Strategic Plan
Forensic Science Program
University of North Texas
November, 2006
UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Executive Summary
This document is the outline of a strategic plan for the Forensic Science Program at the University of
North Texas for the next three years, 2007-2009.
Advances in technology have created a need for students to apply the new tools of technology to a
wide variety of criminal investigations. The director of the Virginia Division of Forensic Sciences
noted in a recent issue of C&EN news that approximately 10,000 new scientist will be needed in
chemistry and forensic related laboratories. Much of the demand will be to process the current
backlog of forensic DNA evidence and to expand the databases of evidence obtained from crime
scenes.
Forensic science first appeared on the UNT campus with the establishment of the Laboratory of
Forensic Anthropology and Human Identification, (FLA), within the Department of Biological
Sciences. At its inception in 1990 the laboratory began offering identification, trauma analysis, and
location/recovery services to medical examiners and law enforcement agencies throughout the state
of Texas. Since the lab is tax-supported as a component of the university, all services to public
entities within the state are performed pro bono.
By 1994, a Master of Science degree in biology with three forensic tracks was offered. These were
human osteology, trace evidence, and serobiology/DNA analysis. Students in the program were
required to become members of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and to make at least
one formal presentation, (at the annual meeting), during the course of study.
With the Oklahoma City disaster in 1995, the FLA lab became a component in the National Disaster
Medical Services, (NDMS), providing human identification services to the office of the Oklahoma
Medical Examiner System. Since that time, the lab has provided mass fatality services in the US and
abroad in a wide variety of settings, (airline disasters in the US and territories, World Trade
bombing, UN War Crimes Tribunal, Judicial Federal Police in Mexico, Indonesian Tsunami, and
others). The lab also provides regular training to numerous agencies in planning for mass death
events.
In 1996 the serobiology/DNA training track was reincarnated as a shared program with the Forensic
DNA lab in the Graduate School of BioMedical Sciences at the University of North Texas Health
Sciences Center (UNTHSC) in Forth Worth. At that time, faculty exchange in the twin programs
began and continues with great mutual benefit. Students pursuing degrees in molecular forensics at
UNTHSC regularly work in the LFA on projects involving human remains analysis.
The LFA reached another developmental milestone in 1999 when it assumed a major role in the
Attorney General’s “Cold Case” unit operated by the Texas Rangers. This interaction has served as
an important link between the LFA and various committees of the Texas Legislature, (e.g. House
Public Safety Comm. and the Senate Criminal Justice Comm.). The LFA has provided significant
leadership in the establishment of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Database, the
recently adopted Postconviction DNA legislation, and the establishment and funding of the Texas
Missing Persons DNA Database, (CODIS). Since 2002, the LFA and the DNA group at UNTHSC
have operated in “tandem” to provide identification and other forensic services to Texas law
enforcement, and, increasingly to entities outside the state requiring those services.
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Since 1995, Forensic Biology, “ a forensic survey class”, for undergraduates offered as either
Biology or Anthropology has gained popularity, and now enjoys capacity enrollments, (over 100
students in the semesters when offered). The response to this class coupled with student interest for
applied areas within the chemistry and biology majors along with increasing public interest in
forensic sciences signaled the need to formalize a robust undergraduate curriculum.
Although the Department of Chemistry has not had a defined concentration in forensic chemistry,
BS and MS degree graduates are employed in forensic laboratories. Recent graduates are working at
Armstrong Laboratories and crime laboratories at Dallas County, Ft. Worth, FBI offices and Texas
Department of Public Safety. The American Chemical Society has accredited the BS in Chemistry
degree since 1952.
After ongoing discussions with interested science faculty and administration, Warren Burggren,
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences authorized an Advisory Committee to develop an
accredited forensic science program. Formal meetings of the Forensic Advisory Committee chaired
by Dr. Jean Schaake, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs began in February 2004. The committee
included faculty and chairpersons of the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and
Criminal Justice as well as three members of the working professional community.
As a result of forensic program curriculum reviews of programs all over the nation, Standards for
Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation, and the advice of the forensic professionals, an
initial framework for the program evolved using the BS in either Chemistry or Biological Sciences
with a Biomedical Criminalistics Certificate as the design for accreditation.
The Biomedical Criminalistic Certificate is designed to enable students in degree programs in
biological sciences and chemistry to begin careers in forensic laboratories. The departments of
Chemistry and Biological Sciences have collaborated with the department of Criminal Justice to
develop this interdisciplinary certificate and begin the Forensic Science Program at UNT.
With the framework for an accredited forensic science program in place, the College of Arts and
Sciences supported the attendance of Dr. Teresa Golden, Dr. Art Goven and Dr. Jean Schaake at the
annual meeting of The American Academy of Forensic Science (Spring 2005 New Orleans)
especially to participate in workshops on education and training of forensic scientists and the
accreditation process. Dr. Golden also used the opportunity to begin recruitment for the newly
authorized faculty position in forensic/analytical chemistry.
In March 2005, Dr. Teresa Golden was appointed Director of the Forensic Science Program for the
College of Arts and Sciences and given a graduate student services position to assist her in
establishing the office and program.
In April 2005, upper level students majoring in chemistry or biology were invited to apply for the
Biomedical Criminalistics Certificate approved by the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum
Committee. Students admitted in the first cohort would be able to complete the course requirements
of the certificate and graduate in 2006-2007. With the acceptance of 12 students at the upper level
of their degree program for the Biomedical Criminalistics Certificate, review of accreditation
standards and consultation with Dr. Jim Hurley, Director of Accreditation and Development, AAFS,
the decision was made to apply for provisional accreditation.
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
In June, the requirements for the Biomedical Criminalistics Certificate were approved by the
university curriculum committee effective for Fall semester 2005 but to be published in the Fall
2006 General Catalog. Biology and Chemistry students accepted in the first cohort as junior, senior
level students would be able to complete the Biomedical Criminalistics Certificate and graduate in
four semesters using the established schedule for course offerings.
The Forensic Science Program Office opened in Fall 2005 and is located in Chemistry 281.
Application for provisional National Certification of the Program by the American Academy of
Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
(FEPAC) was submitted in May 2005 and an onsite visit scheduled for October 2005. This allowed a
“dry” run for the program, and greatly benefited the program, by allowing an in-depth assessment of
the strengths and weakness to be addressed in the program. The program director and dean have
continued to attend AAFS meetings (2006 in Seattle and planned 2007 in san Antonio) to participate
in workshops on education and training of forensic scientists and the accreditation process and
establish friendships and links into the forensic community.
Presently, the Program includes a full-time director, full-time faculty residing in the biology,
chemistry, and criminal justice departments, and full-time undergraduate students. The Program
facilities are currently spread over four buildings (Biology, Chemistry, Science Research Building,
and Chilton Hall). Currently, the Program is establishing links to the forensic science community by
soliciting internships from local forensic laboratories, supporting a student forensic science club,
searching to hire nationally know forensic faculty, and campaigning for a Denton county/UNT
partnership in forensic science.
There has been a continuum of initiatives and activities in Forensic Science at UNT since 1990.
However in the last few years, faculty and student interest have accelerated the development of a
Forensic Science Program that would meet accreditation standards and prepare students for entrylevel positions in the profession. The College of Arts and Sciences has established this program in
the sciences and along with university administrative support will provide resources to develop and
sustain it as an accredited program. The Forensic Advisory Board will continue to serve and assist
in the further development, modification and activities for the program.
This strategic plan includes a number of specific actions to meet the mission and goals of the
program. Since the program consist of a collaboration across several departments, it is impossible to
anticipate every new opportunity or challenge. Nor is it possible to list every possible action that
would contribute to the goals. This strategic plan should be viewed as a guide for decisions and
actions over the next three years, but subject to constant review and updates. We realize that the
departments affliated with the forensic program also have goals in their strategic plans which include
the Forensic Program, therefore this plan is not the meant to override those plans but to be used as a
guide for the program and to influence the other plans. Finally, this document is not inclusive of all
activities within the Program.
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Forensic Science Program Mission Statement
The University of North Texas is the largest and most comprehensive research and doctoral degreegranting institution in the North Texas area and the flagship of the UNT System. The University is
committed to excellence in teaching and the discovery and application of knowledge through
research and creative activities. As an educational component of the university, the Forensic science
Program strives to:
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Assure a complete and rigorous curriculum designed to develop undergraduate students
understanding of the field of forensic science, critical thinking, and laboratory experience.
Review and update scientific content and forensic techniques to ensure the incorporation of
current forensic practices in the curriculum.
Involve students in active inquiry and scholarship, developing a research mind set, and desire
for continuation within the field.
Foster learning in a community environment through research and internship opportunities.
Encourage student involvement in professional societies to enhance appreciation of chosen
field.
The university is committed to a Forensic Science Program that reflects these educational standards
and intends to develop an undergraduate program that is nationally known.
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Forensic Program Advisory Board
Composition:
Minimum of 9 members with at least 3 professional forensic
practitioners appointed by the College of Arts and Sciences, chaired
by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Meets annually.
Purpose and Charge:
Serves as academic and professional resource for the Program Director
and the Forensic Program.
Responsibilities:
Develops rigorous and appropriate curriculum and monitors its
implementation.
Approves admission criteria.
Receives annual reports from Director regarding admission, retention
and graduation.
Assists Director in preparation of annual budget request reports.
Conducts annual assessment of the program.
Reviews mission, assessment findings and initiates appropriate
changes.
The current advisory board members for 2006-2007 are:
Andrew T. Armstrong, Ph.D., Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Arlington, TX
Debra Beck, Health Professions Coordinator, UNT
Arthur Eisenberg, PhD., Professor, Pathology and Anatomy, UNT, Ft. Worth, TX
Richard Ernest, Laboratory Director, Alliance Forensics Lab, Inc, Fort Worth, TX
Harrell Gill-King, Ph.D., Director, Institute of Forensic Anthropology, UNT
Teresa Golden, Ph.D., Director of Forensic Science Program, UNT
Mark Goodson, P.E., Forensic Engineer, Goodson Labs, Denton, TX
Art Goven, Ph.D., Chair Biology Department, UNT
Ed Hueske, M.A., Lecturer, Criminal Justice Department and Forensic Consultant, LLC
Lee Hughes, PhD., Faculty Advisor, Biological Sciences Department, UNT
Jean Schaake, Ph.D. Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, UNT Board Chair
Ruthanne Thomas, Ph.D., Chair Chemistry Department, UNT
Peggy Tobolowsky, J.D., Associate Chair, Criminal Justice Department, UNT
Guido Verbeck, PhD. Assistant Professor, Chemistry Department, UNT
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Strategic Plan
(Note: Neither the goals nor the action items are in priority order)
Goals: Increase the Regional, National, and International Stature of the Program. Increase
Program Resources. Upgrade Program Instrumentation
Action Item 1. Pursue accreditation of the Program with AAFS
a. Submit application for 2007 deadline.
b. Faculty and Program Director attend AAFS national meeting in Feb 2007.
Participate in accrediting workshops and meetings. Meet with academics and
practioneers in the forensic community. Expand and build contacts within the
community.
c. Meet with subcommittee, spring 07, to go over application and program changes or
modifications.
Action Item 2. Increase the exposure of the program using various publicity outlets.
a. Advertise Program online.
Add program to AAFS website. Search other websites for addition. Have
computer center establish links with other department’ websites. Continuosly
update program website.
b. Program Director visit regional labs to promote program.
c. Program Director visit and reach out to regional high schools and present seminars
at schools and community colleges.
d. Send mailers semi-annually to regional high schools science teachers.
e. Program office actively support materially and advise the UNT student forensic
club.
e. Actively recruit undergraduate students in freshmen and sophomore biology and
chemistry courses
Action Item 3. Establish multiple internships with local, regional, and national forensic
laboratories, both private and government.
a. Program Director visit regional labs to promote program.
b. Program Director continue dialogue with UNT Health Science Center for possible
collaborations.
c. Advisory board members continue to promote program with collegues to help
establish possible collaborations.
Action Item 4. Establish scholarships and awards for students in the program.
a. Program Director along with university’s Office of Development (Stan Walker),
search for possible donors (industry, alumni) for scholarships.
b. Use existing funds to establish small travel awards for students to forensic
meetings.
Action Item 5. Add to existing program new research faculty doing research in forensics in
cooperation with the Departments of Biological Sciences Chemistry, and Criminal Justice.
a. Hire an analytical/forensic chemist (added fall 2006).
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
b. Hire a medicinal or pharmaceutical/forensic chemist (chair of chemistry has put in
request to dean.).
c. Explore with biology department future needs for faculty to support the program.
(Meet w/ Sam).
Action Item 6. Program Director regularly review (semi-annually) and prioritize instrument
needs within the program.
a. Contact each department to discuss their needs for the forensic courses and submit
program.
Action Item 7. Identify and seek funds to increase program facilities and instrumentation.
a. Faculty within program identify and submit proposals to external funding agencies
for large and small equipment purchases, consistent with the priority of needs.
b. Seek funds from other sources, such as private foundations, for classroom
instrumentation or equipment needed for selected programs of interest to
potential donors.
c. Program Director and Chair of Advisory Board work with UNT administrators to
find additional sources of funding.
d. Provide university space for instrument manufacturer’s demonstration labs.
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Program Educational Objectives, Documentation, Assessment, and Results
Educational
Objectives
1. Demonstrate
proficiency in
biology and/or
chemistry and basic
forensic science.
Data Sources
Assessment
Results/action
Faculty provide
copies of
examinations and
syllabi with topics
covered for:
Each semester, the
grades of students
in program will be
reviewed by
Program director
and put in their file.
If student maintains
a C or above in
each course with a
2.75 cumulative:
the student will be
allowed to continue
in program.
1a. Biochemistry
track: Organic
chemistry,
quantitative
analysis
instrumental
analysis, and
biochemistry.
1b. Biology Track:
Organic chemistry,
quantitative
analysis,
instrumental
analysis, and
molecular biology.
1c. Chemistry
track: Organic
chemistry,
quantitative
analysis and
instrumental
analysis.
Students within
program: must
obtain a C or better
in each course
listed under data
sources with a
cumulative of 2.75
in all certificate
courses.
Review ACS exam
scores in courses
were applicable.
Collect statistics to
present to advisory
board and
subcommittee.
1d. All students:
Certificate courses
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If student does not
obtain a C in each
course, the student
will be dropped
from program. The
student may then a)
retake course to
obtain a C or better,
b) reapply to
program after
meeting grade
requirements.
After review of
statistics, faculty
may suggest
changes to the
curriculum to be
approved by
advisory board.
UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Educational
Objectives
2. Demonstrate
ability to operate
modern
instrumentation
found in forensic
laboratories,
including but not
limited to
spectroscopy,
chromatography,
and microscopy.
Data Sources
Assessment
Results/action
Faculty of
Instrumental
analysis, forensic
chemsitry and
forensic
microscopy provide
copies of
laboratories
covering topics.
Sample copies of
written lab reports
will be kept in
program office.
Same as 1.
3. Effectively
communicate
scientific data and
observations.
Copies of
Sample copies of
written reports,
papers, and any
presentations kept
in program office.
Allow review of all
copies by faculty
and advisory board
Program office
compile data and
statistics from
survey instruments.
Advisory board and
subcommittee
review data and
feedback from
surveys to adjust
program
curriculum.
3a. Written lab
reports from
program lab
courses.
Students must
obtain a C or above
in the laboratory
courses in program.
3b Student
presentations at
scientific meetings.
3c Student coauthorship on
published papers in
scientific journals.
3d. Biol/Chem
4900 internship
reports.
4. Prepare students
for employment in
biology/chemistry
forensic related
fields.
Exit interview w/
program director.
Employer
evaluation surveys.
Internship
evaluation surveys.
1-3 above.
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UNT Forensic Science Program Strategic Plan
November 2006
Educational
Objectives
Data Sources
Assessment
Results/action
5. Provide a
capstone experience
for students in
program through
topics in forensic
research from 3
senior courses.
Faculty for
Forensic chemistry,
Forensic
microscopy, and
instrumental
analysis (or 4900
internship) provide
copies of syllabi,
written lab reports,
lab notebooks,
written research
papers.
Sample copies of
written lab reports,
lab manuals and,
and any research
papers or
presentations kept
in program office
and reviewed by
program director.
Advisory board and
subcommittee
review copies,
surveys, and
feedback from
director to adjust
program
curriculum.
Intern and
Internship mentors’
surveys.
Research or
internship surveys
from research
mentor.
ACS exam
statistics.
Copies of any
student's written
research report in
ACS format.
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