Abstract:
The International Forensic Research Institute at Florida International University was established in 1997 to provide a forum for advanced study of the current research problems in the forensic sciences. With more than 75 students participating at the undergraduate and graduate levels (including an interdisciplinary MS if Forensic Science and a forensic track within the Chemistry PhD), the FIU programs has grown to be one of the largest in the US conducting research. This presentation will provide an overview of the current practice of forensic science with a special emphasis on the research problems that need to be investigated and where computer science can assist with these investigations. In light of the recently published (Feb. 2009) National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report calling for the need of research in the areas of validity of "impression" evidence, for example, research opportunities exist to address these challenges.

Biography:
José Almirall is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Director of the International Forensic Research Institute at Florida International University. He was a practicing forensic scientist at the Miami-Dade Police Department Crime Laboratory for 12 years where he testified in over 100 criminal cases in state and federal courts prior to his academic appointment at FIU in 1998. Professor Almirall has authored one book and over 80 peer reviewed scientific publications in the field of analytical and forensic chemistry, presented over 390 papers and workshops and mentored over 30 PhD and MS students in forensic chemistry research. Dr. Almirall has attracted ~ $ 4. M in external funding from a variety of agencies to suppor this research group. His research interests include the development of analytical chemistry tools for use in forensic science and improvements in the value of trace evidence, in particular. His group has been interested to develop methods and instrumentation to improve the application of inorganic mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), atomic spectroscopy (LIBS) and ion mobilityspectrometry (IMS). Professor Almirall was the Founding Chairman of the Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Committee (FEPAC) of the AAFS, currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Dept. of Forensic Sciences for the State of Virginia, is a Fellow of the AAFS and serves on the editorial boards of 3 forensic journals, including the Journal of Forensic Sciences.