Forensic Science Instrumentation and Techniques

Penn State is a world-class research university with a wide array of instrumentation available for use by students. Below is a list of some instruments commonly used by our students for research.

• Automated DNA extraction
• Real-time qPCR
• STR analysis using capillary electrophoresis
• Traditional Sanger and massive parallel sequencing (MPS)
• DNA mixture interpretation software and statistical analysis
• Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GM-MS)
• Solid-phase microextraction (SPME)
• Benchtop and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Polarized light microscopy (PLM)
• Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• Automated gunshot residue (GSR) analysis
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
• Hair/fiber and bullet/cartridge case comparison microscopy