Researchers to present proposals to
URI Forensic Science partnership

KINGSTON, R.I.-- October 26, 1999 -- Analysis of evidence from pipe bomb explosions, a presentation on residue from flight TWA 800, a new technique for analyzing illicit drugs and using sensors to make more effective devices to help find victims trapped in fires.

They are among 14 presentations University of Rhode Island researchers will present to the University's Forensic Science Partnership on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union's Ballroom. The program is open to the public.

Dennis Hilliard, director of the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory and also assistant adjunct professor of biomedical sciences at URI, said the partnership's steering committee will recommend that the partnership support each of the projects proposed at funding levels up to $3,000. Hilliard is one of the leaders of the partnership.

Among those attending the meeting will be partnership advisory board members Supreme Court Justice John Bourcier, and Thomas Romeo, URI executive in residence.

The Forensic Science Partnership is part of the President's Partnership Program, which was established four years ago to increase interdisciplinary research efforts in areas critical to societal needs.

The Forensic Science Partnership is a collaboration of the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory, which is based at URI's College of Pharmacy, the other colleges at URI, the state Department of Health, the state's law enforcement community, and the insurance industry.

In this, the first year, the Forensic Science Partnership is developing courses, faculty seminars, and research projects that will create a regional center of excellence to assist law enforcement agencies.

The courses could become the foundation of a master's program in forensic science; no public university in New England offers such a program.

The complete list of topics and presenters follows.

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For Further Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116