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Explore the cutting-edge research in forensic science at NIST, aiming to enhance investigation accuracy through ballistics, genetics, toxins, and more. The Special Programs Office fosters strategic programs for sustainable impact.
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Federal Forensic Science Research -National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Susan Ballou, MS Manager Forensic Science Research Program Special Programs Office
NIST is in the Department of Commerce Secretary of Commerce International Trade Administration Patent and Trademark Office Other Agencies…. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Institute of Standards & Technology Economics and Statistics Administration (Census Bureau) (National Weather Service) Walter G. Copan Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology
NIST Priority Research Areas Fotocrisis/shutterstock Designersart/shutterstock Yuri Arcurs/shutterstock StillFX/shutterstock USGS Chuck Rausin/shutterstock Ensuper/shutterstock shutterstock
Special Programs Office The Special Programs Office (SPO) pulls individual research projects in forensic science and greenhouse gas measurements into larger, strategic programs that generate more funding, partnerships, and stability than these projects could generate on their own.
Forensic Science Research Program Focus Areas: • Ballistics and Associated Toolmarks: To produce scientifically valid mathematical and objective measurement that would ultimately support a conclusion of identification for ballistic evidence. • Digital and Identification Forensics: To promote efficient and effective use of computer technology in the investigation of crimes. • Forensic Genetics: To support accuracy and reliability in the forensic DNA typing community through the production of reference materials, characterization of forensically relevant genetic markers, and assessment of emerging technologies. • Statistics: To provide a thorough understanding of the uncertainty associated with scientific measurements or analytical techniques and a context for the interpretation of statistical results. • Toxins: To assure the quality and rigorous uncertainty determination of drug measurements while developing tools for the identification of emerging designer drugs and synthetic marijuana. • Trace: To improve trace analysis beyond class identification toward individualized interpretation, to include the application of measurement methods with defined uncertainties.
Forensic Genetics Topics Produce and maintain PCR/STR typing SRMs; Release of highly characterized genomic DNA materials Produce and maintain a quantitation SRM; Prepare a set of data files that can be used as reference data for DNA mixture deconvolution software Next Generation Sequencing; Assessment of the emerging technology of next generation sequencing New genetic markers; Genotyping and sequence of emerging genetic markers for human identity purposes Genotyping concordance; Genotyping NIST population samples with newly developed (beta test) kits from commercial vendors Rapid DNA (FBI);Assessing Rapid DNA platforms for automated typing of core forensic STR markers.
Toxins Cannabis Entourage Benchmarking by NMR Spectroscopy; applying NMR spectroscopy to multiple phases simultaneously. Fentanyl Crisis: Field Detection and Reference Material For Toxicology Testing; working with CB Protection Lab developing next gen canine training materials and a prototype RM/SRM for most common toxic opioid in tox samples. Measurements and Standards for Δ9 THC Determination; collaborative effort with IFRI to explore vapor-phase capture of cannabis components and human metabolic products. Mass Spectrometry Data Center; Mass spectral libraries for the opioid crisis; latest release included 44 fentanyls. Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Data Hub; maintain a quantitation SRM; collaboration with BKA and the DEA – contains NMR date from over 200 unique drug exhibits. Rapid and Adaptive Detection of Fentanyl and Emerging Designer Drugs; evaluate technologies for their ability to rapidly and safely detect fentanyl and related compounds.
NIST Forensic Science Center of Excellence (FSCOE) NIST has committed to invest $20M over 5 years in the FSCOE Goals: (1) improve the statistical foundation for pattern evidence (fingerprints, firearms, tool marks, etc.) and digital evidence (computer, video, and audio analyses) and (2) develop education and training on probabilistic methods for practitioners and other relevant stakeholders Awardees: A consortium effort led by Iowa State involving Carnegie Mellon, University of California-Irvine, and the University of Virginia
Acknowledgements SPO/FSRP Susan Ballou Corrine Lloyd Melissa Taylor Robert M. Thompson Shannan Williams SPO Director Richard Cavanagh NIST Fellow John Butler NIST Associate Sheila Willis Contact Information Susan.ballou@nist.gov