Just Science

Latest Episodes:

Just Partially Tested Sexual Assault Kits Aug 27, 2021

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In episode seven of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston to discuss resolving partially tested sexual assault kits. Partially tested sexual assault kits create a unique barrier when it comes to the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. However, re-opening these cases and conducting a comprehensive case review can yield positive results, even years later. Mary Weston and Dr. Rachel Lovell led the charge when it came to resolving partially tested kits in Cuyahoga County, resulting in a series of new investigative and prosecutorial leads. Listen along as they discuss the challenges associated with partially tested kits, the importance of a comprehensive case review, and the value of building a good relationship with your forensic laboratory in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Supporting Male Survivors Of Sexual Assault Aug 20, 2021

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In episode six of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an attorney advisor with AEquitas, to discuss supporting male victims of sexual assault through the criminal legal system. Research suggests that sexual assault is an often-underreported crime. Biases, myths, and societal expectations can further discourage male survivors from stepping forward and disclosing their assault. Pattie Powers works with survivors and sees the impact that these misconceptions have on the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault crimes. Listen along as she discusses the myths surrounding sexual assault, the role of education in overcoming biases, and best practices for supporting male survivors and effectively prosecuting their cases in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Advocacy for Male Survivors Of Sexual Assault Aug 13, 2021

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In episode five of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Marya Simmons, founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting, to discuss supporting male survivors of sexual assault. One of the common misconceptions about sexual assault is that it is always a male perpetrator and a female victim. However, research suggests that this isn’t always the case. Marya Simmons and many advocates like her work to improve outcomes for sexual assault survivors, regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Listen along as she discusses myths surrounding sexual assault and best practices for supporting male survivors in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just A Cost Benefit Analysis Of Sexual Assault Investigation Aug 04, 2021

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In episode four of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell, Research Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University, and Mary Weston, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, to discuss a recently published article detailing the case for an “investigate all” approach to sexual assault kit investigation. As more jurisdictions submit their previously untested sexual assault kits, investigators are finding that many submissions do not result in a CODIS hit. But should investigators continue their efforts even though there isn’t an immediate suspect identified through CODIS? Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston provide a compelling case for investigating all previously untested sexual assault kits, regardless of whether there is a CODIS hit. Listen along as they discuss the recently published article, “The case for ‘investigate all:’ Assessing the cost-effectiveness of investigating no CODIS hit cases in a sexual assault kit initiative” in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Trauma-Informed Victim-Centered Interviewing Jul 30, 2021

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In episode three of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Natasha Alexenko, Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons to discuss trauma informed, victim-centered interviewing for sexual assault cases. A sexual assault victim’s experiences with law enforcement and advocates can affect the way they approach future interactions with the criminal justice system. By understanding that each victim is unique and will respond differently, investigators and advocates can meet the needs of the survivor and increase the likelihood of moving the investigation forward. Natasha Alexenko, Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons have been working together to develop and promote victim-centered, trauma-informed interviewing strategies for sexual assault cases. Listen along as they discuss supporting victims of sexual assault, improving case outcomes, and maintaining victim engagement by using trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches during the interviewing process in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Touch DNA and Sexual Assault Groping Cases Jul 23, 2021

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In episode two of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, Associate Dean and Associate Professor at Brigham Young University in the College of Nursing and certified sexual assault nurse forensic examiner, and Heather Mills, Forensic Scientist Manager at the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services, to discuss evidence collection in sexual assault groping cases. As touch DNA evidence collection continues to develop, sexual assault nurse examiners and forensic scientists are poised to improve the investigation of sexual assault groping cases. In their recently published article, “Evidence Collection and Analysis for Touch DNA in Groping and Sexual Assault Cases,” Dr. Julie Valentine and Heather Mills explore the application of touch DNA evidence collection to sexual assault investigation, specifically associated with a groping case. Listen along as they discuss their article, the advent of touch DNA technology, and the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Lawfully Owed DNA Jul 16, 2021

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In episode one of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell, Research Assistant Professor as Case Western Reserve University, and Mary Weston, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, to discuss lawfully owed DNA. Lawfully owed DNA is defined as a sample of DNA from a qualifying offender that should have been entered into the Combined DNA Index System but was not. Although legislation defines that a qualifying offender’s DNA sample be submitted into CODIS, this historically has not always been the case, resulting in thousands of lawfully owed DNA samples. Mary Weston and Dr. Rachel Lovell are working to correct this issue in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Listen along as they discuss the collection and potential legal and research implications associated with lawfully owed DNA samples in this episode of Just Science.  This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just The Biology And DNA Portfolio Jun 25, 2021

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In episode four of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Tracey Johnson, a physical scientist and program manager in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss the NIJ Biology and DNA research portfolio.  Although Tracey Johnson is relatively new to NIJ, she has a depth of professional experience from which she can draw. As a 20-year veteran in the field of forensic DNA analysis, she is no stranger to the needs and gaps in the discipline. Listen along as she discusses her career path, the intersection of forensics and other scientific disciplines, and the NIJ Biology and DNA research portfolio in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Forensic Anthropology And Forensic Pathology Portfolio Jun 18, 2021

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In episode three of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist and program manager in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Pathology. Danielle McLeod-Henning has been the physical scientist in charge of the forensic anthropology, pathology, and medicolegal death investigation portfolio since 2009. In that time, she has dedicated her efforts to bridging the gap between research and application. Listen along as she talks about technology translation, creating research connections outside of forensic science, and the NIJ research portfolio in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just The Impression And Pattern/Trace Evidence Portfolio Jun 11, 2021

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In episode two of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Gregory Dutton, a physical scientist in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, to discuss NIJ’s Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence research portfolio.   Between latent fingerprints, firearms, footwear, paint analysis, and much more, the NIJ Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence portfolio encompasses a diverse array of forensic disciplines. As the scientist who oversees this portfolio, Dr. Dutton is constantly encouraging innovative solutions to forensic problems. Listen along as he discusses developing quantitative methods of comparison, the importance of collaboration between researchers and forensic service providers, and the NIJ’s Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence research portfolio in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

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