Faculty Profile: Dr. Deborah Silva
Dr. Deborah Silva, the Director of Hofstra’s Forensic Science program, joined our team in 2019. Before coming to Hofstra, Dr. Silva worked for Battelle, a non-profit organization based in Ohio. At Battelle, she completed research that led to the creation of various forensic technologies. One of many projects included her role in the transition of NextGen Sequencing (a DNA sequencing technology used in situations where little DNA is found at crime scenes, like in a missing person case) to crime labs; a project in which she holds great pride. As she moved further up the ranks in the company, however, she realized she wanted to give more to the world, so Dr. Silva pursued a teaching post. Teaching at Hofstra was exactly the shift that she needed. Being in an academic environment was a new kind of challenge that also allowed her to continue her research.
Dr. Silva has spent her last five years at Hofstra University as the director of the Forensic Science Program. Under her direction the program has grown into one of the most popular majors in the Department. Some of her recent course additions include quality assurance, forensic chemistry, and forensic biology. These courses are part of her plan to help Hofstra and her program earn the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation (or FEPAC). To gain this accreditation she spends part of her time writing grants, expanding the advising team, and developed clear standards for Majors and Minors. Since she has taken this position, the program has grown; as more student interest has developed, more sections for Forensic classes have been scheduled.
Dr. Silva is also completing two research projects. The first project is alongside Senior Forensics student, Ella Pickell; they are working to extract as much DNA as possible from just one swabbing to complete multiple tests throughout an investigation. Her second project is working to recover DNA from dried contact lenses found at crime scenes. Her upcoming research will involve analyzing the DNA found on fired gun cartridges.
The Chemistry Department and its students are so lucky to have Dr. Silva, as she goes above and beyond to ensure that the Forensics Program continues to be the best it can be.
