HUNTINGTON -- The Marshall University Forensic Science Center has signed to agreements with AccessData, which has been a pioneer company in digital investigations for more than 20 years.

According to the first Memorandum of Understanding, Marshall University will conduct research for AccessData, whose software empowers law enforcement, government agencies and corporations to perform computer investigations of any kind.

Marshall students will conduct research on new browsers, instant messenger clients and other Internet-related applications. The results of this research will be incorporated into AccessData training and materials that will be delivered to a worldwide audience.

John Sammons, assistant professor in the Department of Integrated Science and Technology, worked to develop the relationship with AccessData. He said because of the agreement, the university will receive credit in AccessData materials and students will gain experience working with the company's Forensic Toolkit, which is considered to be the industry standard.

"Anyone working in the sector has to gain proficiency working with Forensic Toolkit," Sammons said. "In most cases employers have to send new staff to be trained on forensic technology. So, graduates of our program will have an advantage over other job candidates in the law enforcement, corporate and government sectors. When they leave us, they will be able to list an internship with AccessData on their resumes."

According to the second Memorandum of Understanding, AccessData training will be offered at Marshall University's new Forensics facility this summer. In July, Marshall University will host two AccessData classes for practitioners -- Mac Forensics and Applied Decryption.

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