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Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects from the Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Submissions from 2026 2026

Quantitative Comparisons of DNA Yield from Cellular and Non-cellular Fractions Recovered from Evidence Collection Swabs, Desiree A. Castro

Characterization and Discrimination of Electrical Tapes Using FTIR-ATR, GC-MS, and Evaluation of Physical and Optical Properties, Rayven Cobb

Implications of Substrate Differences in Gunpowder Pattern Analysis: Skin Versus Blotter Paper in Forensic Reconstruction, Faith Duggan

Differentiation of Cell Populations in Saliva-Skin Mixtures Using Autofluorescence Profiling, Kara Fairfax

The Detection of Lead Residue on Skeletonized Remains Using Radiographic Imaging and the Sodium Rhodizonate Chemical Tests, Katherine G. Freakley B.S.

The Analysis of Microbial Contamination in Electronic Cigarette Liquids and Generated Aerosols, Ankita Gola

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabutol (Δ9-THCB), Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabihexol (Δ9-THCH), and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP): the Impact of Varying Alkyl Chain Length on Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) Analog Metabolism, Kathryn M. James

The Development of a High-Throughput Enzymatic Method for the Evaluation of CYP3A4 Drug-Drug Interactions using Fluorescence-Based Assays, Jaelyn Jenifer

Muzzle-to-Target Distance Determination Based on Lead (Pb) Concentration of Gunshot Residue (GSR) Using ICP-OES, Abry Lloyd

Evaluation of the Use of Alternate Light Sources in the Search for Burned Skeletal Remains, Jessica Lucia

An Enhanced Recovery Method to Improve DNA Profiling Success from Handled Cartridge Casings, Andria Morgan-Capers

The Correlation of State-Level Autopsy Laws and Infant Autopsy Proportions: A Quality Assessment of the United States Medicolegal Death Investigation Systems, Alexis Orbeta

Labelling Inaccuracy and Contamination in Commercial Cannabis Products: A Chemical and Microbiological Surveillance, Logan N. Peters

Comparison of Traditional Chemical Gunshot Residue (GSR) Detection and Visual Methods for the Determination of Muzzle-to-Target Distance in Shooting Cases, Maggi Spratlin

Analysis of Cannabis Drinks, Meredith B. Stone

A Quantitative Analysis of Full and Partial Shotgun Pellet Patterns for Distance Determination Using Open Source Software., Jamison A. Trimber

Evaluating the Influence of Direct DNA Deposition on Passive Transfer in Forensic Casework Environments, Lauren T. Watts

Submissions from 2025 2025

The Development of a Colorimetric Rapid Test for Cannabinoid Detection via 3D Printing Techniques, Savanah Allinson

The Genetic Evidence Trail: Investigating MicroRNA Markers and Their Connection to Body Mass Index, Daja R. Bonilla

Qualitative Analysis of Commercial Nitrous Oxide Canisters for Residual Solvent and Petroleum Contaminants, Imani S. Buford

Continued Optimization of a High Resolution Melt-Based Mixture Screening Tool & Evaluation as a Contributor Identification Tool, Kiersten A. Fultz

Impact of substrates and deposition time on bacteria associated with saliva samples and its implication on a bacterial signature-based body fluid identification method, Olisdey Galano Cruz

Presumptive Identification of Psilocybin and Psilocyn in Neat Standards using Matrix Assisted Ionization in Vacuum (MAIV) and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF-MS), Maci Koester

Differentiating Touch Epidermal Cells from Blood Cells in Single Source and Mixture Samples using Flow Cytometry, Emmanuel M. LesPere

Accurate Body Weight Class Prediction from miRNA and Gene Expression in Blood and Saliva Samples, Kimberly Lettner

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