North Carolina State University is working to become an international leader in forensic sciences. Over the last 18 months, faculty teams from six colleges at NC State have received funding for research in the forensic sciences from NSF and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) totaling more than $3 million. Professor David Hinks of the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) and his colleagues are working diligently to leverage NC State into the leadership ranks in forensic science research. In 2010-2011, the forensics program faculty provided expert assistance in almost 100 criminal cases within North Carolina as well as helping educate high school students about the real world of forensic science. The 4th Annual Forensic Science Symposium was held on December 6, 2011with attendees from various local and state criminal justice agencies. Professor Hinks reports that Institute support helped leverage funds from the Department of Justice for infrastructure support for the establishment of the NC Forensic Sciences Institute. Moreover, forensics faculty members have also been awarded grants through the NC State Research and Innovation Seed Funding Program and the NC State Provost has provided support for the development of a new course in forensics. Since July 2010, the forensics program has produced 5 peer-reviewed papers, 12 presentations, and a book titled “The Juvenile Skeleton in Forensic Abuse Investigations”. One postdoctoral student, seven graduate students, and five undergraduate students are supported across four colleges in support of various forensics projects.
