GMU Forensic Science Program

Congratulations class of 2022! We are so proud of you!!

Spotted at ! alum Hajara Chaudhry who is now a visiting research scientist with the FBI 🤩. Go Hajara!!

faculty, students, and alumni at the 33rd annual International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) student networking reception 🧬🧬!

ISHI is the largest meeting solely focused on forensic DNA with attendees from all over the world.

Standing room only at our guest speaker event this week!

Forensic science students were invited to attend an information session to hear about what it is like to be an FBI Agent working criminal matters. Retired Special Agent Andrew Caster spent 28 years in the FBI discussed his work as an agent, working both in the Chicago and Seattle FBI field offices.

He also discussed cold case investigations, organized crime cases and other crimes of violence as well as how he interviewed violent offenders and the role of forensic science in these cases.

2022-23 FSF Student Travel Grant: October 15 Deadline

2022-23 FSF Student Travel Grant: October 15 Deadline The Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) is pleased to offer Student Travel Grants to assist with travel expenses in attending the 2023 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific ...

Photos from College of Science at George Mason University's post

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We continue our GMU Forensic Science Program highlight with a to Lori Mayes, Administrative Assistant. Mayes has been with since 2019 and has enjoyed every second of it. Thanks to her 30+ years of administrative experience, she has the capability to handle anything that comes her way. She relishes in the “family feel” here at Mason, which helps her strive to best assist all the students and faculty members in the program.

Learn more about our Forensic Science Program: forensic.gmu.edu

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Our GMU Forensic Science Program is excited to announce its acceptance to form the newest chapter of Delta Delta Epsilon as the Beta Beta Chapter.

Learn more about the chapter formation: https://science.gmu.edu/news/forensic-science-program-forms-beta-beta-chapter-delta-delta-epsilon

This final GMU Forensic Science Program features our two experts: Emily Rancourt, Professor, Associate Director, and Kimberly Rule, Associate Professor, Undergraduate Coordinator.

Rancourt started at as an adjunct professor while she was the Civilian Crime Scene Investigator for the Prince William County Police Department, where she investigated homicides, police involved shootings, child abuse, serial crimes, and more. Rancourt found fulfillment in being able to piece together the clues that deceased bodies would leave behind at crime scenes to bring their final moments on earth a voice. When a suspect is convicted and justice is served, she sleeps a little easier at night knowing that person will not be given the opportunity to harm anyone else. After leaving the Prince William Police Department to onboard as a full-time faculty member and Associate Director for our Forensic Science Program in 2010, she was one of the biggest contributors to the development of the program. Rancourt helped launch both the M.S. and B.S. of Forensic Science over 10 years ago, with the vision that all faculty would have casework experience in forensic science. Thanks to this approach, our Forensic Science Program has been billed as one-of-a-kind. Outside of the classroom, Rancourt is a wife and a mother to seven children, five of whom were adopted. After a career focused on death and murder, adoption of children in need has helped her see the beauty of a redeemed life through love and medical intervention.

Rule had walked a similar path to find herself at Mason. She began as an adjunct professor while she worked as a Crime Scene Specialist for the Prince William Police Department. As a CSI, she worked hundreds of death investigations, child abuse, sexual assault, robbery, and burglary cases. She was driven by the interest of being able to analyze evidence and deceased victims to help tell the story of what happened in the case, and ultimately to provide justice for the victim and family. In 2011, Rule started teaching full-time and took on the role as undergraduate coordinator. As one of the first full-time faculty members in the program, she helped build and shape the curriculum and its ever-evolving development, as the Program acquired top of the line facilities such as the Crime Scene House and FARO Forensic Lab. When she’s not teaching, Rule serves as a committee member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Academy Standards Board (ASB), which establishes forensic standards and guidelines in the field of Crime Scene Investigations.

Learn more about the program: https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/forensic-science

This highlights two of our elite GMU Forensic Science Program scientists: Brian Eckenrode, Associate Professor, and Steven Burmeister, Associate Professor.

Eckenrode is a former research analytical chemist with the FBI’s Research Support Unit in Quantico, VA. He dedicated 23 years of his life to the FBI and went on to earn the FBI Director’s Award for Scientific Achievement. Prior to his work in the FBI, Eckenrode was the director of research at Viking Instruments, where he designed and developed fieldable instrumentation based on mass spectrometry for analytical applications in forensics, international chemical weapons treaty verification, and the environment. He directed the company’s software development team and led the design and implementation of the instrument’s automated fieldable volatile organic chemical (VOC) inlet system. At Viking Instruments, he also developed a training course for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). He originally came to the Forensic Science Program as an adjunct professor but has since transitioned to a full-time role after retiring from the FBI. Mason was an easy choice for Eckenrode, with his two children being Mason alum, he was familiar with the top-tier education Mason had to offer. In the Forensic Science Program, he continues to research canines, early disease detection, human living and deceased chemistry, and field instrumentation for drug interdiction. Recently, he contributed two chapters to the book, “Canines: The Original Biosensors.” These two chapters add to the 100+ publications and presentations Eckenrode has in the field of analytical chemistry. When he’s not in the classroom or in the lab, you can find Eckenrode playing basketball, playing lead on his electric guitar for a rock band, playing in his church's contemporary band, brewing beer, and taking long walks with his wife JoAnne of 37 years.

Burmeister spent the first few years of his career in different crime and toxicology laboratories. He later entered the FBI as a Special Agent, where he focused on explosive analysis in terrorist cases. Burmeister worked on several high-profile bombing investigations in the U.S., including the World Trade Bombing, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Unabomber, and more. After years of holding a number of senior executive positions, he established the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytic Center (TEDAC). In this capacity, he worked with all 16 intelligence agencies to accelerate innovation and collaboration of scientific tools into operational systems. Currently, Burmeister spends his time teaching forensic trace analysis and drone photography to aspiring scientists. He also is a part-time police officer for the George Mason Police Department.

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The 2022 National FTCoE Student Poster Session has officially begun! Check out the poster presentations on being conducted by the of tomorrow, available to view now!

Register & browse the poster gallery here: http://ow.ly/gi2H50KLuk2

Tomorrow! It’s not too late to register!

How fun!!

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Happy ! Throughout the week, we will feature faculty, staff, student, and classroom highlights from our GMU Forensic Science Program.

membership in professional organizations is a key piece to being an active member when working in a given field? Some benefits of becoming a member of a forensic science professional organization can include networking and collaboration with other professionals in the organization, access to scholarly journals, access to national conferences, educational and training content, job and employment opportunities and announcements. Here are two opportunities that we encourage our Forensic Science students to check out:

➡️ Student membership applications for the American Academy of Forensic Sciences are due by October 1. Instructions on how to set up an account and apply can be found on the AAFS website: https://www.aafs.org/membership

➡️ Student membership applications for The International Association for Identification can be submitted at any point, but the yearly dues cover October 1 - September 30, regardless of when a member joins. Instructions on how to apply can be found on the IAI website: https://www.memberleap.com/members/newmem/registration.php?orgcode=IAI.

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Today’s features our GMU Forensic Science Program DNA experts. Kelly Knight, Associate Professor, is the Principal Investigator for the Mason Forensic DNA Laboratory, where they evaluate methods for low-level and low-quality DNA samples and new methods for body fluid identification. Knight uses her experience in crime and DNA labs to immerse our students in interactive activities to prepare them for field and agency work. Knowing that her contribution to the justice system has helped countless of victims is what continues to inspire her work.

Georgia A. Williams, Associate Professor, currently researches ways to improve and develop new methods of DNA extraction from low-level forensic samples, such as bone. After realizing her interests in law enforcement and forensic science, she quickly discovered her passion for teaching through her lab and teaching assistant roles. Now, she continues to be inspired by her students and her contribution to the greater good of society.

Mark Wilson, Associate Professor, focuses in three main areas of research: DNA extraction from bones, mixture deconvolution, and genetic genealogy. With his background in biosciences and DNA expertise, he is teaching the future generation of forensic scientists how to apply their skills to the real world. Wilson is inspired by the application of the scientific method, specifically in forensic science, since the application of justice using science is a cornerstone of a free society.

Learn more about our Forensic Science Program: forensic.gmu.edu

Register now for the CINA Distinguished Speaker Series. on Thurs. Sep. 22nd when Arun Ross of Michigan State University Engineering MSU will discuss current issues in biometrics. Register now: https://bit.ly/3DqPP1R GMU Forensic Science Program GMU Forensic Science Student Association Computer Science at George Mason University

Super proud of this George Mason University Forensic Science alum! Way to go Emily!! 💛💚

Students in forensic figure sculpting class make portraits from the inside out

Our forensic science program has some of the best and most unique courses you can take anywhere!

https://www.gmu.edu/news/2022-06/students-forensic-figure-sculpting-class-make-portraits-inside-out

Students in forensic figure sculpting class make portraits from the inside out The 15 students in the special topics class Facial Reconstruction started the semester with a generic plastic skull. Week by week, they sculpted different parts of their own faces, creating a portrait of themselves in clay and learning the forensic skills needed to put a face on a skull.

Authorities investigate actions and mindset of Texas school gunman

Authorities investigate actions and mindset of Texas school gunman FBI investigators and other authorities are working to uncover more information on the 18-year-old who killed 19 children and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Former FBI Special Agent Mary Ellen O'Toole, the director of the George Mason University Forensic Science Program, join...

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Congratulations to forensic science graduate student Jude Baswari for winning the Dean’s Graduate Award of Excellence in Teaching!

Here's how a field of decomposing bodies in Manassas could change science

Check out this video and news article featuring our "body farm"! https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/body-farm-corpses-manassas-george-mason-university-forensic-science/65-347d7444-59a2-49fe-a7d5-18b69b387f2b

Here's how a field of decomposing bodies in Manassas could change science George Mason University will train the next generation of crime scene investigators.

While all of the excitement of the opening of the FARO lab and the ‘body farm’ was happening last week, some of our alum were busy presenting their research at the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists Annual Meeting at the in Pennsylvania!

First image - Angelina Mauriello: Evaluation of virtual standard curve functionality of the HID real-time pcr analysis software by comparison to assay specific standard curves and an external standard curve generated in-house

Second image - Ryen Weaver: Age-at-Death Estimation Using Cementochronology in Thermally Altered Teeth

Not pictured but equally as awesome - Paige Riley: Optimizing a method to digitize exemplars for use in the automated detection of trash marks

Another awesome day at the with students, faculty, and alumni! Three weeks down, one week to go!

500 high school students and 24 crime scenes later, Professor Knight, Professor Williams, and some ROCKIN’ students and alumni are done with week two of “The CSI Experience” with . Two weeks down, two more to go! Having a blast training the next generation of amazing forensic scientists!

GMU Forensic Science Spring 2021 Graduation

Congratulations to our 2021 graduates! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N27PKuD_xSg

GMU Forensic Science Spring 2021 Graduation The George Mason University Forensic Science Program is excited and proud to celebrate each and every one of our graduates.

ScienceConnect 2021 | GMU College of Science

ScienceConnect 2021 | GMU College of Science Spring semester began Monday, January 25, with a mix of in-person instruction and expanded online classes. Visit Mason’s Safe Return to Campus Plan for COVID-19 updates.

What's it like to interview a mass murderer? Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, a former FBI profiler and director of the program, answers that question and more on the Access to Excellence podcast: https://www.stitcher.com/show/access-to-excellence-podcast/episode/into-the-eyes-of-a-murderer-80208276

The annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting will be virtual this year!! This is a great opportunity to attend from anywhere you are located without having to worry about travel expenses.


The student registration is currently $75 for members and $115 for non-members. The prices will go up on January 19th to $90 and $140 so if you plan to attend, register ASAP. Also, if you attend, don’t forget to add it to your CV 😉!

Retired FBI official discusses Nashville bombing investigation

Check out GMU Forensic Science Program professor and retired FBI supervisory special agent, Steven Burmeister, join CBS News to discuss what investigators have learned about the Nashville Christmas bombing and a possible motive.

One of the coolest parts of our program?? Having class with your professors and then seeing them on the news and on TV

Retired FBI official discusses Nashville bombing investigation Stephen Burmeister, a retired supervisory special agent for the FBI, joined CBSN to discuss what investigators have learned about the Nashville Christmas bombing and a possible motive.

As we reflect on the fall semester and prepare to begin a new one, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate all of our winter graduates, some of whom are pictured here.

We could not be more proud of you and all that you have been able to overcome this year. Congratulations again!

From the GMU Forensic Science Program Faculty and Staff

After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer's cipher has been solved by amateur code breakers

After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer's cipher has been solved by amateur code breakers More than 50 years after the so-called Zodiac Killer first began terrorizing the streets of Northern California, a code-breaking team is believed to have finally cracked one of the killer's mysterious coded messages sent to the San Francisco Chronicle in 1969.

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Why human corpses will soon fill a Northern Virginia field that is NOT a graveyard

Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, chair of the GMU Forensic Science Program and Dr. Anthony Falsetti, Associate Professor in the Forensic Science Program, were recently featured on ABC7 News discussing our new forensic science research and training laboratory which will be only the eighth location in the world like it! Who's excited?!

Why human corpses will soon fill a Northern Virginia field that is NOT a graveyard Five acres in Northern Virginia will soon be filled with human remains, but it's not a graveyard. George Mason University is working on a cutting-edge forensic science program that will help investigators solve crimes. As an FBI profiler, Mary Ellen O'Toole has interviewed the most notorious serial....

Visit https://bit.ly/35wCT9mfor more info on the unpaid internship scholarship!

At the Scene of the Crime: Modern Scientific Approaches for Studying the Time Since Death

This talk features an exploration of Mason's Forensic Science Research & Training Laboratory, a 5-acre outdoor, protected facility that is dedicated to studying the processes of human decomposition in various topographical and climatic conditions, environmental changes, soil composition, animal scavenging, floral diversity, identify insect species variation specifically for medical-legal applications, and developing new remote sensing methodologies and instrumentation. ​Students and faculty will also partner with federal agencies and US military organizations unlike any other university. Moreover, this facility promotes collegial collaborations with regional institutions, public and private laboratories, and facilitate community partnerships by providing a focal point for the training of local, state, and federal investigators, highlighting George Mason’s commitment to be on the forefront of the advancement of forensic science.

At the Scene of the Crime: Modern Scientific Approaches for Studying the Time Since Death At the Scene of the Crime: Modern Scientific Approaches for Studying the Time Since Death Date: Thursday, October 29, 2020 Have you ever wondered what it's l...

Today!!

🎃 WELCOME TO THE FIRST EVER GMU FORENSIC SCIENCE HALLOWEEN DECORATING COMPETITION 🎃


There are two ways to play!! A Halloween decorating contest and a pumpkin decorating contest! Directions and rules for entry below!


DIRECTIONS AND RULES: Please read carefully to ensure entry into the contest!


Post your decorations/pumpkins to either Instagram or Facebook. In your post YOU MUST INCLUDE:


🎃The appropriate hashtag (either or )


🎃For the decorating competition you must indicate if you are a student, faculty or alumni. If these are not included in your post, you will not be entered into the contest.


Each category will have an album on Facebook. The photo with the most likes is the winner in that category! So be sure to also share to have more people voting!


Winners will be announced Monday November 2nd.


Decorations with profanity or graphic content will NOT be included in the contest.

A reminder about this event on Thursday! Don’t forget to register to receive the Zoom link.