CaSTL Seminar Series presents...ZACHARIAH OOMMEN

Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis is a critical and probative evidence in the investigations of crime cases. GSR particles from the surroundings of bullet hole have been characterized as a function of primer type and particle distribution. Scanning Electron Microscope images are used to verify size and shape of the GSR particles and Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectrometer to verify the elemental composition in a single particle. The same specimens are further subjected to Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray Photon Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis with a view to identify the respective surface chemistry, molecular nature and molecular mass of the GSR particles. Both inorganic and organic components of GSR in the elemental and combined form can be identified using SIMS. The study is helpful in distinguishing between real GSR particle derived from a particular firearm and those derived from environmental contamination for forensic investigations.

Academic Capability- Zachariah Oommen

Dr. Zachariah Oommen is the Director of the Forensic Science Program at Albany State University, Albany Georgia USA and, a Professor of Forensic Science.

Dr. Oommen is instrumental in the getting the program nationally accredited by Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission.

Dr. Oommen served three times as the Chair of Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission’s (FEPAC) on-site evaluation team, Agency accrediting Forensic Science programs in USA

Oommen Served the Chair  of College Curriculum and New Programs for four consecutive years  

Oommen’s specialty and lectures in ASU are extensively in Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Microscopy, Fiber Analysis, Gunshot Residue Analysis, Paint analysis, Instrumental Techniques and Analysis, and Forensic Drug Analysis.

Oommen’s active involvement in research has credited to his account 31 research publications in International/National Journals.

During his tenure in Albany State University he has been awarded three major external grants and 9 internal grants. One of the grants from US department of defense (DoD, $ 200,000.000) brought major state-of-the-art instruments to the forensic science program. Current grant worth of $633,000. 00 from National Institute of Justice

Dr. Oommen joined the ASU family, Department of Natural and Forensic Science in August 2002 and since then, has been trying his best to provide quality services to the forensic science program. He has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Fall of 2007 and, tenured in the Fall of 2008 and promoted to Full Professor in 2012.

Dr. Oommen is charged with program development, program improvement, student tracking, interfacing with FEPAC and course scheduling.

Dr. Oommen served department/college/university level committees such as Accreditation, Web page, Students Orientation, Career fairs, IRB, Curriculum and New Programs (Chair for 4 years), Graduate Committee, Tenure and Promotion, Post Tenure appeal and so on.

Dr. Oommen is instrumental in getting MOU with Gujarat forensic science university (gfsu), Gujarat, India to promote academic cooperation like exchange programs, seminars, and research

Dr. Oommen is a fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Dr. Oommen , BS in Chemistry, MS in Analytical Chemistry, Ph. D In Polymer Chemistry. Post-doctoral Research,  University of Leuven Belgium & Wayne State University, Michigan