now, after earning her Forensic Science B.S. degree in 2015 with a minor in Chemistry, Doss does more than watch CSI shows on TV. She’s out in the field conducting official crime scene investigations for the Chandler Police Department in Arizona.

CSI work is “not quite as glamorous” as Hollywood portrays it, admits Doss, who just marked her one-year anniversary with the police department. But CSI is a rewarding career that’s vitally important to public safety and the criminal justice system.

What’s the biggest difference between academia and the professional world?

“You’re seeing real people,” Doss says. “And usually it’s not a good day for them.”

Fortunately for the approximately 261,000 Chandler residents, the city’s violent crime rate is relatively low.

“We only had four homicides last year,” Doss points out. “And that was actually high. There are lots of property crimes – vehicle burglaries, house burglaries. A lot of the calls that come across are domestic violence or drug-related.”

Looking back at her time on campus, Doss describes Chaminade as “an amazing experience.”

“I loved the diversity,” she says of college life. “And I really enjoyed the professors,” including Dr. David Carter, director of the Forensic Sciences Unit. “They are very in tune with what students need.”

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to Chaminade for helping me get to where I am today,” Doss adds. “I’m very grateful.”

The Forensic Science program is part of the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics. It provides students with a wide range of options as they prepare for careers in fields such as law enforcement, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Since 2010, 86% of graduates have been placed in science-related positions. Chaminade University offers two credentials in forensic sciences education: a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences (BSFS) and a Minor in Forensic Sciences.

Forensic Students Present Research at National Conference

February 20, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chelsie Mangca Valdez and Hannah Dibner with their pig experiment — Chelsie Mangca Valdez and Hannah Dibner

Based on their discoveries in the field of carcass decomposition, Chaminade University students Hannah Dibner and Chelsie Mangca Valdez were invited to present their research at a national conference held by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

The academy’s 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled for February 13-18 in New Orleans, brings together professionals in all areas of forensic science, including criminalists, physicians, toxicologists, anthropologists, dentists, physicists, psychiatrists, engineers and educators.

Dibner and Valdez, who will both graduate in Spring 2017 with a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, decided to partner on their research into the biology and pathology of how pig carcasses decompose.

Dibner focused on the effects of scavenging by the Small Asian Mongoose. She points out that this type of research is important because wounds created by scavengers could be mistaken for trauma from violence. Also, knowledge of scavenger behavior could help search parties more effectively locate and recover human remains.

Hannah Dibner presenting at AAFS conference — Hannah Dibner

“Studying rotting carcasses may not be everyone’s idea of a good time,” Dibner says, “but to me it’s a dream come true. The decomp studies at Chaminade are asking certain questions that we haven’t seen addressed by anyone else. And as a scientist, that’s an incredibly exciting and unique position to be in.”

Valdez studied the skin chemistry of decomposing pigs. Her research may lead to a new technique for determining Post-Mortem Interval, meaning the amount of time that elapses after a person dies.

Chelsie Mangca Valdez presenting at AAFS conference — Chelsie Mangca Valdez

“The thing I am most excited about regarding the AAFS conference is the opportunity to meet professionals in the field I have committed seven years of my life studying,” Valdez says. “This experiment was very time consuming but it was very much worth it,” she adds. “I never thought I would be attending a national conference, let alone presenting my finding all while still attending college.”

Dr. David O. Carter, director of Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences Program, encouraged Dibner and Valdez to submit their research to AAFS.

Chaminade Now Accepting Applications for Ho’oulu STEM Scholarships

February 1, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University is currently accepting applications for its full-tuition Ho`oulu STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarships. The scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students and give preference to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Apply now for early consideration. For more details on the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship, visit the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship webpage or call (808) 739-8551.

In partnership with Kamehameha Schools, Chaminade University created an opportunity for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree to receive full tuition assistance (100%) and the opportunity to apply for living expense assistance for four years. It also provides wraparound academic support services, access to post-graduate career paths via Chaminade’s suite of articulation agreements, paid internships for professional development, and financial support for career development activities.

In the fall of 2016, Chaminade University welcomed its first Ho`oulu cohort of first-year and transfer students in the following Bachelor of Science degree areas: Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Studies, Nursing, and Pre-Med/Pre-Health.

“The impact of Ho`oulu is far-reaching,” said Chaminade President Bro. Bernard J. Ploeger, SM, Ph.D. “Careers in STEM-related fields are projected to be some of the fastest growing segments of tomorrow’s workforce.”

Chaminade’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Helen Turner, Ph.D. agreed. “Solutions to health, environmental and justice challenges are to be found in science and technology, and we envision Ho‘oulu students leading the community in the future to strengthen the lāhui.”

Forensic Sciences Scholar Joins Chaminade Faculty

January 27, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics welcomed to their team this academic year Dr. Katelynn A. Perrault, assistant professor of Forensic Sciences and Chemistry. Dr. Perrault has expertise in the use of gas chromatography (GC) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) across a range of life science applications, including, primarily, forensic science. She has done extensive work profiling the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that form the odor evolved from decomposing remains. Such work is essential in understanding the sensory mechanisms behind scent-detection canine use.

In 2011, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Forensic Science from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. “Graduating with my undergraduate degree was a very proud moment. I remember thinking that this was only the beginning of a really exciting journey and that there were endless possibilities ahead,” she said. “That was also when I decided that I wanted to become a professor one day, so I could help students feel that same sense of achievement and help guide them along the path to their fullest potential.”

With that in mind, Dr. Perrault would need to go beyond her comfort zone. Her doctoral studies meant traveling a great distance. “I moved to Australia to pursue my Ph.D. It was a pretty important defining moment in my life. I had hardly ever traveled and never really thought much about it. I ended up meeting people from all over the world and was lucky enough to do a fair bit of traveling during my degree. Making that decision to move has made me more resilient and independent over time, but my experiences during my degree also gave me a profound appreciation for other cultures,” Dr. Perrault said.

Achieving her Ph.D. with a focus in Forensic Chemistry in 2015 from the University of Technology Sydney, Dr. Perrault went on to perform additional doctoral studies at the University of Liège, applying novel analytical approaches to challenging matrices in various fields such as food science, archaeology, and forensic science. Through her research and travels, she has cultivated an international network of collaborators in academia, police, and government agencies.

This semester Dr. Perrault teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic chemistry, general chemistry, analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis here at Chaminade University. Her research program at Chaminade focuses on sensing VOCs from various biological sources for medical and forensic applications. She is also a peer reviewer for several forensic science and chemistry journals and has presented at numerous international conferences.

“One of the main reasons that I decided to come to Chaminade was the sense of community on campus. It was evident from the first moment I visited, and I am so pleased to now be part of this community,” noted Dr. Perrault. “I look forward to developing meaningful relationships with my students and contributing to their career success out in the community.”

Academic Degrees
Ph.D., University of Technology Sydney
BSc, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Selected Publications
1. Perrault, K.A., Forbes, S.L. (2016). Elemental analysis of soil and vegetation surrounding human analog decomposition. Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences. 49(3): 138-151.

2. Perrault, K.A., Stefanuto, P.-H., Dubois, L., Cnuts, D., Rots, V., Focant, J.-F. (2016). A new approach for the characterization of organic residues from stone tools using GC×GC-TOFMS. Separations. 3:2.

3. Nizio, K.D., Perrault, K.A., Troobnikoff, A.N., Ueland, M., Shoma, S., Iredell, J.R., Middleton, P.G., Forbes, S.L. (2016). In vitro volatile organic compound profiling using GC×GC-TOFMS to differentiate bacteria associated with lung infections: a proof-of-concept study. Journal of Breath Research. 10(2):026008.

4. Perrault, K.A., Stefanuto, P.-H., Stuart, B.H., Rai, T., Focant, J.-F., Forbes, S.L. (2015). Detection of decomposition volatile organic compounds in soil following removal of remains from a surface deposition site. Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology. 11(3): 376-387.

5. Perrault, K.A., Nizio, K.D., Forbes, S.L. (2015). A comparison of one-dimensional and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography for decomposition odour profiling using inter-year replicate field trials. Chromatographia. 78(15-16), 1057-1070.

6. Stefanuto, P.-H., Perrault, K.A., Focant, J.-F., Forbes, S.L. (2015). Fast chromatographic method for explosive profiling. Chromatography. 2(2): 213-224.

7. Perrault, K.A., Stefanuto, P.-H., Lloyd, R., Rai, T., Stuart, B.H., Forbes, S.L., Focant, J.-F. (2015). Exploring new dimensions in cadaveric decomposition odour analysis. Analytical Methods. 7(6): 2287-2294.

8. Perrault, K.A., Stefanuto, P.-H., Stuart, B.H., Rai, T., Focant, J.-F., Forbes, S.L. (2015). Reducing variation in decomposition odour profiling using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Journal of Separation Science. 38(1): 73-80.

9. Perrault, K.A., Rai, T., Stuart, B.H., Forbes, S.L. (2015). Seasonal comparison of carrion volatiles in decomposition soil using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography – time of flight mass spectrometry. Analytical Methods. 7(2): 690-698.

10. Perrault, K.A., Forbes S.L. (2014). Decomposition odour profiling in the air and soil surrounding vertebrate carrion. PLoS One, 9(4): e95107.

A full list of scholarly work available on Google Scholar.

Service to the Profession
American Chemical Society, Member

Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Member

Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, Member