About the Seminar:

Title:
Using skincare and death fluorescence to reveal latent prints

Abstract:
Toward simplifying a latent print processing workflow, we developed two new luminescent sublimation dyes – both famous for other reasons – for use in cyanoacrylate ester (CA) fuming. This presentation will highlight our approach, findings, and next steps.

About the Speaker:

Degrees:
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Nebraska – Lincoln;
MFS, Forensic Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University;
BS, Chemistry, Northern Iowa University

Bio:
After working in a crime lab, Dr. Burks returned to academia, teaching, and forensic science research. An analytical chemist, she enjoys the challenge of developing detection methods for a wide variety of compounds. Her research team is focused on the development of colorimetric and luminescent sensor arrays for the detection of analytes of mainly forensic and national security interests with accompanying image and chemometric analysis. To maximize the portability of their analytical systems, Dr. Burks’ team uses laptops, tablets, and smartphones for image collection and data processing. Beyond forensics and national security, there are a variety of fields where low-cost and reliable rapid screening methods are needed. Dr. Burks collaborates with colleagues in a variety of fields in furtherance to provide application-specific sensing systems employing portable, imaging-based detection. Dr. Burks is a popular science communicator, appearing on TV, in podcasts, at large genre cons such as DragonCon and GeekGirlCon, in addition to writing a science-meets-true crime column called “Trace Analysis” for Chemistry World. She is a member of a number of local, national, and international committees, task forces, and projects focused on social justice and STEM.