Students in the Forensic Science Graduate Program engage in innovative research with well-respected industry and academic professionals. Research data and interpretation are collated as a written thesis, which is presented in an oral defense. Students are strongly encouraged to publish their thesis research in peer-reviewed journals.
Research Opportunities for Graduate Students
The following are descriptions of research projects for which professors are seeking graduate students. If you are interested in one of these projects or a similar project, contact the thesis chair.
| Topic | Thesis Chair | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Dr. Moshe Rosenberg | Food authentication and regional origin of food and agricultural products |
| Biological Molecular Techniques | Dr. Robert Rice | Protein profiling of human hair for distinguishing individuals: database development |
| DNA/Chemistry | Dr. Cassandra Calloway | Trace DNA collection from large surface areas coupled to enhanced DNA extraction |
| Chemistry | Dr. Matt Wood | Detection and identification of trace explosive residues from latent fingerprints |
| Biological Molecular Techniques | Dr. Robert Rice | Cytochrome P450 knockout (CRISPR-Cas9 system) in human epidermal keratinocytes for toxicity assessments |
| Biological Molecular Techniques | Dr. Robert Rice | Mechanisms of toxic response of human epidermal cells (dioxin, arsenic and copper) |
Completed Student Research Projects
The following research projects have been completed. If you have any questions, please contact the thesis chair for more details.
| Topic | Graduate Student | Thesis Chair | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Fessler, C. | D. Howitt | Critical task impairment at low ETOH level using EPAS detection |
| Alcohol | Mathison, J. | D. Land | CAPSTONE: Alcohol induced Blackouts, a collective review |
| Chemistry | Ayala, D. | B. Puschner | Mercapturic Acids as Biomarkers of Internal Naphalene Exposure |
| Chemistry | Benedet, J. | T. Shibamoto | Biomarkers for toxic chemical exposure-disease relationships |
| Chemistry | Bradshaw, K. | R. Rice | Proteomic Analysis of Mouse Hairs from Several Mutant Strains |
| Chemistry | Brooke, P. | D. Land | FTIR-ATR determination and non-destructive analysis of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) impregnated in denim fabric. |
| Chemistry | Caldwell, J. | D. Land | Using D-2-hydroxyglutarate as a tool for measuring γ-hydroxybutyric acid levels in blood and urine – a pilot study. |
| Chemistry | Carlson | J. Erkens | Stable Isotope Analysis of Teeth and Bone From Seven Native American Males in Pleasanton, Alameda County, California |
| Chemistry | Chen, H. | D. Barile | Investigation on Oligosaccharides Composition of Farm Mile and Processed Milk by Gas Chromatography and Advanced Mass Spectrometry |
| Chemistry | Conner, A. | K. Dehesh | Determination of the activity of LTA4H-like protein in Arabidopis thaliana by GC/MS and LC/MS |
| Chemistry | Connolly-Ingram, C. | D. Land | Investigation on Oligosaccharides Composition of Farm Mile and Processed Milk by Gas Chromatography and Advanced Mass Spectrometry |
| Chemistry | Currier, C. | Y. Hsieh | Instrumental Technique for Differentiating Beige Carpet Fibers |
| Chemistry | Dang, L. | M. Rosenberg | Trace elemental correlation of milk and soil |
| Chemistry | Dodds, A. | D. Land | Batch Variability of Glass using Laser Ablation ICP Mass Spec |
| Chemistry | Eaquinto, I. | D. Land | The detection of Na-GHB disolved in different pH drinks, over time |
| Chemistry | Eitner, J. | D. Land | Development, Optimization, and Validation of Instrumental Calibration Standards for Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) Applications |
| Chemistry | Fogelberg, C. | T. Shibamoto | The Analysis of 2,4-Dinitrophenol in Biological Specimen |
| Chemistry | Fussell, J. | J. Thornton | The Visualization and Identification of Cannabis sativa (marijuana) Seeds |
| Chemistry | Goggin, C. | J. Thornton | Odor of Cannabis compared and analyzed by AccuTOF DART MS |
| Chemistry | Gorecho, E. | D. Land | FTIR-ATR Quantitation of Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) Cotton Swabbed from Glass and Plastic Containers |
| Chemistry | Harrington, K. | D. Land | Forensic expansion of LA-ICP-MS: Elemental analysis of soda-lime container glass and applications of principal component analysis |
| Chemistry | Hranac, R. | D. Land | Phosphine generation from clandestine methamphetamine waste |
| Chemistry | Huntington, B. | M. Miller | Synthesis and Intermediate/By-Product Analysis of Bromo-dragonFLY, a Dihydrobenzofuran Analogue of Phenethylamine Hallucinogens |
| Chemistry | Hutches, K. | D. Land | Detection of Residual Gasoline on skin using SPME methods |
| Chemistry | Laatsch, CN | R. Rice | Distinguishing People by Their Hair Protein Profiles |
| Chemistry | Lasater, B. | D. Land | Elemental Profiling of Carpet Fibers |
| Chemistry | Le, T. | Y. Hsieh | Discrimination of Blue Denim Fibers using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry |
| Chemistry | Levoe, S. | P. Lein | The Relationship of Oxidative Stress to Organophosphorus Pesticide (OP) – Induced Neurotoxicity |
| Chemistry | Manhart, C. | J. Thornton | Sensitivity of Luminol on Denim material. |
| Chemistry | Mann, S. | R. Rice | Proteome Analysis of Inbred Mouse and Human Hair with Alopecia Areata |
| Chemistry | May, L. | M. Rosenberg | Determining the Geographic Origin of Milk and Cheese Using Multi-Element Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis |
| Chemistry | Mukwana, S. | D. Land | Analysis of Soot Materials for Combustion Products |
| Chemistry | Nakayama, M. | D. Land | Bleach mediated chemistry of psuedoephedrine |
| Chemistry | Stevens, S. | T. Shibamoto | Photodegradation of Salvinorin A |
| Chemistry | Suarez, M. | S. Parikh | Evaluation of the spatial variability of soils: Application to Forensic Science |
| Chemistry | Szelagowski, E. | M. Rosenberg | A Non-invasive Methodology for Detailed SEM Analysis of Human Skin |
| Chemistry | Tanabe, C. | M. Rosenberg | Determination of the Geographical Origin of Green Coffee Using Elemental and Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis |
| Chemistry | Taormina, E. | D. Land | Detection and characterization of volatile organic compounds from burned human and animal remains in fire debris |
| Chemistry | Triebold, C. | D. Land | Ephedrine & Pseudoephedrine isomer identification in toxicological samples |
| Chemistry | Ward, E. | D. Land | Is it possible to distinguish between yellow nylon rope fibers using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)? |
| Chemistry | Watkins, J. | P. Green | Using Laser Ablation and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to Measure Mercury Levels in Hair Samples |
| Chemistry | Wiltshire, S. | Y. Hsieh | Differentiating Beige Carpet Fibers |
| Chemistry | Wong, G. | M. Rosenberg | Authentication of Culinary Salt – Challenges and Opportunities |
| Chemistry | Wu, P-W | R. Rice | Protein profiling of hair from human monozygotic twins |
| DNA | Aceves, M. | G. Sensabaugh | Development of a real-time qPCR assay for the simultaneous assessment of mitochondrial DNA degradation, total nuclear DNA, and the presence of PCR inhibitors |
| DNA | Barr, A. | S. Kanthaswamy | A Rapid qPCR-based DNA Quantification Assay Coupled with Species-determination Capabilities for Two Hybridizing Macaca Species |
| DNA | Baute, D. | S. Kanthaswamy | Analysis of forensic SNPs in canine mtDNA HVI mutational hotspot region |
| DNA | Bischof, S. | R. Rice | The Effects of Water Type, Exposure Time, and Water Agitation Level on the Ability to Detect Semen, Sperm, and Human DNA on Cotton Fabric |
| DNA | Boland, C. | G. Sensabaugh | Comparative analysis of differential extractions to eliminate co-purification |
| DNA | Brooks, A. | L. Lyons | Development of a Multiplexed SNP Identification Panel for the Random-Bred Domestic Cat |
| DNA | Caulder, M. | H. Ernest | Species Discrimination of Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer by Microsatellite Markers |
| DNA | Cavness, S. | G. Sensabaugh | Survey of Results from Biological Analysis of Sexual Assault Kits Collected from Victims in Oakland California |
| DNA | Charoenchote, W. | R. Rice | Construct gene frequency of Merue population-Tanzania |
| DNA | Cuenca, D. | G. Sensabaugh | Analysis of Forensically Relevant Degraded and Limited DNA Samples Using Probe Capture and Next Generation Sequencing |
| DNA | Dickover, R. | R. Rice | STR Genotyping of DNA From Latent Fingerprint Cards |
| DNA | Doneva, K. | R. Rice | Frequency of Inter- tissue Somatic Mosaicism at the 15 Amp FISTR Identifier Loci |
| DNA | Duke, K. | G. Sensabaugh | The quadruplex real-time PCR assay employs a popular type of DNA detection system, namely the TaqMan primer/probe system Issues |
| DNA | Duke, M. | S. Kanthaswamy | Research on canine miniSTR marker resolution with extended nucleotidic and non-nucleotidic primers extensions |
| DNA | Dunbar, M. | T. Murphy | DNA Analysis of plant material used for rope manufacture |
| DNA | Fong, T. | R. Rice | Optimization of drying conditions for sexual assault swabs |
| DNA | Gazlay, K. | L. Lyons | Hair color gene mutation in cats |
| DNA | Gordon, R. | C. Hopkins | DNA Allele Frequencies of the AmpFlSTR® Identifiler® STR alleles in the Luo, Kalenjin, and Kamba Tribes of Kenya |
| DNA | Haltiner, C. | E. Panacek | Comparison of Radial Diffusion, RSID, and DNA test positivity in saliva specimens over time |
| DNA | Hansen, D. | R. Ballard | Investigation of collection and exgraction methods for low-levels of DNA on various substrates to determine which method recovers the greatest amount of DNA |
| DNA | Harper, K. | R. Davis | Species identification of toxic and hallucinogenic mushrooms via macroarray |
| DNA | Himmelberger, A. | S. Kanthswany | Mitochondrial DNA of dog saliva |
| DNA | Hinckley, A. | P. Gepts | PCR-based genotyping of Ricin communis cultivars plants |
| DNA | Hinton, N. | R. Rice | Developmental validation of an 8 loci multiplex system for North American mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) |
| DNA | Ho, J. | G. Sensabaugh | Studying the relation of post-coital interval (PCI) to screening tests(s) results to the obtainment of partial or complete DNA profile |
| DNA | Ho, L. | K. Nambiar | Overexpression of HER2/new and helical peptides binding |
| DNA | Hofsass, P. | G. Sensabaugh | Contact DNA sensitivity, durability, and recovery on firearms |
| DNA | Huang, A. | E. Panacek | Yield and Quality of Male DNA Deposited on Female Skin via Oral Contact |
| DNA | Huang, T. | L. Lyons | Differentiating Cat DNA Mixtures From Cross Grooming Using MtDNA |
| DNA | Imes, D. | C. Penedo | Domestic Dog Mitochondrial DNA genome to identify highly polymorphic regions |
| DNA | James, J. | G. Sensabaugh | Desalting and concentration process for post-PCR cleanup |
| DNA | Johnson, C. | S. Kanthaswamy | The Identification of Cannibas sativa Using Real-Time PCR. |
| DNA | Kun, T. | L. Lyons | Development of a Canine Mini STR Panel for Forensic Casework |
| DNA | Lawrence, D. | D. Smith | A Molecular Analysis of Protohistoric native American Osteological Remains |
| DNA | Lee, V. | D. Smith | Recovery and typing of DNA from lip prints |
| DNA | Levi, C. | R. Rice | Obtaining DNA Profiles from Archived Tape-Lift Fingerprint Cards |
| DNA | Llinas, G. | G. Sensabaugh | Microbial community profiling of soil evidence |
| DNA | Malvick, J. | H. Ernest | Tetranucleotide DNA Marker Panel for Pumas (Puma concolor): Development and Applications for Forensics and Ecology |
| DNA | Marlia, G. | E. Panacek | DNA Yield from Oral Samples Obtained after Oral Sex |
| DNA | McIlmoyle, G. | S. Kanthaswamy | Development of a methylation detection assay for rhesus macaques |
| DNA | Mendoza, A. | S. Kanthaswamy | Cross-Species Amplification of STR Markers Using Samples from Titi Monkeys (Callacebus spp.) |
| DNA | Mercurio, M. | R. Rice | DNA recovery from fixed blade and folding knives |
| DNA | Ng, J. | S. Kanthaswamy | Development and Validation of a DNA-Based Multi-Species Identifcation andQuantification Assay |
| DNA | Oh, Y. | R. Ballard | DNA Allele Frequencies of the AmpFISTR Identifiler STR Alleles in the Kikuyu and Luhya Tribes of Kenya |
| DNA | Olegario, M. | B. Sacks | A STR Multiplex for Colombian Black-Tailed Deer |
| DNA | Olson, J. | A. Oberbauer | Effects of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms on canine social approach behaviors |
| DNA | Powell, T. | B. Rice | Isolation of DNA from blue jeans and interfering Indigo dyes |
| DNA | Premasuthan, A. | S. Kanthaswamy | Comparison of ABO blood group phenotype and genotype frequencies in geographic populations of rhesus and cynomolgous macaques |
| DNA | Reponen, S. | B. Sacks | Population Genetics of Feral Dogs on Isabela Island |
| DNA | Reyes, V. | G. Sensabaugh | mtDNA genome sequencing and analysis using microarray technology |
| DNA | Sanderfor-Schultz, E. | M. Wood | The effects of latent print techniques on trace DNA over a year period of time. |
| DNA | Sandoval, M. | S. Kanthaswamy | Yield of Touch DNA after Physical Contact Relevant to Sexual Assault |
| DNA | Sartorio, A. | C. Penedo | A Review of the Genetic Markers Currently Available for DNA-Based Analysis of South American Camelids |
| DNA | Scharnhorst, G. | S. Kanthaswamy | Findings and recommendations from a review of 32 canine case report |
| DNA | Scott, C. | R. Rice | DNA Yield on Varied Sample Extraction Techniques |
| DNA | Sentiwany, C. | G. Sensabaugh | Evaluating the probative value of sexual assault evidence collected from suspects |
| DNA | Sethi, V. | S. Kanthaswamy | Yield of Touch DNA after physical contact with fabrics relevant to sexual assault |
| DNA | Smalling, B. | S. Kanthaswamy | SNaPshot Assay for Canine forensic mtDNA analsysis |
| DNA | Solt, K. | S. Kanthaswamy | Technical Review: Assay development for the quantification of mixed species samples in forensic research (NIJ Grant No. 2008-DN-BX-K288 to SK) |
| DNA | Spicer, A. | L. Lyons | Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy in the hair of domestic dogs. |
| DNA | Swenson, N. | R. Rice | Developmental validation of an 8 loci multiplex system for North American mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) |
| DNA | Taormina, P. | S. Kanthaswamy | Assessment of Finnzymes PathoProof Bovine Mastitis PCR Assay kit for use in California |
| DNA | Tom, B. | S. Kanthaswamy | Nomenclature and Allelic Ladder Development for Canine STR Panel |
| DNA | Tsai, H. | R. Rice | Characterize a novel protein VSIG8 in hair and nail |
| DNA | Viray, J. | D. Smith | Implementation of Applied Biosystems AmpFℓSTR® MinifilerT Amplification Kit for Forensic Casework: Validation, Degradation, and Contact DNA Studies |
| DNA | Wander, M. | E. Panacek | An Investigation of Touch DNA Collection Methods from Clothing: Traditional Cutting Techniques Versus a Wet Vacuum System |
| DNA | Williams, J. | D. Smith | The Evaluation of Different DNA Extraction methods on Ancient Bone Samples |
| DNA | Williams, S. | E. Panacek | Recovery of Saliva from Sexual Assault Victims Using the Microbial Vacuum After Showering |
| DNA | Wong, H. | G. Sensabaugh | The Automation of the Differential Digestion Process of Sexual Assault Evidence in a High Efficiency Format |
| DNA | Yuen, M. | R. Rice | Investigation of somatic mosaicism at the IdentifilerT and Y-FilerT human DNA identification loci in 400 rooted hairs from a single individual |
| DNA | Zoccoli, J. | G. Sensabaugh | Quantitative & qualitative YSTR kit comparison |
| Entomology | Andrade, J. | R. Kimsey | Anemotaxis of flies using physical barriers to food |
| Entomology | Daman, K. | J. Stachowicz | Using sessile invertebrate growth to determine season of year a body was disposed of in Bodega Bay |
| Entomology | Gallagher, M. | R. Kimsey | Temperature mediated growth rate of the common Green bottle fly Lucilia sericata |
| Entomology | McPartland, S. | R. Kimsey | Blowflies appearance at diverse carrion and their frequency |
| Fingerprinting | Moses, H. | J. Thornton | A critical comparison of black fingerprint powder formulations to improve latent fingerprint clarity and contrast on common substrates |
| Firearms | Chu, A. | D. Howitt | The continuity and reproducibility of striations on a fired bullet |
| Firearms | Cornell, A. | J. Thornton | CAPSTONE: Breech Face Markings: A review of techniques, methods, and issues regarding the examination of this tool mark. |
| Firearms | McClorry, S. | D. G. Howitt | An Objective Measure for Determining Whether Two Cartridge Cases Have a Common Origin |
| Firearms | Richards, V. | D. G. Howitt | Evaluating the Gray Scale Response Difference Associated With Bullet Comparisons Using Optical Microscopy |
| Firearms | Weller, T. | D. Howitt | Confocal and Comparison Microscopic Characterization of Toolmarks from Consecutively Manufactured Breech Faces |
| Miscellaneous | Beddow, M. | D. Howitt | Micro-Serial Numbered Firing Pins: Character Durability and Micro-Mark Legibility |
| Miscellaneous | Currie, G. | E. Panacek | Differences between sexual assault examinations and crime-related outcomes in homicide victims and living individuals |
| Miscellaneous | Garces, B. | E. Panacek | Variation in healing Bruise Evolution among Hispanic or Latino Women between the ages of 18 and 35 |
| Miscellaneous | Humphreys, M. | E. Panacek | Objective comparison of methods for measuring decomposition of submerged carrion for research purposes |
| Miscellaneous | Malik, J. | E. Panacek | Color Development and Evolution of Bruises in Different Ethnic Groups |
| Miscellaneous | Marcum, J. | G. Goodman | Forensic interviews of children victims and jury response parameters |
| Miscellaneous | McManus, M. | B. Ravani | The Influence of Terrain on the Development of Individual Characteristics on Shoe Outsoles |
| Miscellaneous | Metichecchia, J. | R. Kimsey | A Review of the SLOFIST Forensic Fire Death Investigation Course |
| Miscellaneous | Perry, A. | B. Ravani | Evaluation of mathematical and emperical models used in pedestrian accidents |
| Miscellaneous | Pugh, S. | D. Howitt | Forensic Evidence of Electrical Arcs |
| Miscellaneous | Qian, X. | B. Ravani | An Evaluation of Biomechanical parameters for Head/neck of Infants |
| Miscellaneous | Rodriquez-Cruz, S. | R. Rice | Immunolocalization of TGM1-like proteins in Tilapia tissues |
| Miscellaneous | Saifi (Pender), J. | W. Ristenpart | A double blind investigation of bloodstain pattern impact velocity assessment: In conjunction with verification od proposed objective criteria |
| Miscellaneous | Siu, S. | W. Ristenpart | Quantitative Analysis of Medium and High Velocity Impact Bloodstain Patterns |
| Miscellaneous | Spence, C. | B. Ravani | Software implementation of vehicle dynamic equations: involving cornering and backing |
| Miscellaneous | Zimmerman, S. | D. Howitt | Screwdriver Toolmarks: A Statistical Analysis of the Comparison of Non-Matching Samples |
| Trace Evidence | Baca, A. | J. Thornton | Determination of Unique Fracture Patterns in Glass and Glassy Polymers |
| Trace Evidence | Chan, K. | Y. Hsieh | Statistical Evaluation of Torn Duct Tape Physical Matching |
| Trace Evidence | McCabe, K. | D. Land | The Statistical Evaluation of Torn Duct Tape Physical Matches |