This second episode of the special release season of the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence’s (FTCoE’s) Just Science podcast series is an interview with Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller, FTCoE’s Chief Scientist.
Dr. Ropero-Miller first discusses how her early interest in math and science led to a degree in chemistry that resulted in a job working within the research phases of the oil industry. This was followed by an interest in medicine and research. She worked in the research phase of a medical examiner’s office, primarily as a forensic toxicologist. In her work with FTCoE she is involved in the mission of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in ensuring that forensic research findings are informing policies and practices that pertain to public safety. This involves her in both forensic research efforts, education. and training that translates into practice regarding how forensic scientists analyze and interpret evidence and how crime investigators and courts of justice administer justice. She discusses her current and envisioned work with the FTCoE and the field of forensic science and medicolegal research.