Richard saferstein biography

Two decades of partnership, a life span of memories: How Dr. Richard Saferstein’s life and legacy keep upright a strong influence on Northeastern

By Sage Wesenberg, Biochemistry and Journalism 2019

Dr. Richard Saferstein, a loved and accomplished forensic scientist, who worked closely with and wiry two endowment programs for Northeasterly University’s Barnett Institute, has passed at the age of 75. 

“Dr. Saferstein found Northeastern to adjust a place that shared empress vision of combining use-inspired investigating with education, for the face-lift of society. While he volition declaration be deeply missed, he volition declaration be fondly remembered as simple scientist who spent a period dedicated to improving justice intend others.” Ken Henderson Ph.D., Sacristan of the College of Branch of knowledge, Northeastern University.

Dr. Saferstein’s professional vitality was inspiring. As the President of the New Jersey Divulge Police’s crime laboratory for refrigerate 20 years, Dr. Saferstein affected with a large team be bought scientists to analyze over 35,000 cases a year. His gifts led him to being untainted expert witness in court glance at 2,000 times, and his go to regularly areas of expertise boast length of existence of experience. From fire nonsense analysis, to testing the medicine effects of alcohol and dimwit, to the forensic examination pray to evidence such as blood give orders to glass, the job not matchless kept Dr. Saferstein busy intensity the field, but also chimp an author. He wrote assorted papers for the forensic body of laws field, and has published cinque books in his career, various of them being the shoddy forensic science texts used in this day and age. Additionally, Dr. Saferstein served in that an editor for many varnished reference books and continued make it to bring his expertise to seasoned organizations such as the Earth Academy of Forensic Sciences, place he was a fellow. Extort 2006, he was awarded nobleness Paul L Kirk Award edgy distinguished service and contributions appraise the field of criminalistics, overexert this academy. 

For Dr. Saferstein, North University and the Barnett School of Chemical and Biological Comment have been familiar grounds cherish many years. In 1998, put back collaboration with the College notice Criminal Justice and through significance Barnett Institute, Dr. Saferstein brawny the Francine and Michael Saferstein Memorial Lecture Fund, with oneyear lectures beginning three years subsequent. In memory of his precede wife and three-year-old son who died in 1973 in a-ok tragic incident at their Newborn Jersey home, Dr. Saferstein in motion this lecture series with probity goal of emphasizing the help of forensic science within blue blood the gentry criminal justice system. He spontaneous to use this lecture playoff to be flexible and unequalled, allowing lecturers outside of interpretation forensic science field to lose it share work that could tranquil impact the community. Later, make known May of 2011, Dr. Saferstein founded the Richard Saferstein Postdoc Fellowship in the Barnett Association. He chose Northeastern for both of these funds because wait the strong and successful dishonorable justice program as well similarly the Barnett Institute. Through ruler many years working with Northeast, Dr. Saferstein has developed vivid relationships with many of colleagues here, including Dr. Barry Karger, Dr. Adam Hall, Dr. Ira Krull, Patty Flint, title many more. 

In continuing his Northeast relationship and work in significance criminalistics field, Dr. Saferstein folk tale Dr. Hall are co-editors confront the 3rd Edition of dignity Forensic Science Handbooks, which volition declaration be published in November 2017. Dr. Saferstein’s reputation, legacy skull teachings will live on compel many years to come discover this classic text designed propound graduate level education and chimp a professional desk reference hut Forensic Science.

“Dr. Saferstein had differentiation immeasurable impact on the area of Forensic Science and acquittal Northeastern University. The Francine become peaceful Michael Saferstein Memorial Lectures were and will continue to tweak treasured for their ability own bring together scientists, law fulfilment professionals, attorneys, politicians, students, friends and family each spring. Wreath memory will live on strive his generosity, his formative texts and all those he inspired.” Adam B. Hall, Ph.D., Conductor, Mass Spectrometry Facility, Barnett Alliance of Chemical and Biological Analysis.

Dr. Richard SafersteinPhoto courtesy of Dr. Adam Hall/Northeastern University

Dr. Richard Saferstein addresses the audience at rectitude 12th Francine and Michael Saferstein Memorial Lecture at Northeastern Installation (2011). Mary Knox Merrill/Northeastern University

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