Victoria Branch

I am forensic chemist; I hold a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and am pursuing further studies in Data Science. I have been an ANZFSS member since 2016, I have been the President of ANZFSS Victoria Branch for three years. I was the successful recipient of the David Grace Award for the ANZFSS Symposium in Perth, 2018.

I am a Forensic Technical Assistant at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and have previously worked at the National Institute of Forensic Science. I joined ANZFSS in 2017 whilst studying a Bachelor of Forensic Science (Hons) and joined the Committee in 2020. During university, I researched the use of trace evidence from aquatic crime scenes. Outside of forensics I am an avid tropical gardener and enjoys live music.

I am a recent graduate of Deakin University’s Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology with a major in biology. I am currently continuing my studies by undertaking honours in forensic science. I was president of the Deakin University Forensic Society for 2 years and enjoy sharing my passion for all things forensic science with others. I have been an ANZFSS member for 2 years and have regularly attended events during this time. I am excited to be surrounded by such professional and passionate individuals and hope to make my own contributions to forensic science through research and career development.

I have been employed at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre since late 1986, where my duties involved the investigation and examination of illicit drug laboratories. Since 2012, I have been a member of the Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, a group who oversight R&D, Training, Policy and the scientific health of Forensic Services.

I have co-authored several papers in the peer-reviewed forensic literature and am a visiting lecturer to several current university courses. From 2010 to 2019, I was the President of the Victorian Branch of ANZFSS where I remain an active committee member.

I am a Lecturer in Forensic Science at Deakin University. I hold a Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) degree, with a major in forensic biology, and a PhD. Prior to my current role, I was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Deakin University and the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department (VPFSD), conducting research on the interpretation and evaluation of DNA evidence, with a heavy focus on the variables impacting the transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery of DNA.

I am a Fingerprint Expert with Victoria Police. Swapping careers from motor mechanic to fingerprints in 2011, I completed my expert studies in 2018. I first joined the Victorian branch in 2004, regularly attending meetings and symposia, including presenting in Perth. I’ve been a Victorian committee member for 3 years.

Mr. Korkoneas is a Forensic Toxicologist, specialising in Workplace Alcohol and other Drug Testing (AOD) Programs.

Mr. Korkoneas has over 30 years’ experience in AOD Testing, providing policy, technical and analytical expertise across all alcohol and other drug testing and training services.

Currently Mr. Korkoneas is working as a AOD Collector / In house Toxicologist for Alcolizer.

Mr Korkoneas has professional qualifications, memberships and affiliations as listed below:

• Bachelor of Science – Monash University (Clayton) Chemistry/Pharmacology (1988).
• Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry – RMIT (City Campus) (1999).
• Grade IV Certificate in Applied Science (Forensic Science) – Swinburne University of Technology TAFE division (Hawthorn Campus) (2002).
• Certified Workplace Drug & Alcohol Collector (2006-present)
• Certificate IV in TAE 40110 Training and Assessment, Aspin Training, (Hawthorn Office) (June 2011)
• Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) (1990-2018).
• The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society Member (ANZFSS) (1995-present).
• Committee Member of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) (2004-2007)- (2022-present)
• Member of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) (2002-present).
• Chairperson of the Working Drug Group RCPA-QAP. (2004- 2005).
• Member of Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Association (FACTA) (2010-present)
• Sub-committee member on the FACTA Workplace Drug Testing (2019-present)
• Associate member of the Australian Medical Review Officers Association and Faculty Board member (AMROA) (2013-present)
• Member Workplace Drug Testing Association (WDTA) (2018-present)
• Director/Secretary Workplace Drug Testing Association (2022-present)
• Elected representative of the WDTA on the CH-039 Joint Technical Committee Analysis of Body Fluids and Wastes (2019-present)

Mr Korkoneas also offers specialist, expert advice on technical and analytical aspects of drug testing, including results interpretation to many clients. He has provided clients with specialist policy drafting and advice. As a recognised expert, Mr Korkoneas has provided expert advice and testimony in Court at institutions including, Industrial Relations Commission; Fair Work Australia, County Court; and the Family Court of Australia.

David Grace was employed at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre for many years as a Forensic Officer in the Biology Division. David was also a long serving, dedicated and enthusiastic member of the ANZFSS committee in Victoria. In his position as head “Technical Officer”, he was responsible for the training and development of other Biology technical staff. David strongly believed that it was important for his staff to be given similar opportunities to caseworkers in order to develop their skills. One example of his initiative to provide such opportunities was to send his staff to crime scenes to assist caseworkers.  He also felt that he and other technical staff would benefit from attending seminars and was very keen for this to occur.

David tragically died on September 30th, 1996 whilst on an Army Reserve training exercise.

In memory of David’s contribution to the ANZFSS over many years and his dedication as a Forensic Officer, the Committee has established a Memorial Scholarship in his name to enable the recipient to attend an ANZFSS Symposium. The scholarship is awarded to a member of the ANZFSS (Victorian Branch) who would not normally have the opportunity to go to a symposium and meets the requirements below. You may also be required to attend an interview.

The application form for the 2023 David Grace Scholarship can be found here.

Applications close 30th April 2023.

Please contact the vicbranch@anzfss.org or executive@anzfss.org for more information.

David Grace Award Recipients:

ANZFSS Brisbane Conference 2022: Nicole Bond & Catherine Shehan
ANZFSS Perth Conference 2018 : Joseph Balkwill