Our expert opinion

Welcome to the heart of CS Forensic Science Consulting. Here, we share our profound insights and critical perspectives on the complex world of forensic science. Dive into topics that matter, explore nuances often overlooked, and understand the rigorous thinking that underpins credible forensic practice. We are dedicated to advancing the field through evidence-based reasoning and ethical application.

Our core areas of expertise

We are deeply passionate about advancing the understanding and application of forensic science through thoughtful analysis and critical discourse. Our expert opinions span vital areas, shaping the future of credible investigations and robust education.

Decomposition & human identification

We delve into the intricacies of decomposition, postmortem interval (PMI) estimation, and human identification. Our insights emphasize scientific accuracy, the responsible use of evidence like entomology and environmental data, and communicating uncertainty clearly to ensure justice.

Forensic evidence interpretation

Understanding what forensic evidence truly says—and what it cannot—is crucial. We focus on critical interpretation, differentiating data from opinion, understanding error rates, uncertainty, probabilistic thinking, and preventing the development of overconfidence in forensic conclusions.

Ethics, bias, & decision-making

A defining pillar of our work, we explore cognitive bias, the ethical responsibility of experts and educators, and the ripple effects of small decisions across investigations. We prepare professionals for accountability, not just procedures, recognizing that ethics shape real outcomes.

Who benefits from our insights?

Our expert opinions are crafted to empower a diverse audience, fostering clarity, context, confidence, and accountability across the forensic science community. From students to seasoned professionals, our insights drive better understanding and practice, ensuring a more prepared and ethically grounded field.

Integrated expertise: quantitative reasoning & applied mathematics

With Stefanie Jasinski’s expertise as Senior Consultant for Quantitative Methods & Applied Mathematics, we bring powerful quantitative reasoning to the forefront of forensic science. We teach how statistics, calculus, probability, and error rates underpin forensic conclusions, translating complex mathematical models into practical concepts for practitioners. This strengthens forensic decision-making through enhanced quantitative literacy, addressing a critical need in the field.

Building better forensic education pipelines

Together, Dr. Cathryne Smith and Stefanie Jasinski are passionate about strengthening forensic education from high school through professional practice. We aim to close gaps between math, science, and applied forensic reasoning, designing curriculum that prepares learners for real scrutiny, not idealized cases. Our goal is to elevate the overall quality and credibility of forensic science education, ensuring future professionals are highly competent and ethically sound.