Contact

Robin Bowen
Assistant Director
Robin.Bowen@mail.wvu.edu
Robin Bowen is the Assistant Director for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research, scientific resources, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities include coordination of continuing education programs, management of research projects, and correspondence of progress to the National Institute of Justice. Bowen is the author of Ethics and the Practice of Forensic Science. She is an advisory member of the Outreach and Communication Interagency Working Group (IWG) under the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee (NSTC) on Forensic Science. She is also on the Editorial Advisory Board for the revised edition of Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Bowen is the primary developer of the Forensic Educational Alliance, an initiative to offer a variety of forensic science continuing education courses online. She has an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and a graduate degree in Secondary Science Education. Robin is the online course instructor for Ethics in Forensic Science and Hair Evaluation for DNA Analysis.

Samantha Neal
Instructional Coordinator
Samantha.Neal@mail.wvu.edu

Samantha Neal is the Instructional Coordinator for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that provides scientific resources and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities are the development and coordination of online and on-site continuing education courses and programs in forensic science. She has undergraduate degrees in both Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Chemistry. Samantha is the online course instructor for Roles in Forensic Science, Science of Fingerprints, Forensic Mass Spectrometry, Forensic Drug Chemistry, Perspectives in Expert Testimony, Forensic Entomology for the CSI, IBIS, and Forensic Science 101.

Kelly Ayers
Forensic Science Curriculum Developer
Kelly.Ayers@mail.wvu.edu

Kelly Ayers is a curriculum developer with the Forensic Science Initiative. Prior to joining FSI, Kelly was employed as a forensic services technician with the Asheville, NC Police Department. While there, she was qualified as an expert in forensic identification in North Carolina Superior Court and was published in the Journal of Forensic Identification. She has an undergraduate degree with a double major in Philosophy and Biology from Frostburg (Maryland) State University and was the first graduate of the West Virginia University Forensic Identification Program. Since joining FSI, Kelly has become an IAI Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst and received her Master of Science in Forensic Science Administration from Oklahoma State University. She is a native of Romney, WV.

Lindsey Saunders
Forensic Science Technician
Lindsey.Saunders@mail.wvu.edu

Lindsey Crass is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. She has a Bachelors of Science in Forensic Biology from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. She also has a Post Bachelors Certificate in Forensic Investigation from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Lindsey has spent time working in the Toxicology Lab at the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office in Pontiac, Michigan. Her responsibilities include online course development, forensic research, and assistance in training for professionals in the forensic field. Lindsey is the online instructor for AFIS, Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Fundamentals of Forensic Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation, and Chemical Spot Tests for Illicit Drugs.

Sarah Ellis
Forensic Science Technician
Sarah.Ellis@mail.wvu.edu

Sarah is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. She has a Bachelor’s in Biology from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Sarah has also earned her Master’s in Forensic Science from Towson University. During her graduate studies, Sarah was involved in research funded by the NIJ. The project focused on finding new serological tests using DNA as the substrate. Her responsibilities include assisting with online classes, developing a relationship with vendors, and helping with training. Sarah is a native of Wyckoff, NJ.

Anthony Iten
Forensic Science Technician
Anthony.Iten@mail.wvu.edu

Anthony Iten is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelors of Arts degree and Forensic Science Certificate. Anthony has spent time working in the Drug Chemistry and Latent Print sections in the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab in St. Paul, Minnesota. His responsibilities include online course development and assistance in training professionals in the forensic field. Anthony is a secondary online instructor for Fundamentals of Forensic Questioned Documents, Introduction to Fish and Wildlife Investigation, and Evidence Analysis: Beyond the Crime Scene. He is currently developing a Latent Print course.

Alicia Holman
Forensic Project Coordinator
Alicia.Holman@mail.wvu.edu

Alicia Holman is a Forensic Project Coordinator with the Forensic Science Initiative. She joined FSI in 2007 as a student worker and has since received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Investigations at West Virginia University. Alicia is currently overseeing a grant which will present defense and prosecuting attorneys the opportunity to learn more about the basic precepts of forensic science.

Brandon Smithson
Graphic Designer/Instructional Media Technologist
Brandon.Smithson@mail.wvu.edu

Brandon Smithson is the Graphic Designer/Instructional Media Technologist for the Forensic Science Initiative. He is a graduate of Fairmont State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Technology. His primary responsibilities are providing graphics, animations, and print design for the online continuing education programs.

Mary Holleran
Operations Manager
Mary.Holleran@mail.wvu.edu

Mary Holleran is the Operations Manager for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research, scientific resources, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. She has been employed by the Forensic Science Initiative since February of 2003. Her primary responsibilities are financial planning/management and event planning.

Bill Cunningham
Accounting Assistant I
Bill.Cunningham@mail.wvu.edu

Bill Cunningham is an Accounting Assistant I for the Forensic Science Initiative. His primary responsibilities include review of travel reimbursement requests and research purchase card invoices applying to federal grant funds.