Optional Hands-On Training Experience

Take your education beyond UF’s virtual classroom through an optional, immersive training opportunity at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

These intensive one-week training experiences provide hands-on exposure to the tools, techniques and workflows used in professional forensic laboratories. Students can choose between Forensic Toxicology and Drug Chemistry or Forensic Biology training, working alongside experienced forensic scientists while gaining practical experience with evidence handling, laboratory procedures, advanced instrumentation, data analysis and report writing.

Participation is available to eligible students for an additional fee of $1,750 paid directly to CFSRE, and enrollment is limited to 20 students per training week, offering a highly interactive and personalized learning experience.

2026 In-person Training Program Dates

• October 12 – 16, 2026:  Forensic Biology Training
• October 19 – 23, 2026:  Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Training

Requirements

• Eligible students must be enrolled in a Master’s program, have completed pre-requisite classes and have an overall UF GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• While participation in the optional CFSRE laboratory training does not earn academic credit, the hands-on experience can provide valuable context for the research paper completed in the Literature Survey course during the final semester of the M.S. in Forensic Science program.
• Participants are responsible for the cost of the training, which is paid directly to CFSRE, as well as all travel-related expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals and other incidental costs associated with attending the program in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

Cost

The fee for a one-week training course is $1,750, paid directly to CFSRE.

Pre-requisites

Online Master’s students are required to have completed and passed the following classes in order to be eligible to attend the CFSRE training:

Application Links

These external links will take you to the CFSRE’s FastAction form. If you need assistance completing the application, please contact Carrie Barron at carrie.barron@cfsre.org. You may apply for one or both training weeks; please note your first and second choices in the additional information section.

One-Week Courses

Forensic Biology Training

During their week at the CFSRE, students will experience the complete workflow of a modern forensic biology laboratory while working alongside practicing forensic scientists. Participants begin with laboratory safety, chain of custody procedures, evidence documentation, and case intake before examining evidence and conducting presumptive and confirmatory serological testing using techniques such as Kastle-Meyer, Hemochromagen, Christmas Tree Staining, and immunochromatographic testing. Students will then isolate DNA using both automated (EZ1) and manual (Chelex) extraction methods, quantify DNA using the Quantifiler Trio assay on the Applied Biosystems QS5 platform, prepare samples for amplification using the PowerPlex Fusion 5C STR kit, and analyze DNA fragments through capillary electrophoresis on the ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer. The program concludes with DNA profile interpretation, statistical calculations including random match probability (RMP), report writing, a knowledge assessment, instructor feedback, and certificates of completion. By the end of the week, students will have gained hands-on experience with the laboratory techniques and instrumentation routinely used in forensic DNA casework.

Forensic Toxicology and Drug Chemistry Training

During their week at the CFSRE, students will gain hands-on experience in the daily workflow of a forensic chemistry and toxicology laboratory. Working alongside experienced scientists, participants will learn laboratory safety procedures, proper documentation and chain-of-custody practices, evidence handling, and sample preparation techniques. Throughout the week, students will perform acid-base, solid phase, and liquid-liquid extractions, conduct ELISA and color tests, operate and observe sophisticated analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, GC-FID, and QTOF mass spectrometry, and analyze forensic data to prepare laboratory reports. The program concludes with a knowledge assessment, instructor feedback, and certificates of completion, providing students with an authentic introduction to the methods used in modern forensic toxicology and drug chemistry laboratories.

About the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE)

The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing forensic science through research, education, training and workforce development. Located in Horsham, Pennsylvania, the CFSRE serves as both a working forensic research laboratory and an educational center, bringing together scientists, students, and professionals to address real-world challenges in forensic science and public health.

CFSRE’s scientific expertise spans the disciplines of forensic biology, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology, where researchers conduct innovative studies, validate new analytical methods, investigate emerging drugs and toxicological trends and collaborate with laboratories, medical examiners, law enforcement agencies and academic institutions around the world.

In addition to their research mission, the CFSRE is committed to developing the next generation of forensic scientists through a variety of academic and workforce development programs, providing students with advanced training and research opportunities in forensic science.

View the CFSRE in Google Maps.