FORENSIC SCIENCE RECEIVES IMPACT AWARD FOR DNA TOOL

Dr. Jamie Fredericks, director of the forensic science program at Eastern Kentucky University, was one of four innovators selected as recipients of a Kentucky Commercialization Ventures IMPACT award. The KCV IMPACT (Innovative Mobile, Public Health, and Community-Oriented Technologies) competition encourages innovation to improve social, health and economic conditions across Kentucky.

Fredericks received an award of $9,000 from the IMPACT competition for his sample collection tool for rapid DNA analysis.

“I developed the device as a tool to lower costs and speed up the process of DNA profiling, potentially reducing the time it takes to identify victims and suspects and ultimately serving to improve the community,” Fredericks said.

The IMPACT award allows Fredericks to continue developing the tool to maximize its efficiency in profiling DNA samples.

“At EKU, our expert faculty are truly passionate about their fields,” said Dr. Ryan Baggett, dean of online learning, graduate education and research. “Dr. Fredericks’ earning of the IMPACT award displays his commitment to innovation in research and making a difference in the field of forensic science. We can’t wait to see the continual impact of Dr. Fredericks’ work.”