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The forensics program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) showcased significant advancements at the 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference, held at the Baltimore Convention Center. This year’s event centered around the theme “Technology: A Tool for Transformation or Tyranny?” and NJIT’s participation highlighted innovative research and technological applications in the field.
Faculty members and students from NJIT presented various developments that are redefining the forensic science landscape. Their contributions ranged from research aimed at enhancing methods for estimating a person’s age at death to the introduction of CSIxR—a virtual reality application created at NJIT. This VR tool is designed to simulate crime scene scenarios, enabling effective training for crime scene investigators (CSIs).
David Fisher, director of NJIT’s forensic science program, remarked, “Our representation at the conference was truly impressive.” He noted that the program’s recent full accreditation by the AAFS’s Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission reflects its growth and the quality of research being generated. “This is a testament to how our program is progressing,” he added.
The CSIxR application was demonstrated by Fisher and Forensic Science Senior University Lecturer Kevin Parmelee, who collaborated on the project with Assistant Professor of Informatics Margarita Vinnikov and Mike Kehoe, who manages emerging technologies at NJIT’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design. The VR application, recently launched in NJIT’s Extended Reality Lab, immerses students in crime scenes through intricate virtual environments that replicate the complexities of forensic investigations.
Parmelee explained that CSIxR creates a variety of virtual scenarios for students, allowing them to practice essential skills such as photographing scenes, lifting fingerprints, labeling evidence, and coordinating with various investigative units. This hands-on practice prepares them for real-world field investigations as CSIs.
“The beauty of CSIxR lies in its user-friendly design. Unlike physical crime scenes that require setup for each student, this application simplifies the process. Students can make mistakes, learn from them, and start over with a simple click,” said Parmelee, a former detective with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Forensic Laboratory. He is already utilizing the app in his 300-level CSI course, noting that while it does not replace hands-on experience, it significantly builds students’ confidence before they engage with actual crime scenes.
“CSIxR is a remarkable achievement in interdisciplinary collaboration at NJIT, resulting in a highly adaptable platform that enhances forensic training,” commented Kehoe. “It makes forensics education more accessible and impactful.”
“This app is a product of NJIT students and faculty, tailored specifically for their use,” said Vinnikov, “and our initial user feedback indicates it holds great potential as an effective educational tool for our forensic students. We are eager to continue its development.”
Amber Luludis, an undergraduate majoring in forensics and working on a capstone project focused on forensic science education, was among those who demonstrated CSIxR. “The conference experience was extraordinary,” stated Luludis. “With our demonstration of CSIxR, it was evident that even those unfamiliar with virtual reality could quickly learn how to navigate the controls. It generated a lot of interest during the university fair.”
Her capstone research involves a comparative analysis of how CSI courses are delivered in FEPAC-accredited programs—an accolade held by only a select number of undergraduate programs nationwide—against those offered at non-accredited institutions, especially in light of the rapid advancements in forensic technologies and methodologies.
“A key advantage of CSIxR is that it allows instructors to monitor student performance and identify errors in real-time, which is often challenging in a conventional classroom setting,” she elaborated.
In addition to technological innovations, NJIT faculty and students led discussions on a variety of cutting-edge forensic investigations. Sara Zapico, an assistant professor of forensic science, explored the emerging field of forensic epigenetics. This field studies the chemical modifications to DNA that can provide insights into an individual’s age at death. Her lab is pioneering advanced techniques that analyze tooth dentin—the hard tissue encasing the pulp of the tooth—to enhance accuracy in age estimation.
Maria Josefina Castagnola, a Ph.D. student and Fulbright scholar working under Zapico, presented new findings on DNA extraction, illustrating how environmental conditions and incubation durations affect the extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins from human teeth. This research holds the potential to improve the collection of comprehensive genetic evidence from small biological samples during complex forensic investigations.
Parmelee also addressed several issues at the conference, including the use of technology to prevent wrongful convictions, drawing on his experiences as a former detective.
“The theme of this year’s conference was technology in forensic science, and the contributions from NJIT were significant,” noted Parmelee. “The impressive array of presentations by our faculty and students showcased our high level of engagement and expertise in the field.” He highlighted that this year’s event had the largest representation from NJIT’s faculty and students, which he deemed a privilege to witness.
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