Michael Kusluski

Michael Kusluski received a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics from Wayne State University in 1992 and a Master of Forensic Sciences degree from George Washington University in 1995. His professional background includes sixteen years of forensic laboratory experience in Firearms & Toolmarks Examination, Controlled Substances Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. During his time with the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division, he became board certified in Comprehensive Criminalistics through the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and served as Crime Scene Response Team Leader for his laboratory. Michael has presented research papers to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and has also been published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS). He also serves as a bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) Subject Matter Expert for an A2LA-accredited forensic science proficiency test provider (Forensic Assurance, Inc.).

Mike’s research interests are in the detection of gunshot residue patterns on clothing, shooting trajectory reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis. In 2017, he began a collaboration with Image Access LLC (Wuppertal, Germany), a manufacturer of high-resolution flatbed scanners, to develop a fluorescence/infrared forensic scanner for the in situ detection of gunshot residue on clothing. To date, three prototype units have been developed, and Michael is currently engaged in software validation testing. One of the prototype units is currently on loan to the Penn State Forensic Science program for student research.

Prior to coming to Penn State, Michael served as a forensic science educator, including sixteen years as an adjunct instructor at Wayne State University and three years as full-time faculty with Madonna University in the Forensic Sciences Department. Over the years, he has developed and taught a variety of courses: Criminalistics (Introduction to Forensic Science); Forensic Chemistry I and II; Firearms & Toolmarks Examination, Instrumental Analysis, Toxicology and Physical Criminalistics. Over the last two decades, he has provided over 3000 hours of classroom instruction, as well as workshops, in-service training and community outreach.