A black Ph.D. professor from the University of Central Florida, Candice Bridge, recently received a very generous grant of $324,000 from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This grant is to improve techniques for investigating rape and reviewing methods for catching suspect’s pf sexual-assault crimes aside from the traditional DNA evidence.

This grant has given Dr. Bridge, and 11 students who will work with her on this research, access to tools that are only utilized by the FBI as well as a limited number of federal and state forensics laboratories. Dr. Bridge will have 11 students assisting her in reviewing lubricants that are exchanged during sexual assault. In addition to reviewing methods and improving techniques, Dr. Bridge and her students will also be studying toxicology, drugs and gunshot debris. She is opening new doors into the world of forensic science.

Candice Bridge said in a press release “this grant will enable us to conduct research into a unique new means of identifying perpetrators of sexual assault when traditional DNA evidence does not exist” she said “It is an important line of research that has become even more important as rapists attempt to elude capture by covering their DNA tracks after an assault.”

“An award from the NIJ in forensic science is particularly significant as it’s the primary agency for advancing forensic science through research.”

However, Candice Bridge does not stop here. Dr. Bridge also applied and received an In-House Award from UCF. And according to University of Central Florida official website, an In-House award is “a grant program that is used to initiate new faculty research activities in order to strengthen faculty credentials and make them more competitive for external funding”. This award has provided and allowed Dr. Bridge to start another research idea of hers in regards to understanding how the human body can degrade lubricants prior to forensic analysis.

But this is not all for Dr. Candice Bridge, rather just the beginning; In addition to the research she will be pursuing she has also received a service contract with the Orlando Public Defender’s office to help and develop a website that will educate prosecution and defense attorneys on the realities of forensic Science analysis. This effort will help the Central Florida court system understand both the benefits and limitations of forensic science.

This is truly a huge step forward for forensic science, justice and everything in between with a touch of #BlackGirlMagic. Creating new possibilities and advancing the field for generations to come. 2017 is off to a good start!