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Forensic Science

Our Forensic Science Center will offer lab space, an autopsy suite, a trauma research lab, and classrooms. It will facilitate collaboration between law enforcement and researchers, enhancing crime scene understanding and investigative techniques. Located in Florida, the center will provide unique opportunities for mastering evidence collection, processing, and interpretation.

Forensics Center for Research and Education

The Thomas Varnadoe Forensics Center for Research and Education, named in honor of one of the victims of the Dozier School for Boys, is poised to become an all-inclusive forensic research hub at F1RST. This cutting-edge facility will encompass comprehensive lab space, a state-of-the-art autopsy suite, a cooler, and a unique donated skeletal collection integrated with a trauma research lab. Additionally, the center will boast modern classrooms and supports two dedicated forensic research fields on-site. By creating an environment where law enforcement professionals work closely with researchers, the center will aim to enhance the understanding of crime scenes and integrate the latest investigative techniques. This collaboration ensures that investigators are highly skilled in the collection, processing, and interpretation of evidence.

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Unique Environmental Context

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The geographical location of F1RST’s Campus and its forensic fields is a significant asset, setting it apart from similar research institutions in Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and Colorado. Florida's distinctive soils, vegetation, and climate provide a unique context for forensic anthropology research, filling a crucial knowledge gap. The facilities enable researchers, investigators, and crime scene technicians to develop and refine methods for critical investigative processes, including managing large-scale mass disasters involving criminal acts, identifying unknown homicide victims and missing persons, locating clandestine burials, and identifying trace evidence in outdoor crime scenes. Importantly, the methodologies developed here are directly relevant to the local environment, ensuring practical applicability in real-world scenarios.

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Multidisciplinary Collaboration

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F1RST champions a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to forensic and scientific research at the F1RST Campus. The facility will integrate expertise from diverse fields such as anthropology, medicine, geology, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, and entomology. Students across these disciplines will use the center to standardize forensic science practices and drive the development of innovative methods and technologies. The center will also host workshops and training sessions for professionals in the law enforcement and medico-legal communities, promoting industry best practices.

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Advancing Forensic Science

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By bringing together all forensic disciplines under one roof and leveraging specialized resources and subject matter experts, The F1RST Campus ensures that law enforcement remains abreast of the rapid advancements in forensic science. This integration allows for the swift application of newly acquired knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the field, making significant strides in the ongoing pursuit of justice and the advancement of forensic science.

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Forensic Science Programs at F1RST Include:

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Interested in making an anatomical gift?

Upcoming Related Trainings:

  • Mon, Jan 06
    Basic Bloodstain Analysis
    Jan 06, 2025, 8:00 AM – Jan 10, 2025, 5:00 PM
    Saint Leo, 33701 Co Rd 52, St Leo, FL 33574, USA
    This course provides opportunities to learn the fundamentals of bloodstain pattern analysis. It consists of laboratory exercises and lectures to define the principles of bloodstain analysis in a theoretical and practical manner.
  • Tue, Feb 25
    Basic Incident Response to Digital Evidence (BIRDE)
    Feb 25, 2025, 7:30 AM – Feb 28, 2025, 4:30 PM
    F1RST Campus - Cyber/ UAV Building 'H', 10371 Charles Bo Harrison Wy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637, USA
    Presented by FLETC, this course provides training necessary to any criminal investigator who may be a first responder in a situation in which computer/ cell phone-based evidence is or may be recovered.
  • Mon, Mar 10
    Understanding How Bloodstain Analysis Affects an Investigation
    Mar 10, 2025, 8:00 AM – Mar 11, 2025, 5:00 PM
    Land O' Lakes, 10370 Charles Bo Harrison Wy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637, USA
    This course is designed to bring a cohesive understanding of the cause, effect and implications of various bloodstains and patterns for both the Crime Scene Technicians and the Detectives investigating the crime.
  • Tue, Jul 08
    Conducting Unexplained Child Death Investigations
    Jul 08, 2025, 8:00 AM – Jul 11, 2025, 4:00 PM
    F1RST Campus - Building 'I' , 10370 Charles Bo Harrison Wy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637, USA
    Learn how to objectively investigate child death cases particularly when the cause and manner of death is unexplained. Presented by National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College.
  • Mon, Aug 04
    Advanced Bloodstain Analysis
    Aug 04, 2025, 8:00 AM – Aug 08, 2025, 5:00 PM
    F1RST Campus - Innovation Building, 10370 Charles Bo Harrison Wy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637, USA
    This course includes extensive case study reviews focusing on identifying, defining and analyzing bloodstains from actual closed homicide and battery cases and builds on the principles taught during Basic Bloodstain Analysis.
  • Mon, Aug 05
    Advanced Bloodstain Analysis
    Aug 05, 2024, 8:00 AM – Aug 09, 2024, 5:00 PM
    Saint Leo University Lewis Hall #208, 33701 Co Rd 52, St Leo, FL 33574, USA

Forensic Anthropology and Entomology

Medico-legal Investigation or Death

Mass Casualty Response and Investigation

Crime Scene Investigation

Traumatic injury identification in both living and deceased victims to help inform investigations of domestic violence, child abuse, animal abuse, abuse of the elderly or disabled, human trafficking, acts of terrorism, and warfare

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