THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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M. BONNER DENTON STRIVES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE By Hannah Schmidt
F
or years, M. Bonner Denton, a professor of analytical chemistry and geosciences at the University of Arizona, has been developing a wide variety of analytical instrumentation for revolutionary analysis of trace chemicals. Much of this technology has found its way into the modern forensic laboratory.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that the instrumentation is exceptionally sensitive, the results can be presented in court testimony supporting hypotheses that are not justified scientifically. Bonner contends that when an individual with the title of “forensic scientist” takes the stand, the general public comprising the jury believes their testimony, even though their testimony can and sometimes does represent conclusions which cannot be based on the original scientific method. Worse, there are scientific methods practiced by some laboratories that have never been statistically validated nor their fundamental underpinning “science” proven. This can have dramatic consequences for plaintiffs and defendants. Bonner’s research program developing new methodologies used in the forensic laboratory has provided him with insight
Photos courtesy of M. Bonner Denton
into both the capabilities and the limitations of a given analytical technique. A prime example of this is Bonner’s revolutionizing atomic spectroscopic emission analysis, which is employed today to analyze a wide range of elemental species. Denton’s expertise and his critical scientific mind have been recognized by his appointment to committees at the National Academy of Sciences which have resulted in two monographs, “Forensic Analysis: Weighing Bullet Lead Evidence” and the widely acclaimed and award-winning text entitled “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward” as well as serving on the National Commission on Forensic Science. This commission was a joint effort by the Department of Justice and the National Institute of Standards and Technology which reviewed the practices in forensic science, with the goal of ensuring that forensic science presented as evidence in the courtroom is scientifically and statistically sound. Along with other respected experts in the field of forensics, Bonner has been a signatory on a number of amicus briefs filed with state supreme courts. These have resulted in the release of multiple individuals serving life sentences due to faulty or inconclusive forensic evidence, which in turn led to unjust convictions. As an example, Bonner has been a friend
