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Examining diatom traces to determine their potential for use as evidence in forensic investigation.
Current research: This involves examination of the evidential dynamics of diatom traces in a range of environmental contexts to determine their potential for use as evidence in forensic investigation. Diatoms are widely used as indicators for drowning in forensic pathology, however this research will aim to establish diatom analysis as an ecological technique within forensic geoscience. Since diatoms are highly variable due to a range of environmental tolerances, the presence of individual species within an overall assemblage at a given site will provide important circumstantial information for use as trace evidence. A range of experiments examining the transfer and persistence of diatom particulates will contribute important empirical data to direct recommendations for the collection and analysis of evidential material at the scene of a crime.
Wider research: Aquatic and underwater crime scenes, forensic microscopy, crime scene investigation, visual assessment of environmental particulates (algae, pollen, spores), and developments within the field of forensic science.