283 episodes

Just Science is a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system.  This podcast deals with a range of issues, including human trafficking, firearms, policing, leadership in the crime lab, new technologies, sexual assault response, and broader challenges for science and public security. We cover various types of topics across RTI's Justice Practice Area.

Some seasons of Just Science were developed by RTI International's Justice Practice Area through various funding sources. Please visit the individual episode to learn more about its funding.

Just Science RTI International

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 44 Ratings

Just Science is a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system.  This podcast deals with a range of issues, including human trafficking, firearms, policing, leadership in the crime lab, new technologies, sexual assault response, and broader challenges for science and public security. We cover various types of topics across RTI's Justice Practice Area.

Some seasons of Just Science were developed by RTI International's Justice Practice Area through various funding sources. Please visit the individual episode to learn more about its funding.

    Just Lived Experience And Reentry Research

    Just Lived Experience And Reentry Research

    In episode one of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Christine Lindquist, Director of the Corrections and Reentry Research Program at RTI International, to discuss the importance of consulting individuals with lived experience when designing corrections and reentry research. To assist incarcerated individuals who are preparing to reenter their communities, correctional institutions are rolling out technologies, such as reentry planning software or special features on tablets or other devices, that could be helpful for developing reentry plans, communicating with service providers, and applying for work opportunities. To investigate the efficacy of these types of technology, it is crucial that researchers consult experts, such as those who were formerly incarcerated, to develop the best research questions and methodologies. Listen along as Dr. Lindquist describes why her team integrates those with lived experience throughout their corrections research, specific examples of how experts have improved research practices, and the impact this work has on individuals who are transitioning out of the correctional system. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

    • 20 min
    Just Understanding Human Responses To IED Attacks

    Just Understanding Human Responses To IED Attacks

    In episode four of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Dr. William Parkin, Senior Research Analyst at RTI International, and Dr. Rainer Hilscher, Senior Research Data Scientist at RTI International, to discuss what people do when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonates in a public space. When an IED unexpectedly explodes in a crowded space, people can react in many ways including freezing, fleeing, helping, or hiding. Using information from past attacks, researchers can predict the way people will behave after an explosion, which informs the way first responders are trained for these events. Listen along as Dr. Parkin and Dr. Hilscher describe what they learned from case studies like the Boston Marathon bombing, how they use software to model human decision-making during a crisis, and the unique challenges of conducting this kind of research. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

    • 29 min
    Just Preventing Terrorism And Targeted Violence

    Just Preventing Terrorism And Targeted Violence

    In episode three of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Sarah Cook and Ariane Noar, Researchers in the Security and Extremism Research Program at RTI International, to discuss how their work contributes to the prevention of violent extremism. Many organizations across the country receive funding from the Department of Homeland Security, to implement programs that aim to prevent terrorism and targeted violence. To better understand if these programs are effective and to identify promising practices, it is important to collect data and conduct evaluations. Listen along as Sarah and Ariane describe the need for terrorism and targeted violence prevention, their methods for conducting data-driven program evaluations, and how they engage practitioners who may not be accustomed to research practices. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

    • 27 min
    Just Research On Radicalization And White Supremacy

    Just Research On Radicalization And White Supremacy

    In episode two of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Matthew DeMichele, Director of the Center for Criminal Legal Systems Research at RTI International, to discuss his research focused on former members of white supremacist groups. Domestic Violent Extremists use violence to further their social or political goals, and thereby pose a significant threat to the American public. To better understand these groups, Dr. DeMichele’s research examines the factors associated with individual vulnerability to radicalization. Listen along as Dr. DeMichele describes important research practices for working with former extremists, findings about how and why radicalization occurs, and the future of de-radicalizing individuals from extremist groups. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

    • 33 min
    Just Drones As A Growing Threat

    Just Drones As A Growing Threat

    In episode one of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist at RTI International, to discuss the growing threat of drone use and how the American criminal justice system is responding. Most people think of drones as a benign hobby or a tool to take aerial photos and videos, however, recent research reveals that drones are increasingly being used for malicious purposes. Drones are easily accessible to the masses and can be used to transport contraband, violate privacy, and even drop explosives. Listen along as Neal describes what exactly a drone is, the many ways that drones are being used to commit crimes, and evolving strategies for the detection, regulation, and mitigation of drone threats. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.

    • 27 min
    Just Lessons Learned In Forensic Technology Transition

    Just Lessons Learned In Forensic Technology Transition

    In episode four of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Catherine Grgicak, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rutgers University-Camden, and Stephanie Stoiloff, Chief of the Forensic Services Division at the Miami-Dade Police Department, to discuss their real-world experiences with introducing new forensic technology into practice. While new forensic research products are often innovative and interesting, they may not always be practical in operational forensic laboratories. Researchers should lean on practitioner input to develop technologies that fill a necessary gap, are unbiased, and offer benefits over existing technologies. Listen along as Dr. Grgicak and Stephanie describe lessons learned in their own experiences with technology transition, strategies for approaching product validation, and advice from both an academic and a practitioner perspective. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
44 Ratings

44 Ratings

MelissaLovesaMystery ,

Sexy Nerd Alert

Best Podcast for nerds (even if you think you are not a nerd...you should be). If you are in law enforcement or just a regular Joe or Josette who has an interest in ALL things science-y and justice. (See what they did there? JUST(ICE) Science) God I love a pithy podcast title!

Melissa-Just The Tip-Sters pod

psy ops ,

Great job!

This podcast does a great job interviewing professionals and discussing a jurors perception on processing evidence. It was made not only for professionals but also for students whom are learning about forensic psychology. I believe that this podcast reliable because of the information provided and the real life examples stated thoughout the interviews.

Amymichelle3 ,

Great.

This podcast was very well made. The audio is clear and is very easy to listen to. Just science does a great job finding people that are educated in the forensic field and caters to everyone who might possibly be interested in case studies and how certain things work in the forensic field. I recommend this podcast to anyone that wants to know more about how one comes up with the final verdict to any crime.

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