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Center Overview
The Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS) serves as a platform to conduct interdisciplinary and innovative research to address the needs of the forensic science laboratory community. CARFS brings together forensic science leaders in state-of-the-art research laboratories, specialized facilities, and institutes across the nation to solve the most complex problems facing forensic science today.
The combined knowledge of the forensic faculty allows CARFS to address a wide range of forensic science problems, whether in the form of long-term, high-risk discovery or shorter term, deliverable-driven research. CARFS produces novel findings and tools for a range of stakeholders, including forensic science practitioners, research laboratories, industrial partners, government, and private forensic science end users.
CARFS' goal is to develop, implement, and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science research enterprise by uniting experts in multidisciplinary backgrounds to address the direct needs of industrial members, ultimately providing products, techniques, strategies, and methodologies for the end-user community in the forensic science enterprise.
Universities
- Florida International University
- University of South Alabama
- Texas A&M University
- Sam Houston State University
Center Personnel
Kenneth Furton
Center Director and FIU Research Site Director
+1 305 348 0022
furtonk@fiu.edu
Aaron Tarone
Center Associate Director and TAMU Research Site Director
aaron.tarone@ag.tamu.edu
Adam Hall
BU Research Site Director
+1 617 358 0401
adamhall@bu.edu
Michael Chambers
USA Research Site Director
+1 251 460 6333
michaelchambers@southalabama.edu
Sarah Kerrigan
SHSU Research Site Director
sxk003@shsu.edu
Roberta Petry Gorziza
CARFS Grant Manager
+1 305 348 8403
roberta.gorziza@fiu.edu
Research Focus
CARFS researchers are experts in a wide range of forensic disciplines, including:
- Behavioral sciences.
- Computer science.
- Cyber forensics in both hardware and software.
- Digital forensics/data analytics.
- Forensic anthropology.
- Forensic chemistry.
- Forensic engineering and instrumentation.
- Forensic entomology.
- Forensic microbiology.
- Forensic molecular biology.
- Forensic statistics.
- Legal psychology.
CARFS plans to expand to include other forensic disciplines.
Awards
In recent decades, translation of fundamental discoveries to forensic method development has improved forensic investigations. Efforts continue to address scientific limitations and expand fundamental research that can contribute to existing and developing forensic applications. Investigators at Florida International University (lead site), Sam Houston State University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, along with collaborators at Boston University, Howard University, Syracuse University, and University of Michigan, address aspects of this broad challenge through the continuation of the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS). This Phase II Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) will continue to serve as a platform for innovative and, in many cases, interdisciplinary forensic science research activities at the interface of academia, government, and industry, bringing together forensic science leaders in state-of-the-art research laboratories, specialized facilities, and institutes across the nation. CARFS researchers will conduct projects in a range of forensic areas including forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology and medicine, as well as digital evidence, environmental forensics, and nuclear forensics. The Center communicates new findings and tools to a range of stakeholders, including forensic science practitioners, research laboratories, industrial partners, and government and private forensic science end users, ultimately supporting safety and justice for the nation. The Center's research sites provide training and internship opportunities to a diverse group of students, thus supporting the future US STEM and forensic workforce.
The current state of forensic science has required advanced and novel techniques and approaches that have pushed the boundaries of traditional scientific areas such as chemistry and biology and require the collaboration of engineers and computer scientists to develop next generation devices and analysis methods. The goal of CARFS is to bring together industrial partners, including the end-user community, with academic forensic science researchers with an aim to develop, implement and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science enterprise. Across the sites and collaborators of CARFS Phase II, projects are proposed to the industrial advisory board in the following initial areas, with potential for expansion based on evolving research needs: Forensic Biology (e.g., entomology, genomics, microbial), Forensic Chemistry (e.g., trace, biosensors), Forensic Medicine (e.g., anthropology, taphonomy), Forensic Toxicology (e.g., metabolomics, biomarkers), Digital Evidence (e.g., mobile devices, authentication), Environmental Forensics (e.g., trafficking, source attribution) and Nuclear Forensics (e.g., source signatures). CARFS will continue to grow its partnerships, research, and footprint while embracing diversity to mentor and foster the future forensic science workforce. The center leverages additional NSF opportunities for student training and mentoring, including through the REU, INTERN, and START supplement programs. This grant is jointly supported by the National Science Foundation (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate; and Division of Social and Economic Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences).
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
The current state of forensic science has required advanced and novel techniques and approaches that have pushed the boundaries of traditional scientific areas such as chemistry and biology and require the collaboration of engineers and computer scientists to develop next generation devices and analysis methods. The goal of CARFS is to bring together industrial partners, including the end-user community, with academic forensic science researchers with an aim to develop, implement and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science enterprise. Across the sites and collaborators of CARFS Phase II, projects are proposed to the industrial advisory board in the following initial areas, with potential for expansion based on evolving research needs: Forensic Biology (e.g., entomology, genomics, microbial), Forensic Chemistry (e.g., trace, biosensors), Forensic Medicine (e.g., anthropology, taphonomy), Forensic Toxicology (e.g., metabolomics, biomarkers), Digital Evidence (e.g., mobile devices, authentication), Environmental Forensics (e.g., trafficking, source attribution) and Nuclear Forensics (e.g., source signatures). CARFS will continue to grow its partnerships, research, and footprint while embracing diversity to mentor and foster the future forensic science workforce. The center leverages additional NSF opportunities for student training and mentoring, including through the REU, INTERN, and START supplement programs. This grant is jointly supported by the National Science Foundation (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate; and Division of Social and Economic Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences).
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
In recent decades, translation of fundamental discoveries to forensic method development has improved forensic investigations. Efforts continue to address scientific limitations and expand fundamental research that can contribute to existing and developing forensic applications. Investigators at Florida International University (lead site), Sam Houston State University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, along with collaborators at Boston University, Howard University, Syracuse University, and University of Michigan, address aspects of this broad challenge through the continuation of the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS). This Phase II Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) will continue to serve as a platform for innovative and, in many cases, interdisciplinary forensic science research activities at the interface of academia, government, and industry, bringing together forensic science leaders in state-of-the-art research laboratories, specialized facilities, and institutes across the nation. CARFS researchers will conduct projects in a range of forensic areas including forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology and medicine, as well as digital evidence, environmental forensics, and nuclear forensics. The Center communicates new findings and tools to a range of stakeholders, including forensic science practitioners, research laboratories, industrial partners, and government and private forensic science end users, ultimately supporting safety and justice for the nation. The Center's research sites provide training and internship opportunities to a diverse group of students, thus supporting the future US STEM and forensic workforce.
The current state of forensic science has required advanced and novel techniques and approaches that have pushed the boundaries of traditional scientific areas such as chemistry and biology and require the collaboration of engineers and computer scientists to develop next generation devices and analysis methods. The goal of CARFS is to bring together industrial partners, including the end-user community, with academic forensic science researchers with an aim to develop, implement and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science enterprise. Across the sites and collaborators of CARFS Phase II, projects are proposed to the industrial advisory board in the following initial areas, with potential for expansion based on evolving research needs: Forensic Biology (e.g., entomology, genomics, microbial), Forensic Chemistry (e.g., trace, biosensors), Forensic Medicine (e.g., anthropology, taphonomy), Forensic Toxicology (e.g., metabolomics, biomarkers), Digital Evidence (e.g., mobile devices, authentication), Environmental Forensics (e.g., trafficking, source attribution) and Nuclear Forensics (e.g., source signatures). CARFS will continue to grow its partnerships, research, and footprint while embracing diversity to mentor and foster the future forensic science workforce. The center leverages additional NSF opportunities for student training and mentoring, including through the REU, INTERN, and START supplement programs. This grant is jointly supported by the National Science Foundation (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate; and Division of Social and Economic Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences).
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
The current state of forensic science has required advanced and novel techniques and approaches that have pushed the boundaries of traditional scientific areas such as chemistry and biology and require the collaboration of engineers and computer scientists to develop next generation devices and analysis methods. The goal of CARFS is to bring together industrial partners, including the end-user community, with academic forensic science researchers with an aim to develop, implement and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science enterprise. Across the sites and collaborators of CARFS Phase II, projects are proposed to the industrial advisory board in the following initial areas, with potential for expansion based on evolving research needs: Forensic Biology (e.g., entomology, genomics, microbial), Forensic Chemistry (e.g., trace, biosensors), Forensic Medicine (e.g., anthropology, taphonomy), Forensic Toxicology (e.g., metabolomics, biomarkers), Digital Evidence (e.g., mobile devices, authentication), Environmental Forensics (e.g., trafficking, source attribution) and Nuclear Forensics (e.g., source signatures). CARFS will continue to grow its partnerships, research, and footprint while embracing diversity to mentor and foster the future forensic science workforce. The center leverages additional NSF opportunities for student training and mentoring, including through the REU, INTERN, and START supplement programs. This grant is jointly supported by the National Science Foundation (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate; and Division of Social and Economic Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences).
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
In recent decades, translation of fundamental discoveries to forensic method development has improved forensic investigations. Efforts continue to address scientific limitations and expand fundamental research that can contribute to existing and developing forensic applications. Investigators at Florida International University (lead site), Sam Houston State University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, along with collaborators at Boston University, Howard University, Syracuse University, and University of Michigan, address aspects of this broad challenge through the continuation of the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS). This Phase II Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) will continue to serve as a platform for innovative and, in many cases, interdisciplinary forensic science research activities at the interface of academia, government, and industry, bringing together forensic science leaders in state-of-the-art research laboratories, specialized facilities, and institutes across the nation. CARFS researchers will conduct projects in a range of forensic areas including forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology and medicine, as well as digital evidence, environmental forensics, and nuclear forensics. The Center communicates new findings and tools to a range of stakeholders, including forensic science practitioners, research laboratories, industrial partners, and government and private forensic science end users, ultimately supporting safety and justice for the nation. The Center's research sites provide training and internship opportunities to a diverse group of students, thus supporting the future US STEM and forensic workforce.
The current state of forensic science has required advanced and novel techniques and approaches that have pushed the boundaries of traditional scientific areas such as chemistry and biology and require the collaboration of engineers and computer scientists to develop next generation devices and analysis methods. The goal of CARFS is to bring together industrial partners, including the end-user community, with academic forensic science researchers with an aim to develop, implement and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science enterprise. Across the sites and collaborators of CARFS Phase II, projects are proposed to the industrial advisory board in the following initial areas, with potential for expansion based on evolving research needs: Forensic Biology (e.g., entomology, genomics, microbial), Forensic Chemistry (e.g., trace, biosensors), Forensic Medicine (e.g., anthropology, taphonomy), Forensic Toxicology (e.g., metabolomics, biomarkers), Digital Evidence (e.g., mobile devices, authentication), Environmental Forensics (e.g., trafficking, source attribution) and Nuclear Forensics (e.g., source signatures). CARFS will continue to grow its partnerships, research, and footprint while embracing diversity to mentor and foster the future forensic science workforce. The center leverages additional NSF opportunities for student training and mentoring, including through the REU, INTERN, and START supplement programs. This grant is jointly supported by the National Science Foundation (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate; and Division of Social and Economic Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences).
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
The current state of forensic science has required advanced and novel techniques and approaches that have pushed the boundaries of traditional scientific areas such as chemistry and biology and require the collaboration of engineers and computer scientists to develop next generation devices and analysis methods. The goal of CARFS is to bring together industrial partners, including the end-user community, with academic forensic science researchers with an aim to develop, implement and commercialize tools that benefit the national forensic science enterprise. Across the sites and collaborators of CARFS Phase II, projects are proposed to the industrial advisory board in the following initial areas, with potential for expansion based on evolving research needs: Forensic Biology (e.g., entomology, genomics, microbial), Forensic Chemistry (e.g., trace, biosensors), Forensic Medicine (e.g., anthropology, taphonomy), Forensic Toxicology (e.g., metabolomics, biomarkers), Digital Evidence (e.g., mobile devices, authentication), Environmental Forensics (e.g., trafficking, source attribution) and Nuclear Forensics (e.g., source signatures). CARFS will continue to grow its partnerships, research, and footprint while embracing diversity to mentor and foster the future forensic science workforce. The center leverages additional NSF opportunities for student training and mentoring, including through the REU, INTERN, and START supplement programs. This grant is jointly supported by the National Science Foundation (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate; and Division of Social and Economic Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences).
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. Read More >
In recent decades, a rapid transition from fundamental discoveries to forensic method development has improved the quality of evidence in many types of forensic investigations. However, there has also been a call, at the national level, for forensic disciplines to address their scientific limitations and expand fundamental research that can underpin and improve existing and developing forensic applications. Investigators at Florida International University (FIU) and the University of South Alabama (USA), along with affiliated collaborators at Northeastern University (NE), George Washington University (GWU), Texas A&M University (TAMU), and the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), will address aspects of this broad challenge through the formation of the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS). This Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) will serve as a platform for innovative and, in many cases, interdisciplinary forensic science research activities at the interface of academia, government, and industry. CARFS will initially include digital forensics/data analytics (USA), forensic chemistry (FIU/NE/GWU), forensic molecular biology (FIU/GWU), and forensic microbiology (TAMU/UNT), with the possibility of future expansion to include other forensic disciplines. The Center is anticipated to provide new findings and tools to a range of stakeholders, including forensic science practitioners, research laboratories, industrial partners, and government and private forensic science end users, and will ultimately support safety and justice for the nation. The Center's research sites will also provide training opportunities to a diverse group of students, thus supporting the pipeline of future forensic researchers.
As part of CARFS, the FIU site, including affiliates at GWU and NE, will focus on forensic chemistry and molecular biology, with additional interests in computer science and psychology. At FIU, research will focus on topics including epigenetic markers for age estimation and trace forensic body fluid identification, rapid and portable tools for the organic and inorganic characterization of materials, and explosives detection techniques. FIU will collaborate with GWU and NE on topics including rapid DNA profiling and mass spectroscopic characterization of designer drugs. Fundamental research in molecular biology, separation science and mass spectrometric detection at these institutions will address scientific challenges in forensics as well as in other areas such as drug discovery/development, homeland security, and the fuel industry. Across the six institutions involved in CARFS there is also potential for innovative projects that span and integrate digital and laboratory sciences.
This grant is jointly supported by NSF (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; and Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences). Read More >
As part of CARFS, the FIU site, including affiliates at GWU and NE, will focus on forensic chemistry and molecular biology, with additional interests in computer science and psychology. At FIU, research will focus on topics including epigenetic markers for age estimation and trace forensic body fluid identification, rapid and portable tools for the organic and inorganic characterization of materials, and explosives detection techniques. FIU will collaborate with GWU and NE on topics including rapid DNA profiling and mass spectroscopic characterization of designer drugs. Fundamental research in molecular biology, separation science and mass spectrometric detection at these institutions will address scientific challenges in forensics as well as in other areas such as drug discovery/development, homeland security, and the fuel industry. Across the six institutions involved in CARFS there is also potential for innovative projects that span and integrate digital and laboratory sciences.
This grant is jointly supported by NSF (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; and Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences). Read More >
In recent decades, a rapid transition from fundamental discoveries to forensic method development has improved the quality of evidence in many types of forensic investigations. However, there has also been a call, at the national level, for forensic disciplines to address their scientific limitations and expand fundamental research that can underpin and improve existing and developing forensic applications. Investigators at the University of South Alabama (USA) and Florida International University (FIU), along with affiliated collaborators at Texas A&M University (TAMU), the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), Northeastern University (NE), and George Washington University (GWU), will address aspects of this broad challenge through the formation of the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS). This Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) will serve as a platform for innovative and, in many cases, interdisciplinary forensic science research activities at the interface of academia, government, and industry. CARFS will initially include digital forensics/data analytics (USA), forensic chemistry (FIU/NE/GWU), forensic molecular biology (FIU/GWU), and forensic microbiology (TAMU/UNT), with the possibility of future expansion to include other forensic disciplines. The Center is anticipated to provide new findings and tools to a range of stakeholders, including forensic science practitioners, research laboratories, industrial partners, and government and private forensic science end users, and will ultimately support safety and justice for the nation. The Center's research sites will also provide training opportunities to a diverse group of students, thus supporting the pipeline of future forensic researchers.
As part of CARFS, the USA site, including affiliates at TAMU and UNTHSC, will focus on digital and microbial forensics. At USA, research will focus on Digital Forensic Information Intelligence, including the development, testing, and implementation of novel approaches to understand not only how devices, information systems, and software can be compromised, but also how one can reliably determine how those compromises occurred. The research will support the development of new technologies with potentially cross cutting industry impact: (1) mobile devices, (2) additive manufacturing, (3) medical devices, (4) transportation systems, as well as (5) generation and storage of large scale data sets (forensic microbiology). At TAMU and UNTHSC, research will focus on forensically important phenomena of decomposition and ecological recycling of vertebrate carrion, to support human identification and source attribution; taphonomy; counterterrorism/drug interdiction; and validation services. The research will address scientific challenges in forensics as well as applications in broader areas of human importance (e.g., food safety, engineering, structural integrity, agriculture). Across the six institutions involved in CARFS there is also potential for innovative projects that span and integrate digital and laboratory sciences.
This grant is jointly supported by NSF (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; and Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences). Read More >
As part of CARFS, the USA site, including affiliates at TAMU and UNTHSC, will focus on digital and microbial forensics. At USA, research will focus on Digital Forensic Information Intelligence, including the development, testing, and implementation of novel approaches to understand not only how devices, information systems, and software can be compromised, but also how one can reliably determine how those compromises occurred. The research will support the development of new technologies with potentially cross cutting industry impact: (1) mobile devices, (2) additive manufacturing, (3) medical devices, (4) transportation systems, as well as (5) generation and storage of large scale data sets (forensic microbiology). At TAMU and UNTHSC, research will focus on forensically important phenomena of decomposition and ecological recycling of vertebrate carrion, to support human identification and source attribution; taphonomy; counterterrorism/drug interdiction; and validation services. The research will address scientific challenges in forensics as well as applications in broader areas of human importance (e.g., food safety, engineering, structural integrity, agriculture). Across the six institutions involved in CARFS there is also potential for innovative projects that span and integrate digital and laboratory sciences.
This grant is jointly supported by NSF (Division of Chemistry, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate; and Division Of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate) and the National Institute of Justice (Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences). Read More >
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the Center author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.