New South Wales Branch

I am the Research Coordinator for the NSW Police Force Forensic Evidence & Technical Services (FETS) Command, with the remit to coordinate all research projects across the diverse range of forensic disciplines. I joined NSWPF in 2002 as a civilian crime scene examiner and have been a part of various units within FETSC, assisting in the investigation of over 100 homicides.

In 2010 I completed my PhD thesis in Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney, on the characteristics of trace DNA evidence and its use in volume crime. I have been a member of ANZFSS for over 22 years.

Dr Greta Frankham is a conservation geneticist and wildlife forensic scientist at the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (ACWG) at the Australian Museum Research Institute.

Prior to joining the ACWG, Greta’s academic research focused on better understanding the population genetics and molecular evolution of threatened Australian marsupial species to aid in conservation management of these species. Since joining the ACWG in 2011, Greta has continued to work in this area, carrying out and contributing to research on a range of Australian species including; long nosed potoroos, eastern pygmy possums, long nosed bandicoots, koalas (as part of the Koala Genome Consortium), echidnas, red-tail black cockatoos and shingleback lizards.

Dr Frankham also used this research background to move into the field of DNA-based wildlife forensics and helped establish the ACWG as the first ISO17025 accredited DNA-based wildlife forensics lab in Australia.

Dr Frankham now oversees wildlife forensic casework carried out by the ACWG for a wide range of state and federal agencies as well as other animal industries with compliance obligations and has provided expert witness evidence for court proceedings resulting from these cases.

Greta also supervises several PhD and Honours students researching either the conservation genetics of Australian species or the development of new wildlife forensic methods.

I am a forensic biologist at the Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS) where I analyse and report DNA profiles and examine biological evidence. I completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Forensic Biology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2013 and followed that with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Forensic Biology.

I then decided to pursue a PhD in wildlife forensic genetics, working in conjunction with UTS and Australian Museum Research Institute. My research was on developing a genetic toolbox to help combat the illegal trade of short beaked echidnas. Near the end of my PhD I got the job at FASS; I have been there since 2019 and absolutely love working there!

I am a Research Officer for the NSW Police Force Forensic Evidence & Technical Services (FETS) Command, Science and Research Unit and conduct, supervise and support research across a wide variety of forensic disciplines. After graduating my Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Forensic Biology at the University of Technology Sydney in 2010, I took a sidestep into the world of andrology.

After 6.5 years as a clinical andrologist/embryologist I returned to the field of forensics and haven’t looked back since! I have been a member of the NSW branch of ANZFSS since 2017 and a member of the NSW executive committee since 2018. Currently I am undertaking my Masters by Research in the field of 3D terrestrial laser scanning and its application to bullet trajectory analysis.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science – Biological Sciences Degree (Hons) and my PhD at Western Sydney University (but I will always think of it as the University of Western Sydney, as it was known during my time there). My PhD involved investigating the genetic population structure of an Australian ectomycorrhizal fungus, Pisolithus microcarpus, which involved the de novo identification and analysis of polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) markers. This fungus is commonly known as the horse dropping fungus due to the fruiting bodies (round brown ball-like structures) frequently being found organised in a line in the dirt on the sides of roads.

Following my PhD, I was looking for a permanent job since I already had a family (quite madly I had had two children during my PhD!). I wanted to use my skills and knowledge of DNA and STRs in a job that was meaningful to me. In November 2008, I was lucky to land a job with the NSW Health Pathology, Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS) (which was known back then as DAL, the Division of Analytical Laboratories). For six years, I was involved in validation work related to automation. In October 2010, I became the Robotics Team Leader and led the validation of the total automation of the DNA analytical processes at FASS. Being part of implementing the automation system was a highly rewarding experience as total automation facilitated a significant reduction in processing turnaround time for the lab.

In November 2014, I was appointed the Senior Scientist for Research, Development & Innovation for the Forensic Biology/DNA Unit at FASS. In this role I have been able to investigate new and emerging technologies for forensic applications, together with facilitating research within FASS and undertaking collaborative projects with the NSW Police Force, AFTER, universities and other forensic labs.

I am a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology and Human Anatomy at Western Sydney University. I am also the Academic Coordinator and Course advisor for new degree program BMedSc (Forensic Mortuary Practice) in collaboration with the Department of Forensic Medicine.

I have a BSc (Anatomy and Histology) from USYD and a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Biological Anthropology from the University of New South Wales (2008). My research interests include modern skeletal variation and sexual dimorphism, and more recently, Forensic Taphonomy and time since death estimations in temperate Australian climates.

Specifically, I lead a research team investigating multidisciplinary and non-destructive methods of determining time since death at Western Sydney University to complement forensic anthropological techniques.

I am a forensic firearm expert with over 10 years of experience working with law enforcement agencies. I hold a Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science), and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Firearm Examination. I completed the National Training Curriculum for Forensic Firearm Examiners and gained expert certification through the Australasian Forensic Field Sciences Accreditation Board in 2019. I am currently undertaking a PhD in Forensic Science through the University of Technology Sydney; my field of study is the interpretations of restored serial numbers in forensic laboratories. I am also the winner of the inaugural Eric Murray Professional Achievers Award.

I am currently employed as a Crime Scene Officer with NSWPF in the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, and previously worked for a brief period in the Forensic Biology section at Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS). My Honour’s research, published formally in 2021, worked to develop a protocol for DNA extraction from the ABAcard HemaTrace™ Kit. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2017.

I am a Crime Scene Officer and Fingerprint Expert with over 15 years’ experience in Crime Scene Investigation and Latent Print Analysis working for the NSW Police Force Forensic Evidence & Technical Services (FETS) Command. In my role, I specialise in the development and delivery of forensic identification, evidence recovery, and expert evidence related training. Additionally, I have significant experience in the examination of serious major crime scenes within the Sydney Metropolitan area with a focus on fingerprint and physical evidence recovery using specialised chemical and lighting techniques. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2015.

I am an Intelligence Analyst for the NSW Police Force. This year I completed my PhD in Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney, on the detection and comparison of volatile organic compounds comprising synthetic and authentic illicit drug training aids for drug detection dogs. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2012.

Philip Maynard is a forensic scientist with expertise in the areas of trace evidence and chemical/arson analysis. He graduated with a BSc and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Sydney. He has four years’ experience in forensic case work at the Physical Evidence section of the NSW Forensic and Analytical Science Service. His work at the Division included arson and explosives analysis, analysis of firearm discharge residues, glass and paint analysis for motor vehicle accidents and microanalysis/scanning electron microscope imaging. He joined the UTS Department of CMF in 1998, and is currently a Senior Lecturer in the UTS Centre for Forensic Science. He conducts research in the areas of forensic imaging, fingerprinting, flammable liquids analysis, and motor vehicle paints. He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

As a Research Officer in the Fire Investigation and Research Unit at Fire and Rescue NSW, I design, conduct, and supervise research into fire safety science and engineering, fire investigation and community fire prevention and education.

I am a graduate of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Forensic Science) and Bachelor of Science (Honours) programs at Western Sydney University. I completed my doctoral research in the use of field portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the rapid on-site identification of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes in 2022 and continue to pursue this research with the Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine team and FRNSW.

I am a casual academic, research assistant and third year PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney. My current research area involves investigating post-mortem lipids in textiles and soil associated with decomposing pig and human remains at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research.

Eric is a semi-retired Nursing Unit Manager at the Forensic Unit Corrections Health. His career in nursing commenced in 1956 and has covered all aspects and positions, including Director of Nursing, of some large areas. One of Eric’s major roles, besides supervision of the usual general and mental health status of people, is to train and assist nurses to prepare documentation and to give evidence to tribunals and the courts. Of course supervision of nurses working in this specific environment is challenging within itself. Eric studied chemistry and science whilst doing Occupational Health and Industrial Safety at a large chemical plant. He has been involved in the rescue phases of disasters such as the Granville rail disaster, Newcastle earthquake and cyclonic disturbances, and has met several infamous people. These experiences led Eric to look more closely at what is happening to people and property, leading to his work on profiling and incident reconstruction. Interesting projects in his career include participating in setting up the first Area Health Service (NSW) and for its subsequent accreditation. Another was an 18 month study into the Forensic Medical / Nursing services provided by the Department of Health to the NSW Corrective Services. He is pleased to report that many of his recommendations are now in practice.

Eric has been recognised by the Local Government for his voluntary community work in the City of Gosford. He has also been recognised by the State Government for services to the NSW Ambulance and State Emergency Services. He holds awards from Her Majesty for contribution to Scouting and St Johns Ambulance. Added to this he has been a long time Fellow of the College of Nursing, and boats a continual 45+ years of “hands on” and nurse education. Eric is best known in many circles for his Medivac role as a “spotter” from helicopters in search and rescue functions.

Eric became a member of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) in 1989 and has seen a continual growth in education and professionalism eagerly fostered by Henry Delaforce, Allan Hodda and their committees. Eric has offered a yearly Forensic Science scholarship available to students or any member of the Society who may be “battlers” and would otherwise not have the opportunity to study. Also, some years ago, the College of Nursing named an ongoing scholarship in his name for his continuing contributions to nursing specialities such as “Trauma Injury Management” and “Forensic Nursing”.

Eric is certainly an inspiring character whose contribution to a range of medical and forensic disciplines has been impressive. The NSW Branch of ANZFSS proudly presents Eric Murray as a Life Member.

I am currently completing my PhD at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in collaboration with the Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC). My PhD work revolves around the analysis of used injecting paraphernalia as an objective tool to monitor drug trends among people who inject drugs. However, I also have experience in fingermark research, as well as impurity profiling of amphetamine-type substances through previous research projects. I have also worked as a demonstrator at UTS for the last three years in laboratory and computer lab classes in various subjects relating to forensics and chemistry.  

I am a PhD student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) investigating a multidisciplinary and non-destructive method for estimating age, sex and ancestry for skull only cases. I work as a casual academic for the MaPS faculty and a research assistant for the ithree Institute at UTS.

I am a Lecturer in Forensic Biology at Western Sydney University. I have a BSc (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) Hons from Flinders University in Adelaide and completed my PhD in 2017, looking at the detection of latent DNA using intercalating dyes to enhance the collection of crime scene evidence. I have previously worked within the Forensic Biology team at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) in New Zealand and in the Evidence & Recovery Team in Perth. My research interests include improving latent DNA detection and collection and cross-disciplinary research between crime scene and biology. 

About the award

Eric Murray, an ANZFSS life member, has been paving the way for forensic science for the better part of 40 years. Eric is semi-retired from the forensic unit corrections health as nursing unit manager but is still actively involved on the committee for the NSW branch of the ANZFSS. Eric’s career started in nursing and involved many aspects of the nursing profession. However, he has also spanned chemistry, occupational health and industrial safety, rescue response, profiling and incident reconstruction in various roles. The NSW branch of the ANZFSS is not alone in acknowledging Eric’s lifetime achievements. Eric’s service to industry and the community has been recognised by the NSW government for community service including service to the NSW ambulance and state emergency services. In addition, Eric has received awards from her majesty for his contribution to scouting and the St john ambulance service throughout his life. Eric is tireless in his work to help others and that is shown by the extensive acknowledgements he has received.

This award is offered on alternate years to the ANZFSS travel scholarships, and is open to any person employed in the forensic field within 10-15 years of the commencement of their career (post university). The purpose of this award is to provide opportunity for professionals to enhance their career development and may be utilised for the following activities (not exhaustive); -undertake a course, not prescriptively within the forensic field; eg management -assist with travel to visit leading laboratories and agencies -purchase of consumables or equipment for research projects -provide for a sabbatical to complete part-time study -child care costs to assist with any of the above activities the recipient must have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the forensic field and clearly outline the aims and purpose of their use of the award funds in the application. The biennial award is valued at $2,000. As for the symposium awards, a sub-committee from the NSW branch committee will be formed to judge the applications. Conflicts of interest must be declared in writing to the branch president. The recipient of the award must agree to present at a NSW branch meeting within 6 months of receipt of the award, and write an article of their choice for the branch newsletter within 12 months receipt of the award.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Eric Murray Professional Achievers Award

About the award

Eric Murray, an ANZFSS life member, has been paving the way for forensic science for the better part of 40 years. Eric is semi-retired from the forensic unit corrections health as nursing unit manager but is still actively involved on the committee for the NSW branch of the ANZFSS . Eric’s career started in nursing and involved many aspects of the nursing profession. However, he has also spanned chemistry, occupational health and industrial safety, rescue response, profiling and incident reconstruction in various roles. The NSW branch of the ANZFSS is not alone in acknowledging Eric’s lifetime achievements. Eric’s service to industry and the community has been recognised by the NSW government for community service including service to the NSW ambulance and state emergency services. In addition, Eric has received awards from her majesty for his contribution to scouting and the St john ambulance service throughout his life. Eric is tireless in his work to help others and that is shown by the extensive acknowledgements he has received.

This award is offered in conjunction with the other ANZFSS travel scholarships offered by the NSW branch, prior to each ANZFSS symposium. This award is only open to current students (at the time of closure of applications for that year). It is Eric’s wish that a student member of the NSW branch is provided an opportunity they may otherwise not get. He extends help to students aspiring to attend a biennial ANZFSS symposium and enhance their career development through this award. Eric is the benefactor of this award that is offered to student members who may face adversity during their time of education. This biennial award is valued at $2,000.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Eric Murray Student Symposia Award

Associate Professor Michael Dawson was a dedicated academic and an advocate for the student. Michael completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in pharmacy which led to a lecturing position in analytical and environmental chemistry at the university of technology, Sydney. It was during his early lecturing career that Michael recognised the potential for the introduction of Australia’s first forensic science undergraduate degree, a vision and awareness that has had a significant influence on forensic science education in Australia. During his career he was an active researcher in the field of analytical chemistry and its application to the analysis of licit and illicit drugs. His impact in this field can still be gauged by his extensive publication record and contribution to expert evidence testimony in court cases. Michael’s dedication to drawing the best from his students was renowned and in return Michael was loved and appreciated by them. It was a priority for Michael to help ensure the success of students and he never missed an opportunity to help them gain experience in the area of forensic science. For the opportunities Michael helped orchestrate, he will never be forgotten and it is the hope of the NSW branch of the ANZFSS that this award will add to his memorial. This award, to attend the ANZFSS symposia is valued at $1,500 and is open to practitioners and students.

Please contact the NSW Branch or executive@anzfss.org for more information. More information can be found here.

Michael Dawson Symposia Award