Research

Research in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at IUPUI

The importance of new research in forensic science cannot be overstated. Research is the lifeblood of all science. It is what advances the science and makes it more relevant and useful to people. It keeps the science current and looks to the future. There are many issues in forensic science that are in need of research that will help answer pressing questions. These include pattern evidence, trace evidence, drugs, DNA, individualization of evidence, bias and many others. At IUPUI our faculty and students are primarily interested in methods development and validation. We are constantly on the lookout for promising new techniques; principally in forensic chemistry and biology that will help advance and improve scientific analysis of evidence.

One of the most important facets of a scientific education, especially in the forensic sciences, is to develop the capability to conduct cutting-edge research. We feel that this is important for all students to the extent possible. For this reason, we require that all full time graduate students must complete a thesis. We also provide opportunities for selected undergraduate students, even some who are just beginning their education at IUPUI, to get some research experience. Our capstone experience choices mostly involve some type of research. Other parts of this web page will give you more information about research in the FIS program at IUPUI.