Forensic Science (BS)

Dr. Jiazheng (John) Yuan

Associate Professor/ Chair
Office: LSA 124
Phone: (910) 672-1056
Email: jyuan@uncfsu.edu

Background: Dr. Jiazheng (John) Yuan is an Associate Professor and Interim Department Chair in the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences at Fayetteville State University (FSU), where he has served as a faculty member since 2017. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, his M.S. in Biology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and his B.S. in Biology from Qinghai Normal University, China. Before joining FSU, Dr. Yuan conducted postdoctoral research at Michigan State University on soybean breeding and genetics, and as an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, where he advanced research in potato breeding and disease resistance.

At FSU, Dr. Yuan integrates biological, forensic, and data sciences through experiential and inquiry-based learning. He teaches General Botany, Cell Biology, Principles of Biology, Genetics, Biostatistics, and Senior Capstone Research, emphasizing hands-on research and computational data analysis. His student-centered approach promotes students’ technical skills, critical thinking, and scientific communication.

Dr. Yuan’s research focuses on crop genomics, biotechnology, and data-driven discovery of bioactive compounds. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), his current work explores soybean functional genomics and the biosynthesis of the anticancer peptide lunasin using multi-locus GWAS and gene expression profiling. As Principal Investigator (PI) of the Title III project Enhancing Institutional Capacity and Empowering Students and Communities through the REEF: Innovation in Aquaponics and Environmental Science Education, and PI of an NC Collaboratory Early Investigator Seed Grant, he advances research in sustainable agriculture and student training. He also serves as Co-PI on several interdisciplinary initiatives, including the NSF-HBCU-TIP GECoB Project (integrating genetic engineering and computation into undergraduate learning), the AIM-AHEAD health equity initiative, and the NC Biotechnology Center Innovation Impact Grant. Dr. Yuan also contributes to the Research Affinity Cohort of the National Data Science Alliance, applying AI and large language models to promote equitable access to healthcare information. His work bridges molecular genetics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in agriculture, health, and the environment and empower students and advancing FSU’s mission of innovation and community impact.

Angel Osman

Academic Advisor
Office: LSA 220
Phone: (910) 672-1588
E-mail: aosman@uncfsu.edu

Background: Mrs. Osman joined the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences on May 3, 2021. She brings years of experience in higher education, biological sciences, and supporting students. Mrs. Osman earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Campbell University in 2009, a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Arkansas State University in 2020, and a Master of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas State University in 2022. She has a passion for supporting students as they navigate college, develop as adults, find their professional calling, and realize their academic goals. Mrs. Osman has a history of volunteer mentoring with first-generation college students and laboratory instruction in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Mrs. Osman is proud to be a part of the FSU family and to do her part in ensuring students receive advisement to reach their academic and professional goals.

Dr. Khalid Lodhi

Professor and Director of the Forensics Program
Office: STB 322
Phone: (910) 672-1650
E-mail: klodhi@uncfsu.edu

Background: He is a Professor in the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences at Fayetteville State University. In addition, he serves as the Director of the forensic science program. Dr. Lodhi started his forensic career at ReliaGene Technologies, Inc. as a Senior Scientist, where he was a member of team who worked on forensic DNA database. He then joined Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency as a forensic scientist, where he investigated over 100 criminal cases involving DNA, and testified as an expert witness. Dr. Lodhi received several scholarships and prestigious awards to receive his education and career advancements such as NUFFIC/FAO fellowship, UNESCO research fellowship, Asia 21 Scholarship, Yoneyama Rotary Scholarship, Kenan Fellowship, and Fulbright Specialist award. Dr. Lodhi's current research interest involve:

1. The identification of one or more individual(s) using Low Copy Number DNA from a touched object.
2. Innovative methods of forensic education.
3. Identification of one or more individual(s) from Hematophagous insects.

Dr. Lodhi supervises the research of graduate, undergraduate and high school students on these projects. He is the author of several high-ranking international peer reviewed journals. He serves on the Editorial Board of Journal of Forensic Research. He is the member of American Academy of Forensic Sciences, International Association for Identification, Southern Association of Forensic Scientists, Council of Forensic Science Educators, and North Carolina Academy of Science.

Dr. Lieceng Zhu

Professor
Office: STB 417
Phone: (910) 672-1655
E-mail: lzhu@uncfsu.edu

Background: Dr. Lieceng Zhu is a Professor in the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences (DBFS) at Fayetteville State University (FSU). She teaches a variety of Biology, Zoology, and Forensic Science courses including BIOL/FORS 431, Population Genetics; FORS 410, Technical Writing in Forensic Science; and ZOOL 310, Principle of Genetics. Dr. Zhu's research focuses on the impact of environmental stresses on resistance of wheat plants to the Hessian fly. Since 2009, she has trained 25 students in research and publications at FSU. Dr. Zhu has published 27 papers in peer-reviewed journals and given 20 presentations in international, national and regional conferences. Because of her efforts and accomplishments in research, Dr. Zhu was selected as the 2015-2016 Academician of the Year in both DBFS and the College of Health, Science, and Technology (CHST). Additionally, Dr. Zhu has devoted herself to the success of students, faculty, and the university through service. She has served as the Assistant Chair for five years, and served as the Interim Chair of the DBFS during the 2014-2015 academic year.

Research Description: Dr. Lieceng Zhu’s research aims to understand the impact of heat stress on plant resistance to insects using wheat and Hessian fly interaction system as a model. Currently she is the Principal Investigator of an NSF-funded grant “Phytohormones and Heat-Induced Loss of Wheat Resistance to Hessian Fly” (Award ID 2100425). The findings of the research will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of heat-induced loss of plant resistance to insects and co-evolution between host plants and parasites in the context of global warming and environmental change. As a faculty in a teaching-intensive and minority serving university, Dr. Zhu’s research has been focusing on promoting student success. She has engaged ~ 40 students in research and scholarship since 2009.

Dr. Kristen Delaney Nguyen

Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Office: LSA 330A
Phone: (910) 672-1046
E-mail: kdelaney@uncfsu.edu

Background: Dr. Kristen Delaney Nguyen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Foresnics Sciences. She joined the department in 2013. She teaches a variety of coureses including microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biology seminar, and research capstone. One of her primary foci is integrating research expereinces into courses in the form of CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences). She was selected as DBFS Teacher of the Year twice (2015-2016 and 2017-2018). Her research background is in the host-pathogen interface and recombinant vaccine development. Current projects focus on finding novel viruses to combat argiculturally important pathogens. Since 2015 she has mentored 17 students and published 3 peer-reviewed papers and 4 genome annotations.

Ms. Akanksha Mandayam Narasimhan

Lecturer
Phone: (910) 672-1490
Email: amandayamnarasimhan@uncfsu.edu

Background: Ms. Akanksha Mandayam Narasimhan obtained her Bachelor of science in Forensic Science at Jain University in Karnataka, India. She earned her Master of Science in Medicolegal Death Investigation at Syracuse University, NY and went on to work as a Death Investigator at an IACME accredited Medical Examiner’s office. As she continued to move up the ranks, Ms. Mandayam Narasimhan passed her certification and became a registered diplomat of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-ABMDI). In the course of her career she obtained her second Master of Science degree in Forensic Science and switched her career to a more academic one. She is passionate about teaching forensics with a practical approach.

Ms. Dawn McGee

Lecturer/Lab Manager
Office: LS 122
Phone: (910) 672-1135
Email: dmcgee@uncfsu.edu

Background: Ms. Dawn McGee joined the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences as a Lecturer and Lab manager in May 2020. She is a proud alum, obtaining both her BS and MS in Biology from Fayetteville State University. Ms. McGee has serviced the university in different capacities for almost 20 years. Currently, she teaches a variety of biology courses and manages the Forensic Science laboratories.

Many of our students have received internships, conducted and presented research, obtained employment in forensic and related fields, and enrolled in graduate degree programs.

• Student Achievement Data as of 12-5-2024 (PDF)
• Student Achievement Data as of 12-30-2022 (PDF)
• Student Testimonials (PDF)

• Forensic Science Program Guide 
• Forensic Science Four Year Degree Plan
  

• Student Handbook

Forensic Science Minor for Chemistry Majors