History

NCFS was formed in support of an industrial need as expressed in the results of a 1994 survey of UCF Forensic Science graduates working in crime laboratories. The survey identified a need for more research and training in the areas of fire and explosion debris analysis. The survey results came to the attention of Representative Bill McCollum, Florida’s 8th Congressional District, and with his support, NCFS was established in 1997. In 1998 and 1999 the Florida Board of Regents provided planning funds, and the University of Central Florida Center for Forensic Science was established on April 12, 2001, as a State of Florida Type II Research Center. In 2025, the State of Florida restructured the centers and the NCFS became a UNIVERSITY type center within the College of Sciences.

Professor Bill McGee established NCFS and served as the first Director. Ms. Carrie Whitcomb served as the second Director from 2000-2012. Professor Jack Ballantyne served as interim Director from 2012-2013. Professor Michael Sigman served as Director from 2013-2024. Professor Jack Ballantyne served as interim Director from 2024 – 2026 and was appointed Director in 2026.

The NCFS has focused on research in the areas of Physical Evidence (ignitable liquids, explosives, etc.), Biological Evidence (DNA, RNA, body fluids, etc.) and Digital Evidence (recovery of digital evidence, digital tools validation, etc.). Since the retirement of Director Whitcomb in 2012, NCFS retains a strong focus on research in the areas Physical Evidence and Biological Evidence. In 2019, Director Sigman included research in Statistical Methodologies to strengthen forensic science in the court room. Since 2017, NCFS faculty were the recipients of 23 award grants.