MU forensics program to receive $5 million

HUNTINGTON — Marshall University will receive $5.825 million for its forensics program from a Department of Justice grant, according to a release from Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.

The Forensic Science Center will receive $5 million for a model working forensic laboratory in support of the forensic community in conjunction with the National Institute of Justice. This will help upgrade research opportunities and help the center provide assistance to forensic crime laboratories by utilizing its DNA lab in technology transfer, research and development, testing and evaluation, and model training, according to the release.

“These funds will help further the vital and pioneering work underway in the Marshall Forensic Science program, work that will directly benefit our nation, federal and state law enforcement agencies, our communities and our students,” Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp said in a press release.

"We are addressing new challenges through our nationally accredited DNA laboratory and our digital forensics unit, said Dr. Terry Fenger, director of the MU Forensic Science Center, said in a press release. “MUFSC has also served the forensic science community by educating the next generation of laboratory analysts and investigators.”

The additional $825,000 that Byrd secured will be used for the continued development of and upgrades to the Computer Forensics Science Initiative at MU, which provides a working model laboratory as a guide for state and local agencies working with digital evidence.

The Herald-Dispatch

Old Main at Marshall University