Forensic Science Advisory Board

The North Carolina Forensic Science Advisory Board is a group of scientists who help advise the North Carolina State Crime Lab.  The board reviews Crime Lab operations and makes recommendations on new programs, methods of testing and qualifications for forensic scientists working in the lab.The director of the State Crime Lab serves on the board, along with scientists and experts from across the country who are appointed by the Attorney General.Current members of the Forensic Science Advisory Board are:

• Vanessa Martinucci, Director, North Carolina State Crime Laboratory
• Dr. Demi Garvin, (Chair), Director of Forensic Services, Forensic Science Network
• Dr. Tracey Dawson Green, (Vice-Chair), Chair and Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Mr. Adam Becnel, Manager, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab
• Mr. Kermit B. Channell, II, Executive Director, Arkansas State Crime Laboratory
• Dr. Michael Coble, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center
• Dr. Jan Hannig, Professor, Department of Statistics and Research Operations, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Ms. Alka B. Lohmann, Director of Technical Services, Virginia Department of Forensic Science
• Dr. C. Todd Hughey, Director, Forensic Services Laboratory, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
• Dr. Christopher S. Palenik, Vice President and Research Microscopist, Microtrace (IL)
• Dr. Michelle Aurelius, North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner
• Mr. Brian Dew, Forensic Lab Manager, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
• Ms. Tracy Walraven, Wells Fargo
• Ms. Wendy Gibson, Supervisor, Virginia Department of Forensic Science

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

The Forensic Science Advisory Board meets biannually and at other times as deemed necessary. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The meeting will be held at the Raleigh Laboratory. The next virtual meeting will be scheduled for October 2023. Meetings are open to the public. For more information on how to attend please Contact the Crime Laboratory.  See links below for minutes from the previous Forensic Science Advisory Board meetings.

Policies & Procedures Review

Part of the Forensic Science Advisory Board’s mission is to review the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory’s policies and procedures. The Board has begun a review of the current policies and procedures. The results of the review are included below.