Samantha J. Sawyer, PhD, M-ABFE

I am a decomposition ecologist and board certified forensic entomologist. My research explores the role of wildlife and insects in the decomposition process and pathogen transmission. I utilize population ecology and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess ecosystem process and pathogen risk in landscapes. Some work my lab does involves Mass Mortality Events (MMEs), filth flies role in amplifying Bacillus anthrasis (causative agent of anthrax), and using filth flies for pathogen presence such as Giardia duodenalis (causative agent of giardiasis) and Cryptosporidium parvum (causative agent of cryptosporidiosis) across landscapes. My work is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborators across institutions and at an international scale.

In addition to my research, I teach forensic science at the University of New Haven and serve as a forensic consultant in cases involving insect evidence. I have trained law enforcement, veterinarian, and medical personnel at the local, state, federal, and international level in the proper techniques to collect, store, and ship entomological evidence from dead and living individuals as outlined in the American Board of Forensic Entomology. This evidence aids in cases of neglect, abuse, death, and environmental contaminants.