U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Just Science Podcast: Just Embracing Imperfection in Forensic Science

NCJ Number
307140
Author(s)
Jody Wolf; Tim Scanlan; Mikalaa Martin
Date Published
June 2023
Annotation

This podcast episode includes guests that discuss Human Factors Research in the context of resilient leadership in forensic science.

Abstract

In episode 3 of Just Science Podcast’s Resilient Leadership mini season, host Ben Swanholm has a conversation with with Jody Wolf, Crime Lab Administrator for the Phoenix Police Department; Tim Scanlan, President of Forensic Analysis, Consulting, and Training, LLC; and Mikalaa Martin, Forensic Scientist at RTI International to highlight the impact of human factors on forensic DNA interpretation. The podcasters go into details about Human Factors Research, which is a discipline that examines concepts such as undue influence, employee wellness, and human error, which impact the decision that forensic practitioners make on a daily basis. They also discuss the importance of creating a positive error working culture, and how leaders can cultivate an environment of trust and accountability.