Two Perspectives of Engaging
Industry Leaders in the PSM
Initiative in the State of Florida
Max Poole
College of Graduate Studies,
University of Central Florida
&
Kevin Lothridge
National Forensic Science Technology Center
Overview of the Florida PSM Initiative
Grew from 1 to 33 active
programs in 4 years
(of which 29 are
certified PSM)
Five industry sectors
In ten universities
410 enrolled in fall 2013
168 graduates in 2012-13
332 graduates total
• Biotechnology
• Forensic science &
homeland security
• Environmental
sustainability
• Healthcare
• Simulation
Composition of Florida PSM Initiative
Statewide Advisory Board
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CEO, National Forensic Science Technology Center
VP, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC)
Manager, Florida Power & Light
VP, AvMed Health Plans
VP, Scripps Research Institute
VP, Sanford Burnham Research Institute
VP, Max Planck Florida Institute
VP, Enterprise Florida
President, Florida High Tech Corridor
President, Florida Chamber Foundation
President, National Center for Simulation
Manager, FL Institute for Commercialization of Research
President, University of West Florida
Associate Vice Chancellor, Florida Board of Governors
Comparison of Advisory Board Roles at
Program level vs. Statewide Initiative
Program-level
(From 2013 survey of FL programs)
• Curriculum advice
(60% of programs)
• Identify internships
(41% of programs)
• Promote the program
(12% of programs)
• Financial support for
student travel
(5% of programs)
Statewide-initiative
• Create charter to define
role
• Promote PSM concept
across state
• Set long-term enrollment
projections
• Monitor program
accountability
• Advise on PSM-initiative
• Resources for initiative
sustainability
Florida PSM Initiative Successes to
Which the Advisory Board Contributed
Developed statewide administrative structure
• Identified workforce events for visibility and creating connections
for partnerships with programs
• developed new programs
• networking & professional development of PSM program
directors
Workforce contacts developed and PSM concept was
marketed
$150,000 grant (Spring 2011) from State University
System (SUS) to support administrative costs
Justified inclusion in 2012 SUS budget for sustainability
Presented PSM concept to State Legislature
Florida PSM Initiative
Advisory Board Challenges
Florida economic collapse beginning in 2007
Retirement/ leaving of five key board members
Funding of workforce development agencies also
declined
State legislature decided not to fund new State
University System initiatives in 2012
Board developed a case (2013) for State
University System to fund the initiative but SUS
declined to act
Current Status of
Florida Statewide PSM Initiative
Rethinking the state-wide administration of the
PSM initiative including role of Advisory Board
Administration is currently housed in UCF
College of Graduate Studies
Statewide, PSM programs are still being
developed and enrollment is growing
Planning to hold a statewide workshop in spring
for PSM directors to promote networking among
the directors and focus on role of Program
Advisory Boards
“If we had more money,
we could fix it.”
The Fab Five?
Sports?
My Management Journey
Job
Bench Time vs. Mgmnt
Time
Forensic Chemist
Chief Forensic
Chemist
Lab Director
90% v 10%
60% v 40%
0% v 100%
You get what you hire
Typical lab manager job requirements:
• 5-8 years of full-time forensic scientist bench experience
• BS in Biology, Chemistry, or forensic science-related
area, maybe some advanced course work, Master’s
preferred in some cases
• Meet FBI: Quality Assurance Standards
• Be Certified as a lab inspector
• Maybe some supervisory or ISO-17025 reporting
experience
Industry Management
In forensic science, it’s a rare first-time manager who has
experience or education in:
• Human resources
• Ethics
• Customer service
• Finance and budget management
• Marketing/Reputation management
Most have 90-100% science training and education.
Lab Management Challenges
Applying Good Business
Most crime labs:
• Produce a good quality product
Some crime labs:
• Measure performance
• Streamline systems
• Improve processes
PSM Leaders can help crime labs:
• Manage client expectations
• Maximize budgets
• Foster strong personnel
Good Leadership
Increase Results
Increase Funding
Increase Capabilities
Thank you
Kevin Lothridge
National Forensic Science Technology Center
Kevin.Lothridge@nfstc.org
www.nfstc.org