Of the scientists involved in the testing of air samples from Casey’s trunk for the presence of decomposition gases, Dr. Vass has become the most well-known to those following the case. Dr. Vass’s CV is included at the end of the report released in discovery beginning on page 31. Dr. Vass holds a B.S. in biology, a masters and Ph.D. in Administration of Justice (Forensic Science). In addition to being a Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), he is also a Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Tennessee in the Forensic Anthropology department, performing work at the “Body Farm” which studies the decomposition process of the human body. He has been a Research Associate in both the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee. In addition, he holds a Medical Technology degree and is a Medical Technologist in Clinical Pathology. He also holds the title of Honorary Research Associate in the School of Biological Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Dr. Vass is an instructor at the National Forensic Academy, teaching courses on Blood-borne Pathogens, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Forensic Anthropology. His current title at ORNL is Research Scientist in the Life Sciences Division, but he has also held the position of Group Lead over the Biochemical Engineering Research (BER) Group. His current areas of research activities center on time of death determinations of human cadavers, and new technologies for locating buried corpses (i.e. his “sniffer”). Dr. Vass and Dr. Wise, who assisted in the trunk analysis in the Anthony case, took their “sniffer” on the road recently when they traveled to Barker Ranch in California where Manson and his family lived to try to ascertain whether yet undiscovered bodies might still lie buried under the desert floor.
Dr. Vass is also involved in research in the areas of investigating the inhibitory effects of amoebae/bacterial preparations on carcinoma cells; investigations into the pathogenicity of microorganisms in the workplace environment; investigations into the bioremediation of explosives and related compounds; investigations into the usefulness of bacterial biodispersants; and studying the biodegradation, toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of toxins.
Dr. Vass is listed as author or coauthor on 42 publications and over 35 presentations. These papers and presentations range in topics from forensics to life science studies to environmental studies to weapons of mass destruction. Dr. Vass is listed as an inventor on six issued patents and on 10 other disclosures.
Dr. Vass’s honors and awards include: Antarctic Service Medal of the United States of America, Certificate of Achievement from the New Zealand Suvival School, Excellence in Crime Scene Investigation in the FBI Southeastern Regional Competition, Certificates of Recognition from ORNL for his work on seven patents, R&D 100 Award, two UT-Battelle Awards, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command–Commanding General’s Award for Excellence, and a UT-Battelle Service Award.
Valhall.
Associated Stories:
http://businesstn.com/content/200902/body-dowser
http://www.knoxnews.com/photos/galleries/2008/mar/16/trail-charlie-manson/
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- Review: Michael Burnett’s Work
- Review: David Glasgow’s Work
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