Press Releases

Today, Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) announced $422,235 in funding from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) for North Carolina State University to perform a study on DNA quantification in forensic science. 

This study aims to improve performance on DNA quantification techniques to allow for the analysis of a wider range of samples. DNA quantification determines the amount of DNA present in a given sample to ensure further analysis is accurate for profiling, comparison, and when working with damaged DNA from crime scenes. This funding provides essential support to overcoming traditional barriers in forensic science in an effort to make the field more accurate and timely in critical situations. 

“I’m pleased to announce that NC State is putting our federal dollars to good use by advancing studies in forensic sciences,” said Congressman Nickel. “This investment not only supports North Carolina’s educational institutions, but also strengthens our commitment to justice and safety in our communities.”

The OJP supports the DOJ’s criminal and juvenile justice-related science and programmatic agencies, while providing funding, research and statistics, training, and leadership to advance safety, increase access to justice, and promote civil rights and equity.