{"id":148962,"date":"2025-09-09T15:03:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T19:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=148962"},"modified":"2025-09-19T09:56:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T13:56:17","slug":"how-ucfs-national-center-for-forensic-science-helps-solve-crimes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/how-ucfs-national-center-for-forensic-science-helps-solve-crimes\/","title":{"rendered":"How UCF\u2019s National Center for Forensic Science Helps Solve Crimes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Central Florida Research Park, a nondescript building might escape the notice of passersby. But for Jack Ballantyne and his team, it\u2019s anything but ordinary.<\/p>\n

Inside, groundbreaking forensic science is unfolding \u2014 work that has national implications for solving crimes, advancing justice and training the next generation of forensic experts.<\/p>\n

Ballantyne is a chemistry professor and the interim director of UCF\u2019s National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a long title, but it\u2019s fitting since he has worked in forensic science for decades.<\/p>\n

In fact, Ballantyne has a bachelor\u2019s degree in biochemistry from the 海角直播 of Glasgow, Scotland; a master\u2019s in forensic science from the 海角直播 of Strathclyde, Scotland; a doctoral degree in genetics from the State 海角直播 of New York; and just a hint of Scottish brogue.<\/p>\n

He leads a multidisciplinary team whose research touches everything from DNA analysis to chemical analysis of trace evidence. The building may blend into its surroundings, however, the science happening within it is anything but invisible.<\/p>\n

Ballantyne\u2019s resume goes far beyond his roles at UCF. He also works in the field of forensic molecular genetics. He has provided a slew of expert testimony in criminal courts, served as the chair of the New York State DNA subcommittee and is a regular invited guest at the FBI\u2019s Scientific Working Group on DNA analysis.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a forensic scientist of 46 years and still actively involved in all aspects of the forensic community,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

So, what exactly is forensic science?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the application of scientific methods and techniques to aid in investigating crimes and analyzing evidence for use in legal proceedings. That includes crime scene investigations, DNA analysis that could identify individuals through genetic material, detecting poisons, analyzing data from electronic devices, preserving evidence like fingerprints, blood, hair and fiber, and identifying human remains.<\/p>\n

UCF\u2019s undergraduate forensic science program was established in 1974, making it one of the oldest forensic science programs in the country. The National Center for Forensic Science followed in 1997.<\/p>\n

\u201cUCF decided to start a center for forensic science and initially concentrated on fire investigations, explosives and explosive analysis,\u201d Ballantyne says. \u201cWe then expanded beyond fire and explosives and moved into digital evidence and DNA analysis. Now, we also have people working on sexual lubricants and a myriad of other chemical analysis and spectroscopic methods and statistical methods to evaluate evidentiary items.\u201d<\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean research and academics are on the back burner. Ballantyne and his team of expert faculty teach on campus and conduct research in Central Florida Research Park.<\/p>\n

UCF\u2019s Department of Chemistry offers a bachelor\u2019s degree in forensic science<\/a>, a master\u2019s degree in chemistry<\/a> (forensic science track) a doctoral degree in chemistry<\/a> and a forensic science concentration. That\u2019s the academic side, plus most of the forensic faculty are affiliated with NCFS.<\/p>\n

Ballantyne and his forensic faculty conduct research both independently and collaboratively, each with their own specialties:<\/p>\n