Students

The Aquatic Forensics Group is thriving, with a good number of PhD students, studying a variety of subjects related to aquatic evidence for forensic investigations.

Kirstie Scott, PhD candidate, University College London

"Applications of diatom analysis in forensic geoscience: developing a new technique for the comparative assessment of trace environmental evidence"

Diatoms are microscopic silicate algal organisms which are present in most waters as well as in damp environments including soils, sediments, and exposed surfaces. With over 200,000 separate species, diatoms can provide valuable environmental information in various forensic contexts.

Whilst diatoms have primarily been utilised to diagnose a cause of death by drowning, their physical characteristics lend towards their use as circumstantial trace evidence indicators in a range of crime scene contexts. My research is focused upon determining the evidential dynamics of diatom particulates, in regards to their transfer and persistence. Various experimental studies have considered the forensic implications of seasonal fluctuations in diatom populations, long term colonisation of diatoms on items of evidence, and the effect of clothing type upon the extent of transfer and persistence of particulates. Furthermore techniques for the collection and analysis of diatom trace evidence have been explored and developed.

The ultimate aim of this project is to develop a set of recommendations that highlight the range of instances where diatom analysis can provide valuable forensic information. By developing an empirical knowledge base it is anticipated that a set of recommendations may be developed in order to enhance the forensic application of diatoms within UK police forces and around the world.

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Samantha Lehan, PhD candidate, Staffordshire University; Associate Practitioner in Virology, NHS

"The Microbiology of Drowning and Post-Mortem Submersion in Water"

Microorganisms are present in all natural environments and all human bodies. Therefore, it is logical to suggest that microorganisms may provide valuable information within a forensic context. I am particularly interested in the role bacteria play in the decomposition of human remains in aquatic environments.

I aim to address two areas of aquatic forensic investigation which pose many complications for investigators; the estimation of post-mortem submersion interval and the diagnosis of drowning using microbial indicators.

Alongside studying I work full-time as an Associate Practitioner in Virology and Clinical Microbiology at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Hence, my PhD project combines my passion for forensic science with my practical experience of microbiology, allowing me to use my professional knowledge to develop a standard sampling and testing method for the use of microbial evidence in forensic cases.

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Claire Oldfield, PhD candidate, University College London

[Details of project here]

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