forensic science honours and mphil projects

School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Centre for Forensic Science

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Forensic Science Honours and MPhil Projects: Autumn 2022

OCTOBER RELEASE

(V 1)

Contents

Application & Admission 3

Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) 4

Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science 4

Commencing your project 5

Criminalistics 6

Environmental degradation of fibre properties: cleaning and contaminated fibres 7

Investigate and Model Persistence of Glass on Different Clothes 8

Modelling the transfer of fibres between items under damp conditions 9

Digital Forensic Science 10

Automatic Ink Classification Using Image Processing Techniques 11

Document Examination 12

First Australian ink target study 13

Fingermark Detection 15

Artificial fingermark for proficiency testing 16

Further investigation into the physical developer mechanism 17

An evaluation of contrast enhancement techniques for physical developer 18

Impact of De-sticking Agents on Latent Fingermark Development and Adhesive Analysis. 19

Forensic Biology & Genetics 20

An investigation of the optimal packaging methods to preserve biological evidence on exhibits 21

Shedder status: Fingerprints vs DNA 22

Random Projections for cryptic population structure 23

Forensic Intelligence 24

Utility of trace DNA beyond Court outcomes 25

Forensic Interpretation 26

Bayesian networks for assessing the relative probabilities of propositions for court room evidence 27

The use of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for analysing discrimination between probability densities as applied to Bayesian interpretation of court room evidence 29

Use of Bayesian Networks for Activity Level DNA Evidence Evaluation 30

Forensic Toxicology & Drug Detection 31

Biotransformation of benzodiazepines by putrefactive bacteria 32

Development of a software application to accommodate non-targeted screening strategies for new psychoactive substances 33

Development of a presumptive test for the detection of illicit fentanyl and its analogues 34

Wildlife Forensic Science 35

Rapid detection of tortoiseshell products 36

Fingerprinting for conservation: are marsupial fingerprints koalified for identification 38

General information

General information

The project proposals listed in this booklet are available to students enrolling in the Bachelor of

Forensic Science (Honours) (C09100) and Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science (C04393) courses.

All of the listed projects are designed to run for a standard 37 week academic calendar year. Autumn

intake projects commence on Monday 21 February 2022.

Students will gain direct training in the skills required for undertaking research in forensic science as

well as further developing their investigative and communication skills. Honours and MPhil degrees

offer the opportunity for students to undertake a research project within one of the research groups

at UTS or collaboratively with an external organisation. The aim of this research program is to produce

professional forensic scientists with highly adaptable and practical scientific skills.

Application & Admission

There are two application processes for Honours courses in the Faculty of Science and these are

course-specific. Visit https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/science/science-courses/honours-

courses for further information and to download the forms.

Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) applicants will need to apply to the course by submitting a

UTS Direct Application Form. Direct application forms are due by 26 November 2021.

Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science applicants will need to lodge an internal course transfer

request with the Student Centre to transfer from their Master of Science / Master of Forensic Science

coursework degree. Internal course transfer requests for Autumn commencement must be made by

12 November 2021.

Applicants to both courses will also need to submit the supplementary Faculty of Science Honours

application form with their top three (3) project preferences listed in order. You only need to

complete sections 1-5. Prospective students are encouraged to speak to potential UTS supervisors

before selecting their projects (contact details are listed on each project proposal). Faculty of Science

supplementary application forms must be submitted to [email protected] (cc to the Program

Director, [email protected]).

Successful applicants to both degrees must have completed a UTS-recognised bachelor's degree in

forensic science at an appropriate level. Applicants to the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)

course must have attained at least a credit average (≥ 65) over the final two-thirds of their

undergraduate program. Successful applicants to the Master of Philosophy course should

demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and research potential (typically a distinction

average) to be considered for enrolment. Applicants typically complete 48 cp of coursework (1 year

full time equivalent) prior to commencing their research project.

More detailed information on the course structure and international admission requirements can be

found in the UTS Handbook.

https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/science/science-courses/honours-courses

https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/science/science-courses/honours-courses

https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-08/2021-General-Hons-FILLABLEv2.pdf

https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/managing-your-course/your-enrolment/enrolment-changes/internal-course-transfer

https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/managing-your-course/your-enrolment/enrolment-changes/internal-course-transfer

https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/sci-science-honours-supplementary-form-2020-v2.pdf

https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/sci-science-honours-supplementary-form-2020-v2.pdf

mailto:[email protected]


https://www.handbook.uts.edu.au/sci/index.html

General information

Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)

The course comprises 48 credit points of study across two academic stages. The major component of

the course is a research project that extends over the full duration of the course and normally takes

the form of an experimental investigation. The project is undertaken within one of the forensic

science research groups at UTS. Projects may also be undertaken in collaboration with an external

partner. Projects are chosen by the student, although first preferences cannot always be

accommodated. As part of the project, students undertake a critical review of the existing literature

in their research area and develop a research plan for the year.

The results of the project are presented in an oral seminar and in a written thesis, both of which are

formally assessed. Students may enrol in the course for Autumn or Spring intake. Other professional

development activities and seminars are scheduled throughout the year and will be advertised via the

Canvas subject sites.

Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science

The Master of Philosophy provides students with a unique opportunity to undertake original research

and gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen discipline of forensic science. The project is undertaken

within one of the forensic science research groups at UTS. Projects may also be undertaken in

collaboration with an external partner. This course is designed to provide a scholarship pathway to

the PhD program.

The course requires 96 credit points of study, comprising 24 credit points of professional stream

subjects, a 24 cp major and a 48 cp intensive research component. The research project extends over

the final year and normally takes the form of an experimental, analytical or theoretical investigation.

As part of the project, students undertake a critical review of the existing literature in their research

area and develop a research plan for the year. The results of the project are presented in an oral

seminar and in a written thesis, both of which are formally assessed.

Please note that project availability is subject to change after the publication of this

booklet. It is worth speaking to prospective supervisors as new projects may become

available. New projects may be published in late October to early November.

General information

Commencing your project

Your project accounts for most or all of your study load for academic year and will involve active

experimental work, data analysis, reading literature, and writing. UTS safe work practices and the

Faculty of Science after hours work procedures encourage you to complete your laboratory work

during core office hours (weekdays 8 am – 6 pm) whenever possible. If you do need to perform

experimental work out-of-hours you should discuss any arrangements with your supervisor.

There is no set number of hours you need to be on campus or weekly timetable for research. A

standard 24cp session is approximately 420 hours of study (including self-directed work). We

recommend 48cp students be research-active 5 days per week. What you gain from your Honours

year is proportional to the effort you are willing to make. Most research groups have regular progress

meetings that involve project updates and paper reviews or presentations. The Centre for Forensic

Science also holds regular research seminars and meetings that are compulsory for research students.

You are expected to work with your supervisor to prepare a project plan in the initial weeks of

semester. Laboratory inductions and the risk management plan should be completed during the first

two weeks of your project as these processes are essential for gaining security access. Your supervisor

can provide you further guidance on how to schedule and complete your induction and risk

management plan.

Each research thesis subject will have a Canvas subject site that will be updated with the subject

outline and research support materials. It will also be the primary route of contact for the

Honours/MPhil program director to update you on upcoming seminars, events, and assessments.

Please note that the supervisory panels listed for each project are indicative only. Your

supervisory panel may change closer to the commencement of your project.

Criminalistics

Criminalistics

Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) & Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science

# 1

Title Environmental degradation of fibre properties: cleaning and contaminated fibres

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

In the course of surveying international fibre practitioners for the development of

a fibre interpretation model project, concerns were raised about the potential

change in colour on fibres that had been recovered from particular environments

such as swamps. There are two possible solutions: either clean the fibres to

restore their original colour, or model their degradation to predict how the colour

and other properties may change.

The development and validation of an adequate cleaning method that does not

damage the fibres would be ideal - as this could potentially be generalised to any

other form of contamination - but it would also be fruitful to investigate the

degradation from other factors like sun exposure in a multifaceted series of

experiments.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Develop and validate a cleaning method that does not affect fibre properties, or,

failing that, model the degradation in an attempt to enable the inference of the

original parameters.

Industry/external

partner N/A

Special requirements N/A

UTS supervisor

Prof. Claude Roux ([email protected])

Dr Xanthe Spindler ([email protected])

Matt Saunders ([email protected])

External supervisor N/A

This project is suitable for graduates of the following discipline areas:

☐ Biology ☒ Chemistry ☒ Crime Scene ☐ Digital




Criminalistics


# 2

Title Investigate and Model Persistence of Glass on Different Clothes

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Glass is an important trace type in forensic science and is very commonly found at

hit-and-run cases and burglaries. Various studies have been conducted to

understand how glass transfers from one surface to the other during a crime scene.

However, there is a gap in the understanding of how glass persists after the initial

transfer on a fabric over time and under varied conditions.

This project will focus on different clothing types - woven cotton t-shirt, loose-knit

jumper, tightly-knitted cotton hoodie, and different conditions – dry, damp,

saturated.

Experiments will be conducted in controlled environment to get the number of

different sized fragments that can be recovered from different clothing types under

the above-mentioned conditions at different time intervals. Upon collection of

relevant data, the data will be modelled to understand the factors affecting the

persistence of glass. The study will help in understanding the factors impacting

persistence of glass and the extent of the impact.

Potential for publication

Outline of

goals/objectives

• Design the experiment to collect glass fragments data in different scenarios.

(A)

• Run the experiments and count the number of glass fragments recovered in

the various pre-specified scenarios at different time intervals. (B)

• Investigate the different clothing under different dampness conditions using

the collected data. (C)

• Model the data to understand the factors impacting persistence of glass. (D)

• Compare the various models for different clothing types and different

dampness conditions. (E)

Industry/external

partner TBC


UTS supervisor

Dr Anjali Gupta ([email protected])









Criminalistics


# 3

Title Modelling the transfer of fibres between items under damp conditions

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

In the course of surveying international fibre practitioners for the development of

a fibre interpretation model project, it emerged that there exist some concern

about the transfer of fibres between dampened objects - for instance, if a struggle

were to take place underwater or an assault were to take place in the rain. Some

research has taken place in related spaces, particularly the persistence of fibres in

standing and flowing water, but this does not resolve any questions regarding

how many fibres actually transferred the recipient item to begin with.

It would be valuable to investigate both a highly-controlled scenario to formally

model the impact of dampness, as well as a series of more realistic scenarios

involving simulated crimes to more accurately describe the expected range of

values of fibres to be transferred in a casework scenario where many variables are

unknown.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Model the effect of dampness on fibre transfer, and produce a dataset describing

the probability of transfer both from and onto a damp substrate.

Industry/external

partner N/A


UTS supervisor Prof Claude Roux ([email protected])


Matt Saunders ([email protected])







Digital Forensic Science


# 4

Title Automatic Ink Classification Using Image Processing Techniques

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Forensic document examination is one of the oldest field in forensic science. In

this field, a questioned document is examined to detect potential alteration of a

document, typically an addition or erasure. Ink entries are analysed and compared

using optical or chemical methods. The characteristics of the ink on the

document, such as ink color, plays an important role to differentiate inks.

Filtered light examination using Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is routinely used

in the forensic document examination. Large number of images can be produced,

each under different sets of illumination and observation wavelength (up to 154

settings for the Projectina 6000 instrument). Given the large number of images,

manually classifying them based on their ink characteristics is a tedious job and

remains highly subjective. Automatic methods, which can classify the documents

from their images, would be a tremendous aid. The goal of this project is to

explore various image processing methods for classifying (scanned) images based

on the optical characteristics of the handwritten ink samples (e.g. luminescence,

absorption, reflection).

Image classification is a well-studied area. A number of techniques, mainly

machine learning-based approach, have been proposed to classify images based

on various features. Image classification, based on ink characteristics. However, it

is a new and challenging problem. The ink used for the handwriting on the image

can be of different shade and transparency. The background of the image can also

affect the classification result.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Explore various image processing methods for classifying images based on the

characteristics of the ink used in the handwritten notes on the images

Propose an automatic classification method that can work with various types of

inks and various types of handwritings


Industry/external

partner University of Lausanne, Switzerland

UTS supervisor Dr Manoranjan Mohanty ([email protected])

Dr Sebastien Moret ([email protected])

Prof Claude Roux ([email protected])

External supervisor Prof Céline Weyermann ([email protected])


☐ Biology ☐ Chemistry ☐ Crime Scene ☒ Digital





Document Examination


# 5

Title First Australian ink target study

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Comparison and discrimination of inks is a major part of forensic casework. There

is a need to better understand the discrimination and variability of ink

characteristics relevant to the Australian population. One of the most relevant

questions is what is the probability to find a ‘match’ by chance?

This project will adapt an approach that has been undertaken in another field of

forensic science (fibres) to answer such a question: perform an ink target study.

One or several very common pens will be selected. As much statistics (e.g. sales

figures) about these pens will be gathered. Ink standards will be generated using

these pens (target entries).

A large number of documents will be selected in the course of normal business of

an area that is dealing with a large cross section of ink entries (details to be

discussed).

The ink entries on these documents (unknown entries) will be compared to the

target entries using a regular protocol including optical examination, VSC and

MSP. TLC or other techniques could be used if time permits.

At the end of the examination, the number of non-differentiations will be

established. By extrapolation using the background data such as sales figures, it

will be possible to quantify the probability to obtain an ‘ink match’ in an

operational casework. As a result, this research will greatly assist the evaluation of

inks in forensic casework.

Good potential for publication.

Outline of

goals/objectives

• Generate ink specimens using pen sold in a mass manner. (A)

• Gather and generate documents in regular business (B).

• Compare A and B specimens using an established forensic science protocol

including optical examination, VSC, MSP, possibly TLC.

• Evaluate ink population frequency in Australia (compared to Thai and Swiss

populations).

• Several influencing factors could also be studied (pressure, time, paper).

Industry/external

partner Australian Federal Police (TBC)

Special

requirements Experience with video spectral comparator and microspectrophotometry

UTS supervisor Prof. Claude Roux ([email protected])



External supervisor Prof. Celine Weyermann, University of Lausanne, Switzerland




Fingermark Detection

Fingermark detection


# 6

Title Artificial fingermark for proficiency testing

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Proficiency testing is a mainstay in forensic science, as it enables performance

assessment of a specific laboratory and well as compare performance with that of

other participants. Well-designed proficiency tests should closely mimic real-life

scenarios and allow interlaboratory comparisons. This is straightforward for

fingerprint comparison, however, designing proficiency tests for fingermark

detection is an arduous task. The main issue arises from the fact that fingermarks

are highly variable and that it is not possible to deposit the same mark twice. The

very nature of fingermark residue makes it impossible to verify the quality of the

deposited mark.

One way around those issues is to deposit artificial fingermark secretions using an

inkjet printer. This was successfully done last year at UTS while preparing

commercial proficiency tests. A simplistic artificial solution containing only amino

acids was use. It showed promising results, but suffered from various limitations

and issues. More research is warranted.

This project has great potential for publication or presentation at a conference.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The main goal of this project is to design a new proficiency test using a more

advanced artificial secretion solution, as well as to test the shelf life of the test.

Several types of solutions will have to be printed using an inkjet printer, processed

using commonly used fingermark detection technique and assessed against real

fingermarks.

The most promising solutions will then be tested in real laboratory conditions.


Industry/external

partner Anna Davey (Forensic FoundationsTM)

UTS supervisor


Romain Steiner ([email protected])










# 7

Title Further investigation into the physical developer mechanism

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Research at UTS into the composition of latent fingermarks and the physical

developer mechanism has suggested PD reacts with a fingermark emulsion [1].

The potential formation of an emulsion was recently observed by Dorakumbura et

al. [2], although some debate exists as to whether this is a true emulsion or a

layering of sebaceous and eccrine components as stated in classical fingermark

residue theory. The type of emulsion (oil in water or water in oil), its stability and

ability to invert or “break” over time is unknown.

Furthermore, unlike other metal deposition techniques, PD is only recommended

on porous substrates. Fingermarks on non-porous surfaces treated with PD have

previously been observed to produce one of two results: silver chloride staining or

the formation of small floating silver colloids that dissipate as soon as the

substrate is removed. These observations suggest that paper is necessary for the

PD reaction but the exact relationship is yet to be determined.

[1] de la Hunty, M., Moret, S., Chadwick, S., Lennard, C., Spindler, X., & Roux, C. (2015).

Understanding physical developer (PD): part II–is PD targeting eccrine constituents?.

Forensic science international, 257, 488-495.

[2] Dorakumbura, B. N., Boseley, R. E., Becker, T., Martin, D. E., Richter, A., Tobin, M. J., ...

& Lewis, S. W. (2018). Revealing the spatial distribution of chemical species within latent

fingermarks using vibrational spectroscopy. Analyst, 143(17), 4027-4039.

Outline of

goals/objectives

This project aims to improve understanding of the physical developer mechanism

by:

• Determining whether paper (cellulose) fibres are necessary for PD

development by testing a variety of standard, modified and non-cellulose

papers.

• Examining the nature of the fingermark deposit through chemical changes

after different steps in the process.

Industry/external

partner N/A

Special requirements Student must be comfortable with physical developer and analytical or organic

chemistry.

UTS supervisor Dr Xanthe Spindler ([email protected])



☐ Biology ☒ Chemistry ☐ Crime Scene ☐ Digital




# 8

Title An evaluation of contrast enhancement techniques for physical developer

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

Physical developer is a reliable non-luminescent technique for the detection of

aged latent fingermarks on dry and wetted porous surfaces. However, a

fundamental drawback to the technique is the low contrast produced by the grey-

to-black silver particles on some surfaces. Several methods of contrast

enhancement have been proposed in the past, including near infrared imaging,

bleaching, and radiolabelling. A recent publication by the UK Home Office Centre

for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) used photographic blue toning to

successfully improve the contrast of PD developed fingermarks up to 90 years old

on bank cheques [1]. There are numerous other photographic toning solutions (e.g.

sepia and red toning) and related chemistries that could potentially be used to

extend the colour palette.

[1] Bleay, S., Fitzgerald, L., Sears, V., & Kent, T. (2019). Visualising the past–An evaluation of

processes and sequences for fingermark recovery from old documents. Science & Justice,

59(2), 125-137.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The overall aim of this project is to evaluate contrast enhancement techniques for

physical developer on a variety of wet and dry porous substrates. The specific

objectives are:

• To compare photographic toning (blue, red, sepia), near IR imaging, and

bleaching as contrast agents for PD developed fingermarks on different

surfaces.

• To evaluate the use of “homemade” toning solutions in place of commercial

versions.

• To determine the best detection sequence for different substrates and

environmental conditions.

Industry/external

partner N/A


UTS supervisor Dr Xanthe Spindler ([email protected])



☒ Biology ☒ Chemistry ☒ Crime Scene ☒ Digital




# 9

Title Impact of De-sticking Agents on Latent Fingermark Development and Adhesive Analysis.

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

In certain cases involving adhesive tapes, the adhesive may need to be removed

from a surface using different types of de-sticking agents. A number of studies

have found that these de-sticking agents have no negative impact on fingermark

enhancement, however most of these studies have been conducted in the US and

Australian Adhesive tapes have shown to have different compositions to US tapes.

Similarly these studies have also only focussed on the fingermark development,

not the subsequent analysis and classification of the tape.

Previous research conducted at UTS and FASS has explored the impact that

different fingermark chemicals have on the subsequent tape analysis. This work

found that cyanoacrylate had a negative impact on rubber adhesive tape analysis

by FTIR, whereas WetWop had no negative impact on any type of tape.

With the addition of the de-sticking agents, this may further alter the results.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The aim of this work is to:

• Test a range of different de-sticking agents on their ability to remove

adhesives from a range of surfaces

• Determine the impact (if any) these de-sticking agents have on subsequent

tape or fingermark analysis

Special requirements Student should have experience in using FTIR and understand a range of different

fingermark development techniques.

Industry/external

partner

UTS supervisor Dr Scott Chadwick ([email protected])

External supervisor Dr Joanna Bunford




Forensic Biology & Genetics



# 10

Title An investigation of the optimal packaging methods to preserve biological evidence on exhibits

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Packaging an exhibit appropriately at the crime scene is crucial to maintain the

integrity of any evidence on that exhibit. This is not only to prevent

contamination, but also to preserve the evidence. However, the types of

packaging used for particular exhibits, such as bottles and knives, vary among

police forces, and there is a paucity of published empirical data to underpin the

use of different types. In addition, published studies have shown that trace

evidence (such as DNA, glass and pollen) on items that are packaged can

redistribute to different locations on the item and to the inside of the packaging.

Questions are therefore raised as to which method of packaging can best

preserve the integrity of trace evidence and minimise its relocation. This

proposed project focuses on the preservation of biological evidence deposited by

touch, using Diamond Dye to detect and quantify the cellular material present.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The aims of this project are to:

• Investigate the effect of packaging an exhibit on the integrity of cellular

material deposited by touch on the exhibit

• Examine the redistribution of cellular material between areas on an exhibit,

and between the exhibit and the inside of the packaging, when different

packaging methods are used

• Investigate the best methods to package specific exhibits (e.g. knives, bottles,

tool etc) to preserve cellular material deposited by touch

Special requirements Human ethical approval and laboratory facilities for staining and visualising cellular

material using Diamond Dye.

Industry/external

partner TBC

UTS supervisor Dr Georgina Meakin ([email protected])

External supervisor TBC


☒ Biology ☐ Chemistry ☒ Crime Scene ☐ Digital



# 11

Title Shedder status: Fingerprints vs DNA

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

For as long as fingerprinting has been a technique used in forensic science, it has

been observed that the propensity to leave a recoverable fingermark varies among

individuals. Similarly, when forensic DNA profiling was still in its infancy, it was

observed that the quantity of DNA, and the quality of the resultant DNA profile,

deposited on a surface through touch also varies among individuals. For DNA

profiling, it is common to group individuals according to their propensity to deposit

DNA through touch, known as their ‘shedder status’. Individuals tend to be

grouped as either: good, intermediate, or poor shedders. However, does this

grouping also work when referring to fingermark deposition? Is there a

relationship between an individual’s ability to deposit DNA and recoverable

fingermarks? These are the kinds of questions that this project seeks to answer

through collation and analysis of published experimental data.

Outline of

goals/objectives

This project will employ a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to

address the following aims, to:

• Identify the optimal method of grouping individuals according to their ability to deposit fingermarks and DNA

• Establish whether there is a correlation (positive or negative) between an individual’s ability to deposit fingermarks and DNA

Special requirements None

Industry/external

partner N/A





☒ Biology ☒ Chemistry ☒ Crime Scene ☐ Digital



# 12

Title Random Projections for cryptic population structure

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Short tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) profiling

of DNA can help in associating or disassociating people, objects, and places with

each other and with crimes. In the absence of a matching profile, other

information could be extracted from the DNA that might assist forensic

investigators to an offender. One of the pieces of information that can be

valuable to forensic investigators is about biogeographical ancestry (BGA).

Inference of BGA requires knowledge of the genetic structure of populations. In

the past, multidimensional scaling (MDS) or principal component analysis (PCA)

have been used to explore population structure. Human populations feature both

discrete and continuous patterns of variation. Current analysis approaches

struggle to jointly identify these patterns from commonly used forensic genetic

markers because of modelling assumptions, mathematical constraints, or

numerical challenges. It is not difficult to understand the challenges due to high-

dimensional data especially in the scenarios where the number of observations is

less than the number of dimensions.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Random projections is a method that is gaining popularity in the field of Machine

Learning and is used to manage high-dimensional data, as well as for clustering

and classification problems. This project will explore the method of random

projections, a method that makes no assumptions about the data, to short

tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotype

datasets to reveal subpopulations that are not otherwise obvious.

Special requirements Mathematical aptitude, R and RStudio experience

Industry/external

partner N/A

UTS supervisor Dr. Anjali Gupta ([email protected])

Prof. Dennis McNevin ([email protected])



☒ Biology ☐ Chemistry ☐ Crime Scene ☐ Digital



Forensic Intelligence

Forensic Intelligence


# 13

Title Utility of trace DNA beyond Court outcomes

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

The effectiveness of forensic science has always been difficult to quantify. There

has been research into using the predictive power of trace processing on

outcomes to measure effectiveness (Baskin & Sommers, 2010), as well as

examining how people can effectively use forensic services to produce appropriate

justice outcomes (Julian et al, 2011). However, common indicators, especially the

number of identifications, are often too restrictive to provide a complete appraisal

of forensic science. There has been little success in creating a standard measure

for the effectiveness of forensic traces in an investigation or in intelligence.

Over the years, there has been a significant shift in policing to prioritise the use of

traces in the investigative phase and for intelligence purposes. However, the value

of these traces in the investigative and intelligence phase is still not fully

understood. Given that trace DNA is ubiquitous and commonly collected on crime

scenes, a pilot project focusing on the value of trace DNA would provide a starting

point to assess what investigative strategies and surface types have the most value

within investigations and for intelligence purposes.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the usefulness of trace

DNA for investigative and intelligence purposes. In particular, the project aims to

determine if the current standard practices in regard to the collection and analysis

of trace DNA are yielding useful profiles that provide value to investigations and

intelligence.

The particular objectives are:

- To extract case data related to all crime types where trace DNA was collected (over a 2-year period)

- To determine whether trace DNA was useful (e.g. link to a person (victim, POI, other); eliminated a POI; linked persons or scenes; linked cases)

- To provide recommendations on the current standard practices


Industry/external

partner

The project will be conducted in collaboration with New South Wales Police Force

(NSWPF) and the Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS)

UTS supervisor Claude Roux ([email protected])

Marie Morelato ([email protected])

Georgina Meakin ([email protected])

External supervisor Jennifer Raymond, Stephanie Hales and other staff from FASS/NSWPF



Forensic Interpretation

Forensic interpretation


# 14

Title Bayesian networks for assessing the relative probabilities of propositions for court room evidence

Nature of problem

work is intended to

address

A likelihood ratio (LR) can be produced for a single item of evidence. However,

this is rarely the case. A typical criminal trial involves multiple evidence items

(exhibits) and other relevant information, none of them independent in that they

must be combined (by the court) to assess guilt or innocence. How can the LRs

for multiple evidence items and other information be combined? A technique

gaining currency is the use of Bayesian networks where the output from one or

more Bayesian nodes forms the input for one or more other nodes. This allows

an overall LR to be calculated for an event. For example, consider the following

propositions:

• H1: The defendant (A) handled the weapon

• H2: The defendant (A) shook hands with another person (B) who handled

the weapon

• The LR for these propositions is a combination of other pairs of

propositions:

• H3: The DNA profile (evidence) recovered from the weapon is derived from

the defendant (A)

• H4: The DNA profile (evidence) recovered from the weapon is derived from

a random member of the population

• Also:

• H5: The DNA recovered from the weapon (evidence) was a result of direct

handling of the weapon by the defendant (A)

• H6: The DNA recovered from the weapon (evidence) was a result of

secondary transfer from the defendant A to person B and then from person

B to the weapon

Propositions H1 to H6 can be assembled into a Bayesian network in order to

estimate an LR for H1 and H2. However, the precision of the LR depends on the

data used to populate the network which may or may not be available and which

may have uncertainty associated with it. Similar propositions can be considered

with other traces and situations, for example gunshot residues, fibres and other

microtraces, even fingermarks. Activity level evaluation has become a challenge

in forensic science.

Outline of

goals/objectives

This project will involve a theoretical exploration of Bayesian networks for

forensic applications with a focus on sensitivity analysis to assess the applicability

of Bayesian networks to common forensic scenarios. There is potential to team

up with one of the existing PhD students in the trace evidence area.

Industry/external

partner N/A

Special requirements This project requires mathematical aptitude.


UTS supervisor



+ others depending on selected trace








# 15

Title

The use of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for analysing discrimination between probability densities as applied to Bayesian interpretation of court room evidence

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves are used to determine the

discrimination potential of a binary classification where the classification is based

on a threshold. They can be used to investigate the behaviour of the likelihood

ratio (LR) applied to a particular forensic test where the LR is used as a

discriminator of true support for the prosecution proposition (true positive rate)

and false support for the prosecution proposition (false positive rate). The area

under the ROC curve (AUC) is an indicator of the performance of the LR under

various scenarios.

In forensic science, this approach has been used to assess the performance of

algorithms for the prediction of pigmentation traits like eye colour from genotype

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187249731100144X),

algorithms to predict ancestry from genotype

(https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00414-016-1504-3) and has been

recommended as an approach to assess probabilistic genotyping algorithms

(https://vb6ykw2twb15uf9341ls5n11-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-

content/uploads/2018/07/5.-John-Butler-ISHI-29-Presentation.pdf). However, it

could be applied to any forensic discipline where an LR is involved and for which

experimental “ground truth” data exists, thus providing experimental probability

densities for true and false support for a prosecution hypothesis.

Outline of

goals/objectives

This project will involve the development of a mathematical formalism for the use

of ROC curves to assess the performance of any forensic test producing a LR for

weight of evidence.

Special requirements Mathematical aptitude

Industry/external

partner N/A

UTS supervisor Prof. Dennis McNevin ([email protected])




https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187249731100144X

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00414-016-1504-3

https://vb6ykw2twb15uf9341ls5n11-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/5.-John-Butler-ISHI-29-Presentation.pdf

https://vb6ykw2twb15uf9341ls5n11-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/5.-John-Butler-ISHI-29-Presentation.pdf




# 16

Title Use of Bayesian Networks for Activity Level DNA Evidence Evaluation

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

When evaluating DNA traces, a forensic scientist formulates propositions to

address questions concerning who the DNA came from (sub-source level), who the

biological material came from (source level) and how/when did the DNA/biological

material get there (activity level). Activity level evaluation of DNA is very complex

due to the vast number of variables that impact DNA transfer and persistence. To

accommodate these variables within a specific case, Bayesian Networks (BNs) are

being employed in several jurisdictions across the world to underpin activity level

evaluations. BNs are probabilistic graphical models consisting of variables which

help display and conduct complex probability evaluations, as they allow multiple

factors based on probabilistic dependencies to be linked together. The outcome

of such a BN for the activity level evaluation of DNA is a likelihood ratio (LR) that

provides the evidential weight for the DNA findings at the activity level. However,

the LR calculated is completely dependent on the probabilities inputted into the

BN and how that BN has been constructed, meaning that the evidential weight of

DNA evidence is dependent on the decisions that the forensic scientist makes

when constructing the BN. These include deciding which elements of provided

case information to include, what assumptions to make, what experimental data to

use, when to rely on personal belief from casework experience, etc. This project

builds on a previous internship to investigate these dependencies, and the impact

of varying these, in the use of BNs to evaluate DNA evidence given activity level

propositions.

Outline of

goals/objectives

This project makes use of the HUGIN Expert software for BN construction and

available case data to address the following aims, to:

• Construct BNs for activity level evaluation of DNA in already tried cases.

• Investigate the sensitivity of BNs to changes in the decisions made during their construction (e.g. changes in data inputted, assumptions made, etc).

• Compare and contrast the magnitude of the BN-calculated LRs to those presented in the tried cases.

Special requirements This project requires mathematical aptitude, particularly regarding probabilities,

and the ability to learn how to use HUGIN Expert software

Industry/external

partner N/A


Prof Dennis McNevin ([email protected])



☒ Biology ☐ Chemistry ☐ Crime Scene ☒ Digital



Forensic Toxicology & Drug Detection

Forensic toxicology & drug profiiling


# 17

Title Biotransformation of benzodiazepines by putrefactive bacteria

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Post-mortem destruction of drugs and metabolites during the putrefaction

process represents an ongoing challenge for forensic toxicological investigations.

Putrefactive bacteria are among the microorganisms involved in putrefaction. This

project aims to investigate if benzodiazepines, a class of addictive drugs with

sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties, are susceptible

to biotransformation mediated by putrefactive bacteria.

Outline of

goals/objectives

Learn to culture putrefactive bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus

aureus, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae which will be used in the

study.

• Investigate susceptibility of benzodiazepines such as oxazepam and

temazepam to biodegradation by the above bacteria.

• Extract biodegradation products of benzodiazepines from the culture

medium

• Perform method validation and product analysis by LC-MS/MS.

Special requirements Bacteria experiments will be conducted in a PC2 laboratory at UTS and training for

bacteria handling will be provided.

Industry/external

partner Shanxi Medical University, China

UTS supervisor Prof. Shanlin Fu ([email protected])

External supervisor Prof. Keming Yun






# 18

Title Development of a software application to accommodate non-targeted screening strategies for new psychoactive substances

Description of problem

work is intended to

address

In the last decade, over 1000 new psychoactive substances (NPS) have appeared

on the market globally with approximately one new drug emerging per week. This

has made it challenging for routine forensic laboratories who monitor these

compounds, to develop, maintain and validate mass spectrometry (MS) methods

that target these compounds. In an effort to improve the detectability of NPS

when structures are unknown, non-targeted screening strategies have been

developed by previous researchers under Prof Shanlin Fu. These have included

product ion searching, mass defect filtering (MDF) and Kendrick mass defect (KMD)

analysis. The success and applicability of these strategies, however, is heavily

dependent on the native mass spectrometry software used by a particular

laboratory.

While data files that are acquired from different MS vendors are, by default, in a

closed and proprietary format, accessible formats have been made available such

as mzXML, mzData and mzML to facilitate data sharing in the proteomics field. In

addition to being accessible, they are also readable using programming languages

and thus can be processed at the user’s discretion. Python, a programming

language, has a number of existing libraries which can facilitate the reading and

viewing of the mentioned file types.

This project aims to develop an application which can handle generic MS files and

implement the previously developed non-targeted screening strategies for NPS.

Outline of

goals/objectives

1. To develop a Python application which can read, process and view mzXML, mzData and/or mzML files;

2. To implement one or multiple of the previously developed non-targeted screening strategies, and;

3. To evaluate the application on authentic anti-doping samples.

Special requirements

This project requires the use of the Python programming language, therefore,

experience or a keen interest in learning a programming language is highly

preferred.

Industry/external

partner Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory

UTS supervisor Prof Shanlin Fu ([email protected])

External supervisors Dr Daniel Pasin

Dr Adam Cawley


☐ Biology ☒ Chemistry ☐ Crime Scene ☒ Digital




# 19

Title Development of a presumptive test for the detection of illicit fentanyl and its analogues

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Novel synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and its analogues, are becoming more

prevalent throughout the illicit drug market. Their abuse potential has

dramatically increased in parallel with the increase of overdose deaths and

misuse. These dangerously potent opioids are often sold and found in samples of

other drugs such as heroin and cocaine, increasing the risk associated with use

and contributing to the opioid crisis.

Colour based presumptive tests are simple and rapid methods that are used in

field settings to provide information about the contents of an unknown

substance. While there has been some investigation into the use of other colour

test reagents such as the marquis reagent for fentanyl detection, there has been

no research into the use of these tests for other fentanyl analogues. The

development of a presumptive test method that can be used on-site is crucial for

law enforcement and harm reduction services to identify these potent drugs.

Previous work at UTS has explored the development of both a solution based and

paper-based presumptive colour test method for this purpose. The exploration of

two reagents that provide colour changes with fentanyl and a range of analogues

has been completed. However, further optimisation and validation of these

methods is required to create a field ready test. In particular, further study into

the mechanism of reaction, selectivity and reagent stability and the design of a

simple and portable device is required.

Outline of

goals/objectives

To use the results of the previous studies on the fentanyl colour test methods to:

1. Optimise and validate a field ready presumptive test kit 2. Apply the developed method to real case samples if available

Special requirements Access to wet-lab and chemical instrumentation (GC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR)

Detailed risk assessment regarding the use of opioids and the management plan

for the use of Naloxone if necessary.

Industry/external

partner N/A

UTS supervisor

Shanlin Fu ([email protected])

Laura Clancy ([email protected])

Morgan Alonzo ([email protected])







Wildlife Forensic Science

Wildlife


# 20

Title Rapid detection of tortoiseshell products

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

Illegal poaching causes great harm to species diversity and conservation. A huge

amount of money is involved in the trade of illegal or forged animal parts

worldwide. A major issue in the enforcement of wildlife trafficking is the lack of a

rapid and accurate method to distinguish legal from illegal wildlife parts. Rapid

identification can greatly assist law enforcement to prosecute offenders, thus

preventing future wildlife crimes. One potential avenue is the use of infrared

analysis and chemical odour profiling, similar to conservation canines. The benefit

of using a chemical method over detection dogs is the ability for the instrument

approach to be cheaper, less subjected to errors and have longer working times.

Tortoiseshell has long been a popular material used in the production of jewellery,

home goods, furniture and so on, tortoiseshell was traditionally made from the

shell of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and it has been estimated

that 9 million hawksbills have been traded for their shells in the last 150 years. As a

consequence of this trade, Hawksbills are now critically endangered and have been

listed under CITES appendix I, banning all trade in these products. While plastics

have been used to make faux tortoiseshell products for many years, hawksbill

poaching still continues, and often it is hard to distinguish faux and real

tortoiseshell visually. This project will chemically profile tortoiseshell products

supplied by the Australian Museum, both real (confirmed via previous DNA

analysis) and faux. The goal of the projects it to determine if infrared technology

and odour profiling can be used to determine the legitimacy of tortoiseshell

products. Additionally the project will assist in building a database of odour profiles

for trafficked wildlife parts into and out of Australia. This database will provide the

basis for the creation of a portable electronic device for the rapid in-field

identification of illegal wildlife species.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The goals of this project are as follows:

• To analyse tortoiseshell products using FTIR

• To create a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the analysis

of volatile compounds produced by tortoiseshell products

• To apply statistical analysis to determine real samples from fake products

• To add to the database of illegally traded wildlife odour profiles


Industry/external

partner Australian Museum

UTS supervisor Dr Maiken Ueland ([email protected])

A/Prof. Barbara Stuart ([email protected])

External supervisor Dr Greta Frankham



Wildlife



Wildlife


# 21

Title Fingerprinting for conservation: are marsupial fingerprints koalified for identification

Description of

problem work is

intended to address

The koala is a charismatic, primarily arboreal species whose conservation status

has been recently classified as “Vulnerable” in New South Wales, Queensland, and

the Australian Capital Territory due to substantial population declines, threatened

habitat, and the extensive Black Summer (2019-20) bushfires. Many technological

advances have allowed for population monitoring of koalas (e.g. drones [1], radio

collars [2], ear tagging and microchipping [3]). However, these methods are both

expensive and ineffective for the identification of individuals long-term. Without

definitive individual identification, the long-term outcomes of rehabilitation (i.e.

recovery, survival, or mortality) post-release are limited.

A potential avenue for rapid identification of koalas is fingerprinting. The unique

characteristics that are used to distinguish human individuals using fingerprints are

present in koala fingerprints [4]. Preliminary research has demonstrated that

individuals differ but has only been conducted on very small populations.

Fingerprint capture, and even potentially fingermark detection, are non-invasive

techniques that could be used to cheaply track populations over several months or

years. [1] Hamilton, G., Corcoran, E., Denman, S., Hennekam, M. E., & Koh, L. P. (2020). Biological

Conservation, 247.

[2] Radford, S. L., McKee, J. E. F. F., Goldingay, R. L., & Kavanagh, R. P. (2006). Australian Mammalogy,

28(2), 187-200.

[3] Matthews, A., Lunney, D., Gresser, S., & Maitz, W. (2007). Wildlife Research, 34(2), 84-93.

Nichols, J. D., & Williams, B. K. (2006). Trends in ecology & evolution, 21(12), 668-673.

[4] Henneberg, M., Lambert, K. M., & Leigh, C. M. (1998). In Proceedings of the Conference of the

Australian and New Zealand International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences 1996.

Outline of

goals/objectives

The main objectives of this pilot study are to:

• Determine the best fingerprint collection method (direct and passive).

• Categorise koala fingerprints and determine population frequencies.

• Apply existing statistical models to determine the variability of koala

fingerprints.

This project will assist in developing better approaches to koala health,

management and conservation strategies.

Special requirements Requires animal research ethics approval (in progress). May require car travel.

Industry/external

partner Australian Reptile Park

UTS supervisor Amber Brown ([email protected])


External supervisor TBC from ARP koala team



Wildlife



forensic science honours and mphil projects

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