BCIT Forensic Science and Technology

10/01/2026

Dean Hildebrand, who manages the forensic DNA laboratory at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, said it’s very challenging to get enough DNA from ashes to make an identification.

“It's not to say that some people or some scientists have reported that you can still find trace amounts of DNA,” he said. “But finding trace amounts of DNA is different from being able to use that [DNA].”

To read/listen to the CBC article, please click here: https://lnkd.in/di8sGhJT

10/01/2026

https://tinyurl.com/DNA-from-Cremated-Remains

DNA expert Dean Hildebrand says that getting DNA from ashes is very challenging due to the high heat and prolonged duration of cremation. This comes as families in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley struggle to identify buried ashes that aren't who they thought they were.

10/01/2026

Dean Hildebrand, who manages the forensic DNA laboratory at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, said it’s very challenging to get enough DNA from ashes to make an identification.

“It's not to say that some people or some scientists have reported that you can still find trace amounts of DNA,” he said. “But finding trace amounts of DNA is different from being able to use that [DNA].”

To read/listen to the CBC article, click below https://tinyurl.com/DNA-from-Cremated-Remains

09/28/2026

Be a part of an evening celebrating visionary leadership.

On October 29, the British Columbia Institute of Technology will bring together BCIT alumni, industry leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community members for the 2026 BCIT Vision Awards – a signature event celebrating the people who are making a difference at BCIT, across BC, and around the world.

Join us as we honour five exceptional leaders whose accomplishments reflect the innovation, leadership, and community impact that define the BCIT community.

• Shushma Datt, O.B.C – Honorary Doctorate of Technology
• Jordon Gabriel – Distinguished Alumni Award
• Mike Battistel – Faculty and Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award
• Simone Chiang – Outstanding Student Leadership Award
• Andrey Lykov – Outstanding Student Leadership Award

From advancing equity and opportunity to driving innovation, strengthening communities and shaping the future, each honouree represents a different way of creating meaningful impact.

Come celebrate their achievements, connect with the BCIT community, and be inspired by the people helping shape what comes next.

🎟 Purchase tickets by October 15, space is limited: https://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1644&EID=33123
• General admission: $100
• Students: $75

👉Learn more about the award recipients: https://www.bcit.ca/news/stories/celebrating-five-outstanding-leaders-at-the-2026-bcit-vision-awards/

09/16/2026

Happy September and back-to-school season! Here's a timely roundup of BCIT by the numbers, from student outcomes to applied learning metrics. So much impact across so many areas.

BCIT plays a vital role in building the skilled workforce BC needs. Through applied education, research, and partnerships, BCIT is connecting learners, industry, and government to help drive economic and social progress.

Our Impact is a collection of stories, facts, and figures that demonstrate our impact on empowering people, shaping BC, and inspiring global progress.

Explore the "Our Impact" page below!

Our Impact

08/21/2026

Steen Hartsen from our Forensic DNA Lab breaks down Investigative Genetic Genealogy for The Big Story podcast. The fascinating technology is back in the spotlight after it led to a suspect in a shocking Toronto cold case involving victim Patrick Santos.

check out the link below: Starts after 12:07.
https://tinyurl.com/Santos-cold-case

08/06/2026

Here's our latest news in our twice-yearly newsletter, as well as upcoming opportunities this fall, from fraud prevention to ArcGIS Pro training.

Congratulations again to Stephen Fonseca on being recognized internationally for his vast contributions to humanity ❤️


https://tinyurl.com/Forensics-News

06/08/2026

Join Program Head Raymond Yu as he host the upcoming Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity Online Information Session. June 22nd at 6pm. Register now
https://www.bcit.ca/event/digital-forensics-cybersecurity-online-information-session-2/

05/28/2026

Advance your career on a schedule that works for you. Join us for the Flexible Learning In-Person Info Session on June 2, 2026 (4pm-6pm), at the BCIT Downtown Campus.

At this event, you’ll be able to:
• Connect directly with BCIT program experts
• Learn how Flexible learning options can support your goals
• Explore courses and programs across business, media, computing, health sciences, transportation, construction, and engineering.

Whether you’re looking to get your foot in the door, upskill in your career, or planning a career shift, Flexible Learning is designed for you.

https://www.bcit.ca/event/flexible-learning-in-person-info-session-2/

04/16/2026

Sign up today for our Spring info session, Apr 27th at 6pm (PST) online to get all your questions answered by faculty and learn how you can get started on your forensic educational journey with us! https://www.bcit.ca/event/bcit-forensic-science-and-technology-online-info-session/