Degreeff-Silk, Lauryn Graduate Faculty

Positions

biography

  • Dr. Lauryn E. DeGreeff has worked in the field of analytical chemistry in support of canine detection for more than 12 years. She received a Ph.D. in Chemistry with an emphasis in Forensic Science from Florida International University in 2010. Her research focused on the sampling, characterization, and delivery of human odor, living and deceased, for the purpose of canine detection. Following the completion of her doctorate, she worked as a research fellow at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit. Her research focus was detection and determination of human scent and odor and human blood or the development / improvement of canine training aids and training methods. Dr. DeGreeff began her research at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in 2012 with research efforts focused on the characterization of explosives for instrumental and canine detection. She has since developed and patented a canine training tool for training on mixed odors, which has recently been brought to commercial market. Additional research has included a chemistry-based approach to studying canine olfaction for the purpose of improving canine training and informing field vapor sampling practices. Dr. DeGreeff has published numerous journal articles, holds three patents, has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, and frequently gives educational seminars law enforcement officers and military personnel.

research interests

  • Dr. DeGreeff carries out research in the area of volatiles sampling and analysis as it relates to vapor detection by canine and instruments. She takes a chemistry-based approach to studying olfaction for the purpose of informing field vapor sampling practices. Her research focuses on trace vapor sampling, characterization, and generation.

    Research Areas:
    Vapor transport of volatile compounds from buried Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs)
    Quantitative estimation of the canine olfactory limit of detection using a trace vapor generator
    Characterization of the vapor profile of fentanyl for the purpose of the development of field detection methods
    Estimation of storage and usage-life times of canine training aids for explosives and other substances
    Headspace analysis of fresh and weathered crude oils and determination of the active odorants for canine detection of crude oil
    Development of a cross-contamination indicator for co-housed or improperly stored canine training materials

selected scholarly works & creative activities

full name

  • Lauryn Degreeff-Silk

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