Instructor: Alicia Wilcox, Ph.D., 
​                 CSCSA, CLPE, CFPH, CFWE
Course length: 6 hours

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This interactive webinar is designed to address the challenges friction ridge examiners face when providing expert testimony in court. It will explore essential topics relevant to both new and experienced practitioners, offering practical guidance and opportunities for active learning and discussion.
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Participants will gain a deeper understanding of their role as expert witnesses and develop the skills necessary to clearly and confidently communicate technical concepts to lay jurors. The webinar will cover:
 

• The persistence and uniqueness of friction ridge skin, as well as its limitations
• Chemical and physical methods for developing latent impressions
• Common digital processing techniques, including the use of GYRO
• The scientific methodology of ACE-V (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification)
• Interpretation of conclusions and opinions
• The role and significance of competency testing, proficiency testing, accreditation, and certification
• National standards and the roles of OSAC (Organization of Scientific Area Committees) and ASB (American Standards Board)
• An overview of black box studies related to the reliability of friction ridge comparisons

 
Instruction is grounded in empirical research on juror comprehension of expert testimony. By the end of the session, participants will have enhanced their ability to effectively communicate forensic conclusions and expert opinions to both judges and juries, in alignment with current best practices in forensic science communication.

Alicia Wilcox, Ph.D.

Earning a B.Sc. in chemistry and statistics from the National University of Ireland and holds M.S. degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, and business administration from Strathclyde University and Husson University, respectively.  She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Dundee, with a focus on how juries interpret evidence.

She is an associate professor at Thomas College in Maine and has practiced forensic science since 2001, working for Forensic Science Ireland, the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory, and through private consulting.  She has qualitied as an expert witness in Maine, Massachusetts, Florida and Nevada.

​Dr. Wilcox is certified by the IAI in crimes scenes, forensic photography, latent prints and footwear. In 2019 she was awarded a certificate in effective teaching (with a focus on online learning) by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and the American Council on Education.

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