The George Washington University and American multinational technology corporation PerkinElmer, Inc. signed a sponsored collaboration agreement last fall that will support GW’s Department of Forensic Sciences. As part of the agreement, PerkinElmer – which produces analytical instruments, genetic testing and diagnostic tools, and medical imaging components – will provide over $750,000 in support of forensic students, researchers, and faculty at GW.
PerkinElmer is providing the funds that will enable the Forensic Sciences Department to recruit and hire a new faculty member from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) skilled in mass spectrometry analysis. Also included in the agreement is mass spectrometry equipment for use by students and researchers in the department’s newly renovated teaching lab. Mass spectrometry can be used by forensic scientists in the areas of toxicology, drug chemistries, and trace evidence.
“Collaboration like this is a prime example of how corporate funded research is mutually beneficial to both parties,” said Tom Russo, assistant vice president for industry and corporate research at GW. “GW’s Forensics Department gains new resources to improve its curriculum and expand research opportunities, and PerkinElmer will be able to explore the capabilities of its equipment and benefit from new forensic developments.”
Led by Dr. Victor Weedn, JD, MD, an accomplished forensic pathologist and a pioneer of forensic DNA testing, GW’s Department of Forensic Sciences is recognized as one of the oldest and best respected programs in the country. Its facilities are located on the university’s Mount Vernon Campus.