Dr Rory Simmons

About

I’ve been a member of the University of Cumbria since the beginning of 2018, teaching various modules involving forensic investigation. I first found my interest in forensic investigation through watching CSI New York as a teenager and went on to study forensic science at university. Ever since then, I’ve had forensic investigation in my life in some form either through study, research, or teaching. 

Selected Research and academic achievements

During my undergraduate studies, I found my passion and proficiency for forensic investigation. This lead to me publishing papers in Forensic Science International and the Journal of Forensic Identification on topics concerning fingermark enhancement and the maximisation of evidence. Some of this work helped inform UK policy for fingermark enhancement. When graduating my undergraduate programme, I was awarded the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences Prize and the Wright Health Group Prize from Abertay University, Dundee. From there, I went to Northumbria University, Newcastle to complete my PhD, investigating the application of multivariate analysis to textile fibre dyes. My current research interests look into the application of multivariate analysis and machine learning to a variety of forensic evidences.

What modules do you teach?

I teach a variety of modules involving forensic investigation at the university, including “Crime Scene Investigation” and, my personal favourite, “Forensic Examination”. In “Forensic Examination” I get to work with the students in the laboratory, teaching them the hands on skills needed to work with forensic evidence like fingermarks and body fluids. It’s an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable module as the students love the hands on aspects of the module, and I get to see them grow in confidence as they get more experienced with the different techniques and processes.

What makes your course different?

One of the things that makes our course so different is our Major Incident Exercise – a multi-disciplinary, interprofessional event that students are involved with annually. Students take various roles in this event each year, starting as CSIs at the scene, then moving to analysing evidence in the lab, and cumulating in them becoming the crime scene managers and leading a team of their peers. Many other universities have tried to replicate this “Major Incident”, but we believe no one does it quite like us.

What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?

My favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria is the students. We tend to foster a very close knit community within our modules and it’s great to be able to build that rapport with students and actively contribute to their success.

Interesting fact about yourself 

Some interesting facts about myself. I was part of an American football team while an undergrad and still follow the NFL closely. I am an avid cook and baker. And, at heart, I’m a big nerd and love podcasts, TTRPGs, and video games.