Join us Friday, October 2nd at 1PM (ADT) for a free webinar celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Forensic Sciences program at Saint Mary's. Go "Back to the Classroom" with Dr. Timothy Frasier as he explores new questions that have been raised about the "Science" in Forensic Science. 

About the Talk 

Forensic Science has a bit of an identity problem. Rather than being a field unto itself, it is an artificial conglomeration of a wide range of different techniques and fields; held together by the common goal of aiding criminal investigations. Each of these independent components has their own fascinating history, experts, and culture. However, recent developments have raised serious questions about the robustness and validity of many of these components, concluding that many do not qualify as “science”, and therefore making the phrase “forensic science” an oxymoron. In this talk, Dr. Frasier will discuss the events that led to the dramatic situation in which many of these fields now find themselves, and how the different communities are strengthening their approaches and moving forward. The lessons learned are important not just for the fields involved in forensics, but for everyone involved in science and/or trying to think critically about the information they encounter on a daily basis.

About Dr. Timothy Frasier

Tim Frasier is an Associate Professor at Saint Mary’s University, cross-appointed in the department of Biology and the Forensic Sciences Program, and has been the Coordinator of the Forensic Sciences Program since 2016. His research program is focused on improving the theory and practice of animal conservation through the use of genetics, with an emphasis on marine mammals. He has also been involved in wildlife forensic cases and issues, and was co-developer of a training program for new employees of the Biology Unit of the RCMP.


Accessibility accommodations are available for this webinar. Please include any accommodations required in the registration form. Accommodations must be submitted 2 weeks prior to event to ensure availability.

If you have any questions, please contact us at alumni@smu.ca or 902.420.5420.