Welcome to the Forensic Science Program!

The Forensic Science Program at UND has served undergraduates since 1999. Originally intended to provide a science background to law enforcement crime scene personnel, the program in 2004 grew to serve future crime laboratory personnel.

See our FAQ for more info about the program.


Advisors:

Program Director: Dr. Phoebe Stubblefield advises the junior and senior students. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Science and an active Forensic Anthropologist.
Fall 2008 office hours:
Wednesdays 1:00-2:30pm &
Thursdays 9:30-11:00am
phoebe.stubblefield@und.nodak.edu.

Dr. Richard Wise is the sophomore advisor. He is a Forensic Psychologist and specializes in witness testimony.
Fall 2008 Office Hours:
Mondays &, Thursdays 1:00-2:00pm
Corwin-Larimore, room 317
richard.wise@und.nodak.edu.

Dr. Frank Cuozzo is the freshman advisor. He is a primatologist in the anthropology department with a specialty in Dental Anthropology.
Fall 2008 Office Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00-12:15pm
701-777-4618
frank.cuozzo@und.nodak.edu.

Please do not hesitate to contact your advisor if you have any needs or concerns, since we are at your service. During peak advising periods (October-November and March-April) advisors can be harder to reach, so book your appointments ahead of time. If you find you have an issue, whether compliment or problem, best addressed by the program director, do not hesitate to contact me.

Each Spring the Dakota Science Center co-hosts Super Science Saturday at the Grand Fork's Gambucci Arena.  The event ran from 10am to 1pm on April 18th and featured activities, demonstrations, and tours from scientists representing numerous departments and programs of the University of North Dakota, as well as science education enthusiasts, Scouts, and public safety officers from the Grand Forks area.  In an annual show of support, several Forensic Science Students participated in guiding primary school children through simple trace evidence activities.  Youngsters were able to view their own fingerprints under a hand lens, observe the effects of the Microblue alternate light source on fluorescent powder, and examine a human hair (sometimes their own!) under the microscope.  Dr. Stubblefield, program Director, assisted by hosting a forensic anthropology table featuring skeletal age and healed trauma displays using real and replica human bone.  In an added bonus, visiting Guatemalan forensic anthropologist Lourdes Penados shared her skeletal expertise with visitors to this table!  Despite the cooler weather the event was well attended and presenters were very busy.  A great time was had by all!!

Lourdes Penados, Guatemalan forensic anthropologist hosts skeletal scholars.

Forensic Science students guide youngsters through several activities.

Where Are You Now?
Let us know where you are as you progress in your Forensic Science, or science-related career! We'll put you on our map!

Forensic Science Position Announcement

The University of North Dakota is seeking a forensic scientist (open rank, tenure track or non-tenure track) who will contribute to the undergraduate forensic science program.  A Ph.D. is preferred but those with significant relevant professional experience are also encouraged to apply.  This program, with over 130 majors, currently benefits from National Science Foundation support and occupies over 4000 ft2 in a simulated crime lab setting. A candidate seeking a tenured post must develop a vigorous and productive research agenda in an area of expertise aligned with a department in the College of Arts and Sciences. The position will begin August 16, 2009.  Review of applicants will begin January 16, 2008 and continue until the position is filled.  Send CV, representative reprints, statement of teaching and research interests, and three letters of reference to Forensic Science Search, College of Arts and Sciences, 290 Centennial Drive, Montgomery Hall rm 125, Stop 8038, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202.  For more information: Forensic Science program (http://www.und.edu/dept/forensic). The University of North Dakota is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and we strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups.

On January 24, 2009, Dr. Stubblefield and the forensic science majors were pleased to welcome back Mr. Adam Stubson, graduate class of 2007, for a presentation about the St. Paul Bureau of Criminal Apprehension crime laboratory.  Adam spoke in the conference room of the new Forensic Science Teaching Laboratory, none of which existed was completed when he left the program.  The students had many questions for him regarding his experience at the BCA, and the path he took to employment there.  After finishing his Forensic Science degree, Adam worked for about a year as a contract chemist at 3M.  He was watching for openings at the BCA lab and was prepared when his forensic biology position became available.  The students and director of the Forensic Science Program would love to host any other alumni out there who would like to share their career experience. Please contact Dr. Stubblefield for more information!

What students said about the presentation:

"I had asked Adam about being specifically a crime scene investigator at the BCA and he explained that the BCA has already trained personnel in other areas on call for certain time periods, but Minneapolis or Anoka have their own crime scene units. I found this very helpful because I will be job searching soon and it's tough to know where to look!"
--Raschael

New Laboratory! The Forensic Science Program will soon (September) be moving into a new teaching laboratory in 3rd floor Ireland. Those of you who have experienced the old teaching space will know how exciting this change is. Monitor your email for the Laboratory Open House invitation later this semester. If you're alumni receiving this message please plan a visit to the new laboratory. Classes start in the new lab in Spring 2008.