February 26, 2019

Trends in Forensic Science conference is WSU, University of Windsor collaboration

On Tuesday, April 2, forensic investigators, academic researchers, faculty and students from the United States and Canada will converge at the University of Windsor (UW) for the sixth annual Trends in Forensic Science conference, a collaboration between UW and the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Events include forensic professional guest speakers, a research showcase, experiential workshops conducted by CSI-Windsor, and a mock crime scene investigation.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by forensic pathologist Lokman Sung, M.D., a 2003 graduate of the Wayne State School of Medicine and assistant medical examiner for Wayne County. Over the course of his career, he has instructed professionals in multiple fields of medicine and worked directly with WSU Applebaum Pathologists’ Assistant Program Director Veralucia Mendes-Kramer to train her students. Sung’s research interests include firearm injuries and asphyxia.

Faculty members and students from both universities will present research and share expertise, including WSU Applebaum forensic investigation student Patricia Donnelly. In past years, WSU Applebaum Mortuary Science Program Director Mark Evely has presented on expert witness testimony skills including body language, tone, and attitude; and Kramer has discussed recent high-profile cases and investigative processes of neonaticides and infanticides.

WSU Applebaum Associate Dean of Health Sciences Peter Frade, who will deliver welcoming remarks at the event, was instrumental in establishing the international partnership between the forensic programs at WSU and UW, and he is a key supporter of the widely acclaimed conference.

“Our joint relationship expands global affiliation experiences in forensics in the international arena for both groups of students,” he said.

Frade noted that the partnership will soon become even stronger and more integrated, as a forthcoming articulation agreement will allow forensic science students to earn their undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor and complete their master of science degree at Wayne State in a total of five years. The program is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2020 or 2021.

“We look forward to continued collaboration between our forensic programs and to laying the foundation for the forthcoming international graduate degree in forensics,” Frade said.

Currently, WSU Applebaum offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in forensic investigation and UW offers a bachelor’s degree in forensic science.

To learn more about the conference and to register, visit the TIFS 2019 website.

Return to news