Media forensics center launches with new master's program

The official launch of the National Center for Media Forensics was in and of itself something to celebrate, but with the announcement of the master's program, a great day got even better.
"We're opening a new master's program in media forensics — which is audio and video forensics — next fall," announced Jeff Smith, interim director of the center. "It is the only master's level program in audio and video forensics in the country."

Smith joined more than 40 students and forensic sciences enthusiasts at the National Center for Media Forensics Open House on Jan. 29. The festivities included video conferencing with forensics experts across the globe and a tour of the center's new state-of-the-art location at 1800 Grant St.

The program concentrates on the analysis of audio and video that is in question as criminal evidence. Students graduating from the program will find careers in research education, research for corporate development, law enforcement and private investigation.

The center features:

• Classroom with 20 work stations
• Labs for analysis and software applications
• Offices and work space with plenty of room for the cohort of 15 master's students next fall

The open house also honored Professor Richard Sanders, who died earlier this year. His wife Ann and daughter were in attendance. Sanders, a world-renowned forensic expert, received a $709,700 federal grant to establish the center, which draws students from mathematics, physics, engineering, music, computer science and biometrics. The center will work with the FBI, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Agency and Department of Defense.