Trace Evidence

This text explores the microscopic world in which the forensic scientist works by addressing the issues of what constitutes evidence. It looks at methods of trace analysis, hairs and what can be determined by examining them, manufactured and natural fibres and the many ways they appear, and much more.

MAX M. HOUCK is the Director of the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research and professional training for forensic scientists and professionals in related fields. He is a trace evidence expert and forensic anthropologist who was assigned to the Trace Evidence Unit at the FBI Laboratory from 1992 to 2001. Houck is also Director of Forensic Business Development at West Virginia University and serves as Chairman of the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Forensic Sciences and the Journal of Forensic Identification. He is the author or editor of Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis, and other books and articles.