Virginia M. Maxwell will present techniques for improving crime scene investigation and documentation and using forensic science in animal cruelty crimes. She is a Professor in the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven, CT, and has over 30 years of experience in Forensic Science as both a practitioner in the State of Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and at the University of New Haven.

As a practitioner, Dr. Maxwell specialized in trace evidence, examining cases ranging from property crimes to homicides. She has provided expert testimony in criminal cases at both the state and federal level.

Dr. Maxwell is the director of the MS Forensic Science and Assistant Chair of the Forensic Science Department. She teaches Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty and has created a graduate certificate in Animal Cruelty Investigation at the University. She also teaches Law and Forensic Science at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Dr. Maxwell’s research focuses on physical evidence issues in animal cruelty investigations, environmental degradation of pattern evidence and farm animal welfare.

Dr. Maxwell is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Science, the Animals and Society Institute, the Dairy Cattle Welfare Council and the American Dairy Science Association. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from Oxford University and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Liverpool University. She has published extensively on crime scene investigation, physical evidence, and trace and transfer evidence.