I was able to locate a CV for Dr. Sigman on the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) website listed under “Physical Evidence”. Dr. Sigman holds a B.S. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry with has postdoctoral work in Photochemistry and Laser Spectroscopy. He worked for 12 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the areas of environmental photochemistry and explosives analysis. He then moved to the University of Central Florida and the National Center for Forensic Science where he is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and the Assistant Director for Physical Evidence. He has also served as the Chair of the Chemical Threat Group for the Department of Energy workshop on “Basic Research needs for Countering Terrorism”. He is the recipient of an R&D-100 award for his work on the development of a new air-sampling adsorbent.
The research projects listed for Dr. Sigman (which was current for May 2008) include:
* Evaluation of Fire Debris Evidence Containers – a study of leak rate for various types of containers used to handle fire debris.
* Improved Fire Debris Data Analysis Methods – research that shows that utilizing the covariance mapping approach coupled with statistical analysis can successfully discriminate between unevaporated gasoline samples.
* Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection and Database – a database maintained by NCFS that contains commercially available ignitable fluids.
* Analysis of Peroxide Explosives – research showing that Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) can successfully be used to detect extremely minute amounts of the explosive tri acetone tri peroxide (TATP).
* Two Dimensional Correlation Mass Spectrometry – research into improved forensic techniques in detecting explosives using two dimensional correlation mass spectrometry (2D-CMS).
* Transferable Fiber Census – a census is being conducted to gather transferable fibers from across the U.S. The various fibers will then be categorized based on fiber type and color where they can then be analyzed for possible regional and seasonal variations to assist in forensic fiber analyses.
* Fiber Dye Analysis by LC-MS – liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can be used to individualize and discriminate between various fibers by analyzing the fiber’s dye composition at a molecular level.
* Glass Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) – in a comparative study laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was found to provide a higher degree of glass discrimination than LIBS.
* Automobile Paint Analysis by LIBS – an investigation into whether LIBS can be used as a method of analysis for automobile and structural paints.
* Location of Human Remains by a Controlled Biological System – a study being conducted in partnership with the University of Montana as to whether bees can be trained and deployed in locating human corpses (as cadaver dogs currently do).
Dr. Sigman is listed as an author on 12 publications and 41 presentations dealing with forensic techniques associated with Physical Evidence. Dr. Sigman’s CV gives a very good mission statement for the Physical Evidence Research conducted by the NCFS.
Physical Evidence Research at the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) is focused on the analysis of non-biological trace evidence (ignitable liquids, explosives, fiber evidence, glass, etc.). We look to the community of experts in the various areas of physical evidence to determine their needs and to help us prioritize our research based on the needs of the community.
Valhall.
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- Review: Michael Burnett’s Work
- Review: Marc Wise’s Work
- Review: Madhavi Martin’s Work
- Review: Arpad Vass’s Work
- Review: David Glasgow’s Work
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