Caitlin O'Farrell

I obtained my BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Forensic Studies from the University of Portsmouth. For my final year dissertation, I explored the presence of Firmicutes (bacteria) during decomposition and its use for post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation. During my MSc in Forensic Investigation, I focused my research further on the use of algal growth and bacterial succession as PMI and PMSI estimator tools in aquatic decomposition.

Currently, I am a PhD student at the university investigating the use of machine learning, as a substitute to human taphonomic facilities, to map and predict taphonomic change.

I am also currently teaching seminars on the module ‘Forensic Evidence from Crime Scene to Court’, which is a 2^nd year module on the BSc Criminology and Forensic Studies course.