A former head of the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, VA, began work as a director of the UCO Forensic Science Institute July 1.
Dr. Dwight Adams, UCO graduate, retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in June. He said he was pleased to accept President Webb's offer to be the new director of the institute.
"We consider him world class," said Charles Johnson, UCO News Bureau Director. "He will bring our forensic program to the next level."
Adams was part of a research team that was first to introduce DNA samples as criminal evidence and testify in court on DNA analysis.
Adams has already focused on the educational priorities of the forensic institute.
He said there are at least three things that he will try to accomplish in his first year in office. One is enhancing the graduate and undergraduate students' experience in forensic science by providing opportunities such as workshops, research and internships, he said.
The second area the institute will develop is continuing education for professionals in the field.
"Any professionals that come in contact with the evidence preservation, analysis, testimony or anything related to evidence, we want to develop continuing education opportunities for them," Adams said.
Educational and training materials are the third part the institute will work to develop. That will include online educational opportunities and DVD's, produced and distributed to police departments nationwide.
"The really exciting part about this institute is that it already has an existing well-established program for undergraduate and graduate students," Adams said.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab is being built across from UCO campus, which Adams said will bring great opportunities for the forensic students.
"Right across the street will be a real working crime lab," Adams said.
"It will bring excellent opportunities for UCO students to be involved in internships and other activities associated with forensic science."
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