Background / Research Interests

Claude obtained a BSc and then a PhD in Forensic Science from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. His PhD topic focussed on determining the evidential value of textile fibres in criminal investigation. His research activities cover a broad spectrum of disciplines which are aimed at understanding and solving analytical and interpretative problems encountered in Forensic Science. These include trace evidence (fibres, paint, glass etc), document examination (inks, toners), fingerprints and other forms of physical evidence. He has already supervised more than 25 completed forensic research projects since his arrival at UTS in 1996, including 3 University medals. He is involved in a number of European, American and Australian forensic working groups. In particular, he is a member of the Code of Best Practice subcommittee of the European Fibres Group, and an invited member of the 'Tapes' subgroup of the US Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis. Claude is also the Chair of the newly formed Australian and New Zealand Association of Forensic Science Educators and an executive member of the NSW Branch of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society. He has published more than 30 refereed papers, mostly in international forensic journals of high reputation. He has also published 7 book chapters in three different textbooks. He has presented more than 80 conference papers. He received a 'Young Investigator's Award' at the 96' Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences in Tokyo and was co-author of a number of awarded presentations in international conferences. He has attracted more than $2M in competitive research grants in the last five years.

Publications