The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of Central Florida is engaged in research and training that supports crime-solving efforts and advances justice on a national scale. Led by chemistry professor Jack Ballantyne, who also serves as interim director, the center brings together a multidisciplinary team specializing in various aspects of forensic science.
Ballantyne has an extensive background in forensic molecular genetics, with academic credentials from the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, and the State University of New York. He has provided expert testimony in criminal courts, chaired the New York State DNA subcommittee, and regularly participates in the FBI’s Scientific Working Group on DNA analysis.
“I’m a forensic scientist of 46 years and still actively involved in all aspects of the forensic community,” Ballantyne says.
Forensic science involves applying scientific methods to investigate crimes and analyze evidence for legal proceedings. This includes crime scene investigations, DNA analysis to identify individuals through genetic material, detecting poisons, analyzing digital data, preserving evidence such as fingerprints or hair samples, and identifying human remains.
UCF’s undergraduate forensic science program began in 1974 and is among the oldest in the United States. The NCFS was established in 1997. According to Ballantyne: “UCF decided to start a center for forensic science and initially concentrated on fire investigations, explosives and explosive analysis. We then expanded beyond fire and explosives and moved into digital evidence and DNA analysis. Now, we also have people working on sexual lubricants and a myriad of other chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods and statistical methods to evaluate evidentiary items.”
Research continues alongside academic programs at UCF’s Department of Chemistry, which offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral levels with tracks or concentrations related to forensic science. Most faculty affiliated with these programs are also part of NCFS.
Faculty members conduct both independent and collaborative research:
– Jack Ballantyne focuses on forensic biochemistry including DNA/RNA analysis.
– Matthieu Baudelet identifies trace evidence such as bones or glass.
– Candice Bridge analyzes lubricants, gunshot residue, drugs/toxicology.
– Erin Hanson specializes in challenging sexual assault samples using advanced techniques like micromanipulation.
– Larry Tang provides statistical analysis for trace evidence.
– Mary Williams curates databases aiding global fire/arson investigations.
The NCFS maintains courses in arson/explosives investigation while operating reference databases used by crime labs internationally.
Mary Williams notes: “I find purpose in my work by aiding forensic laboratories in their ability to provide evidence that won’t convict innocent people.”
Ballantyne explains how advanced laboratory work can distinguish between different types of biological traces found at crime scenes: “One example of this could determine whether it’s possible to distinguish between innocuous consensual social intercourse or criminal sexual intercourse. Biomarkers that may pinpoint saliva, skin and vaginal secretions can be useful to distinguish these possibilities, which can sometimes require painstaking laboratory work.”
Erin Hanson works with difficult sexual assault cases involving small amounts of biological material mixed with victim samples. She says: “Every victim has the right to be heard, especially when they no longer can speak for themselves. That conviction drives my research every single day. If even one case finds truth or justice because of my work, then I have done my job.” She adds: “Challenging sexual or physical assault evidence involves a trace amount of biological material among an overwhelming amount of [the victim’s] biological material. We’re essentially trying to find a needle in a haystack – those few cells that have been left behind by a perpetrator… If any of the methods we work on can help solve one case… then it makes all the hard work worth it.”
Ballantyne highlights recent collaboration efforts: “Recently, there’s been an increased interest in partnering with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This should be a very good relationship. There’s an impetus to partner with UCF and FDLE — it’s our local lab after all, and we have multiple former and current students employed in FDLE laboratories.”
Biological identification techniques developed at NCFS are applied not only to criminal cases but also help identify victims from accidents or disasters.
“Anything we do must be useful at some point from the crime scene to the courtroom… If a crime takes place, nowadays there will likely be a digital footprint somewhere — on a phone, computer or wherever it may be,” Ballantyne says.
To address growing needs for digital expertise within law enforcement agencies nationwide—who increasingly rely on digital footprints during investigations—UCF offers its nationally ranked Master of Science in Digital Forensics program designed to prepare professionals for this field.
