A Practical Guide To The Forensic Examination Of Hair: From Crime Scene To Court

Dr. James Robertson of the National Centre for Forensic Studies (NCFS) at the University of Canberra graduated with a BSc (Hons) in 1972 and PhD in 1976 from the University of Glasgow. He lectured in forensic science at the University of Strathclyde from 1976 to 1985 before moving to Australia. After five years at the State Forensic Science Centre in Adelaide he completed twenty years as the head of the forensic group with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in the process developing a world class and respected forensic group from modest beginnings. He returned to an academic role as a Professorial Fellow on his retirement from the AFP in 2010. He is currently the Director of the NCFS.He is also an Honorary or Adjunct Professor at several Australian and overseas universities. He has published well over 100 scientific papers and book chapters, edited or coedited four textbooks, is the Editor of the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences and is a member of the editorial board of several journals. He has held senior positions on all forensic advisory groups and organisations in Australia including being the current President of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Vice-President of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS), Chair of the Advisory Forum to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (NIFS), Chair of Standards Australia (SA) Forensic Committee and a past Chair of the Senior Managers Australian and New Zealand Forensic Laboratories (SMANZFL).His contribution to the forensic sciences and education has been recognised with the awards of a Doctor of the University by the University of Canberra, the Australian Public Service Medal (PSM) and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).Dr. Robertson continues his active interest in, and passion for, the forensic aspects of trace evidence, especially fibres and hairs.Elizabeth Brooks holds a BA Australian National University, Canberra and an MS University of Canberra, Australia. Recently retired, she was formerly a Senior Scientist with the Biological Criminalistics team, Australian Federal Police since 2000, providing forensic biological evidence including DNA relating to crimes committed in the ACT, Australia, and against Australian nationals located overseas. As a senior scientist with court reporting responsibilities in forensic hair examination, she regularly wrote court statements and scientific reports, as well as presented evidence in court for evidence of fact and as an expert witness. She routinely performed technical reviews for hair examination case files. Prior to working at the Australian Federal Police in October, Ms. Brooks worked for twenty two years at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organization (CSIRO) Division of Entomology, where she provided microscopy/immunohistochemistry (IHC) expertise in electron, light and confocal microscopy for the biotechnology program.