Cait Porterfield

Introduction to Forensic Science

Forensic Science Analysis and Lab

Forensic Serology and Lab

Advanced Fingerprint Analysis

Innocence Project

Broncho Blueprint to Forensic Science

Contemporary Learning Sciences

Educational Assessment

Instructor of Forensic Science/Education: Forensic Science Institute/Educational Sciences Foundations, and Research

University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma (August 2015 – present)

• Instructor: Introduction to Forensic Science, Forensic Science Analysis and Lab, Advanced Fingerprint Analysis, Forensic Serology and Lab, Innocence Project, Broncho Blueprint to Forensic Science, Educational Assessment, Contemporary Learning Sciences
• Develop curriculum focused on outcome-based higher education as part of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Metropolitan University initiative.
• Integrate transformative learning strategies into Forensic Science and ESFR curriculum and instruction.
• Assess student learning initiatives and monitor student progress.
• Work with students to develop and complete STLR activities and service learning projects.
• Develop course content and curriculum for Forensic Science Analysis, Forensic Serology, Advanced Fingerprint Analysis, Broncho Blueprint to Forensic Science, and Contemporary Learning Sciences. 
• Serve on the Forensic Science Institute Curriculum Council.
• Member of the Council on Forensic Science Education, a national organization focused on developing and maintaining high academic standards for forensic science programs.
• Faculty Advisor for the Student Academy of Forensic Sciences.
• Faculty Advisor for Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science Honor Society.
• Coordinate Forensic Science Living-Learning Community events and activities in an effort to provide a supportive academic environment, increase student retention, and emphasize student growth and development.
• Implement STLR initiatives in the Forensic Science Living Learning Community.
• Serve on the PTE sequence committee for the ESFR department.
• STLR Ambassador for the ESFR department.
• Work with the Quality Assurance Commons for Higher and Postsecondary Education to co-design and pilot the Essential Employability Qualities (EEQ) Certification through STLR initiatives in Forensic Science Institute programs and the Forensic Science Living-Learning Community.
• Coordinate law enforcement short courses and conferences (CLEET).
• Organize continuing education seminars on forensic science curriculum and techniques for secondary education teachers.

Academic Program Coordinator, Forensic Science Institute

University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma (January 2014 – August 2015)

• Coordinated program activities to ensure relevant guidelines, specifications, policies and/or procedures were enforced and followed for academic related services.
• Provided information to and facilitated communication between administrators, faculty, staff, and students concerning Forensic Science Institute programs.
• Enhanced Forensic Science Institute visibility and student enrollment by outreach coordination and information sessions/tours.
• Served as Academic Advisor to undergraduate forensic science students.
• Partnered with Student Success Advisors to provide incoming students and transfer students with information on the forensic science program.
• Served on the FSI Curriculum Council.
• Provided individual career identification and planning for students.
• Coordinated law enforcement short courses and conferences (CLEET).
• Maintained relevant databases to ensure accurate and accessible records.
• Assisted faculty in developing coursework, activities, and/or laboratories to reinforce forensic concepts and techniques.
• Adjunct Instructor: Introduction to Forensic Science

Chemistry Teacher, Conroe High School

Conroe, Texas (August 2007 – June 2011)

• Developed innovative curriculum to instruct individual students, small groups, and classes of 24+ students in co-teach chemistry.
• Chemistry lead teacher.
• Focused on student individualism, developed educational programs to accommodate different learning styles using strategies such as manipulative based instruction, tiering, flexible grouping, and anchor activities.
• Presented at district staff development for CISD Science – Differentiating the Environment: Meeting the Needs of Students.
• Presented at campus staff development – Collaborative Teaching Model.
• Teaching techniques filmed during actual class period for training purposes by CISD Curriculum and Instruction Department
• TAKS-In-a-Box: developed TAKS review manipulatives and activities for science department.
• Helped organize and launch Operation Science, an after school TAKS program.
• Assistant cheer coach.
• Leo Club sponsor.

Education

Doctoral Candidate in Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology

University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma (2015 - present)

Dissertation: The Woman-Scientist Identity Interference

Master of Science in Forensic Science – Molecular Biology with Honors 

University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma (2011 - 2014)

Thesis Title: The Forensic Value of Processed Human Hair Extensions

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with Honors

University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma (2002 - 2006)

Teaching Certifications

Physical Sciences (8-12)

Generalist (EC-4)

ESL Supplemental (EC-4 and 8-12)

Professional Honors            

Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science Honor Society International Board – Secretary (2018 – 2019); Chair (2019 – 2023)

UCO Housing and Dining Honored Partnership Award: Forensic Science Living Learning Community – University of Central Oklahoma (2018)

Masonic Endowment Award for Transformative Learning: Student Academy of Forensic Sciences – University of Central Oklahoma (2020)

Masonic Endowment Award for Transformative Learning: Forensic Science Living Learning Community – University of Central Oklahoma (2016)

The Edmond Sun: Notable Someone to Know - Caitlin Porterfield (2016)

Institution Faculty Member of the Month for Outstanding Contributions to Resident Life – National Residence Hall Honorary (2015)

Oklahoma Outstanding Mentor – Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (2013)

Academic Honors                      

SAFS UCO Student Organization of the Year – Campus Leadership Award (2013, 2020)

Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science Honor Society (2012 – 2014)

Forensic Science Institute Endowed Scholarship (2012)

Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry Achievement Award (2005)

National Society of Collegiate Scholars (2003 – 2006)

University of Oklahoma Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society (2003 – 2006)

Golden Key International Honor Society (2003 – 2006)

Norman Chamber of Commerce John H. Patten Memorial Scholarship Award (2002)

University Scholar Award (2002)

Engineering Distinguished Freshman Scholarship (2002)

Research

University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma – Current Research Interests

• The woman-scientist identity interference
• Gender-responsive pedagogy in STEM
• Critical pedagogy
• Conceptual change in science education

University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma – Dwight Adams, Ph.D.; James Creecy, Ph.D.

September 2011 – December 2014

• Three brands of processed human hair extensions were evaluated microscopically and genetically for their probative value in forensic casework. Microscopic analysis of hair morphology determined that the internal and surface characteristics of the human hair extensions were consistent with human head hair and failed to identify any distinguishing features (pitting, striations, indentations, internal variations) that differentiated the extensions from natural human hair. Chemical analysis identified carbon, oxygen, sulfur, aluminum, and calcium as the main elemental components of the extensions which is consistent with human hair. There were no elements detected that were unique to the processed human hair extensions.  mtDNA extracted from the hair extensions was sequenced and compared to the revised Cambridge sequence (rCRS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs were used to assign haplotypes and distinguish regional affiliations associated with the extensions in an attempt to establish the ethnicity of the hair donor’s maternal lineage. Hair extensions were associated with multiple geographic regions. Sequencing also identified hairs from multiple donors in each package.

University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma – Daniel T. Glatzhofer, Ph.D.

May 2004 – December 2005

• Synthesized [2,2]-(1,4)-Naphthalenophane and analyzed the product by two dimensional NMR experiments.
• Investigated oxazolines as valuable synthetic intermediates. The mode of reactivity of oxazolines with β-diketo-type molecules was examined. An unexpected compound of formula C10H17NO3 was obtained as the sole product of 2-ethyloxazoline with 2,4-pentanedione in a thermal ring-opening reaction. The structure of the product was studied by 1H, 13C, HSQC, g-HMBC, COSY and NOESY NMR experiments.

University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma – Susan Alguindgue, Ph.D.

March 2004 - June 2004

• Investigated C – H – N bonds in simple organic molecules utilizing modern NMR techniques such as variable temperature studies, NOE measurements, and two-dimensional characterization.

University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma – Douglas Gaffin, Ph.D.

October 2003 – May 2004

• Designed and constructed a tracking system to monitor the movement of scorpions in sand as a method of studying arachnid behavior and physiology. Tracking system used an array of piezoelectric crystals to measure the seismic waves generated by a scorpion’s footsteps, allowing for the triangulation of the scorpion’s position in a non-invasive way.

Publications

Fortney, A. L., Porterfield, C. E., Lord, W. D., McCoy, M. R., Mabry, J. P., Gravel, C., Thompson, F. B., & Huff, M. (2020). Cold case review and analysis: Constructivist learning in forensic science through collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The Journal of Forensic Science Education, 2(2).  

Porterfield, C., & McCoy, M. (2016). Service learning in forensic science: A tool for transformative education. University of Central Oklahoma Journal of Transformative Learning.

Porterfield, J. Z., Gaffin, D. D., Porterfield, C. E., & Johnston, C. N. (2004). Screening for scorpions: A non-invasive approach to tracking the movements of arachnids in sand. Euscorpius – Occasional Publications in Scorpiology. Victor Fet (Ed.): (17).

Presentations

American Academy of Forensic Sciences 73^rd Annual Conference – Virtual Conference – February 2021. Innocence Project and Cold Case Program – Experiential Applications of Constructivism for Unbiased Public Service.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology – Virtual Conference – November 2020. (1) Virtual Reality in Forensic Science Education; (2) Cultural Situatedness, Identity, and Perceptions of Self – Impacts of Deficit Ideology and Implications for Instructional Design

American Academy of Forensic Sciences 72^nd Annual Conference – Anaheim, California – February 2020. Education workshop hosted by the Council on Forensic Science Education: High Impact Practices in Forensic Science Education. The Forensic Science Living-Learning Community – Bridging the Gap in Student Engagement

Association for Educational Communications and Technology – Las Vegas, Nevada – October 2019. The Woman-Scientist Identity Interference: Traversing the Pipeline through New Pedagogy and Institutional Reformation

International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference – Edmond, Oklahoma – October 2019. In Her Voice: Exploring the Women-Scientist Identity Interference through the Experiences of Women Scientists

Edmond STEM Conference Forensic Science Workshop – Edmond, Oklahoma – August 2018, 2019. Forensic Science for the High School Classroom.

Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Forensic Science Workshop – Edmond, Oklahoma – June 2018. Fingerprint Processing and Analysis: It’s All in the Details.

National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Forensic Science Workshop – Edmond, Oklahoma – April 2018. The Proof is in the Prints.

American Academy of Forensic Sciences 70th Annual Conference – Seattle, Washington. Education workshop hosted by the Council on Forensic Science Education – February 2018. Innovative Teaching with Active Learning Methods - Implementation in Forensic Science Education.

Transformative Learning Conference – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – March 2017. Transforming Students’ Living Environments into Academic Communities.

Academy of Forensic Sciences 69th Annual Conference – New Orleans, Louisiana – February 2017. (1) The Forensic Value of Processed Human Hair Extensions; (2)Transforming Forensic Science Education with Service and Experiential Learning.                                                       

University of Central Oklahoma 2017 Collegium – Edmond, Oklahoma – August 2016. Being a Faculty Partner in a Learning Community.

Transformative Learning Conference – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – April 2016. Service Learning in Forensic Science: A Tool for Transformative Education.

K20 Center Innovative Learning Institute – Norman, Oklahoma – December 2015. Career Café: The Recipe for Student Success.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Southwest Regional Meeting – Ft. Worth, Texas – October 2004. NMR Structural Studies of an Unexpected Product from Reaction of 2-Ethyloxazoline with 2,4-Pentandione.

Professional Associations

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) – General, Member (2017 – present)

Council on Forensic Science Education (COFSE), Committee Chair/Member (2017 – present)

National Society for Women in Forensic Science (NSWFS) – Public Relations Officer (2017 – present)

Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science International Honor Society – Secretary (2018 – 2019); Chair (2019 – 2021)

Association for Educational Communications and Technology – Member (2019 – present)

Professional Conferences

American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Conference (2012 – 2021)

Oklahoma Division of the International Association for Identification (2012 – 2019)

University of Central Oklahoma Transformative Learning Conference (2016 – 2019)

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (2019 – 2020)

Annual Collegium on College Teaching Practice (2017 – 2018)

K20 Innovative Learning Institute (2015)

American Chemical Society Pentasectional Meeting (2012)

American Chemical Society Southwest Regional Meeting (2004)

Graduate Student Projects

Fingerprints and Race – Is it all in the details?

The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Recovery of Latent Impressions

The Impact of Packaging and Transportation on the Recovery of Latent Prints

The Effectiveness of the RUVIS Microscope and Crime-Lite for Recovering and Imaging Friction Ridge Impressions Deposited on Skin in Varying Biological Mediums

Primate Friction Ridge Skin v. Human Friction Ridge Skin – A Comparative Study

The Effect of Weathering on Bullet Analysis and Identification

Chemical Analysis of Processed Human Hair Extensions for Use in Forensic Casework

Professionally Held Perceptions About Accessibility in Forensic Science,

Service to University/Activities                

National Science Foundation Grant – Cyber learning for Work at the Human-Technology Frontier (2019 – 2020)

Global Voiced Unfiltered, ESFR – College of Education (2019). STLR Project/Event.

Center for Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Studies – Forensic Science Living Learning Community Event, Coordinator (2019). STLR Event.

Edmond Public Schools Leads Conference – Forensic Science Workshop (2018 – 2020)

UCO CSI High School Academy – Forensic Science Workshop (2018)

Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) – Forensic Science Workshop, Coordinator (2018)

GEAR-UP Girl Power STEM Camp - University of Central Oklahoma (2018)

National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Forensic Science Workshop, FSI Co-Coordinator (2018)

University of Central Oklahoma’s Education Colloquium, Evaluator (2017 – 20121)

Transformative Learning Ambassador, ESFR – College of Education (2017 – 2019)

Diversity and Inclusion Workshop – Forensic Science Living Learning Community, Faculty Coordinator (2017, 2018)

Oklahoma Mentor Day – Forensic Science Activities and Tours, FSI Coordinator (2017)

Oklahoma City Memorial Museum STEM Camp, FSI Coordinator (2016 – 2018)

Oklahoma City Memorial Museum Family STEM Night, FSI Coordinator (2016 – 2018)

International Association for Identification (IAI) Conference, FSI Coordinator (2016 – 2017)

Oklahoma Highway Patrol ERT Training (CLEET), FSI Coordinator (2016)

Forensic Science Institute High School Curriculum Training, FSI Coordinator (2015 – present)

Student Academy of Forensic Sciences, Faculty Advisor and Financial Manager(2015 – present)

Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science Honor Society, Faculty Advisor and Financial Manager (2015 – present)

Forensic Science Living-Learning Community, FSI Faculty Partner (2015 – 2019)

Oklahoma Science Museum Forensic Science Day, FSI Coordinator (2015, 2021)

Forensic Science Institute Law Enforcement Training (CLEET), FSI Coordinator (2015)

University of Central Oklahoma GEAR-UP Science Saturdays (2015)

Forensic Science Institute Get a Clue Murder Mystery Event, FSI Coordinator (2014 – 2019)

University of Central Oklahoma CareerQuest (2013 – 2014)

K20 Center GEAR-UP for the Promise – Oklahoma City Public Schools (2012 – 2021)

University of Central Oklahoma Student Involvement Fair (2012 – 2021)

University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Boy Scout Weekend, FSI Coordinator (2012)

SEARCH – Choctaw Public Schools learning program for advanced elementary students (2012)

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation – Tire Tread Project (2012)

Edmond Police Department – EMSA Training and Mock Crime Scene (2012)

University Committees

Graduate Faculty, Associate Member – University of Central Oklahoma (2018 – present)

Neely Excellence in Teaching Award Selection Committee – University of Central Oklahoma (2018, 2020)

Council on Forensic Science Education (2017 – present)

Future Educators Living Learning Community Committee – ESFR (2017 – 2018)

Quality Assurance Commons for Higher and Postsecondary Education Committee: Essential Employability Qualities (EEQ) Certification, (2017 – 2018)

PTE Sequence Committee – ESFR (2017 – 2018)

Student Involvement Committee – ESFR (2017)

Forensic Science Institute Curriculum Council – FSI (2015 – present); (1) Curriculum Committee, (2) Planning and Evaluation Committee

Community Service

TSA Competition – Forensic Science Event – Edmond, Oklahoma

Full Circle – Innocence Project Benefit – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Positive Tomorrows – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma                   

Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County

Regional Food Bank – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser – Edmond, Oklahoma

Old Navy Kid’s Safety Day – Edmond, Oklahoma

Tutor at Norman Public Library – Norman, Oklahoma

Trick-or-Treat on the Street, FSI Coordinator – Edmond, Oklahoma

Forensic Science Institute Outreach Program for Oklahoma Public Schools, FSI Coordinator

Career Day – Cheyenne Middle School, Edmond; Southridge Junior High, Oklahoma City

The Big Event – University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond, Oklahoma

YWCA of Oklahoma City – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In regard to the practice of teaching, I am student-centered and maintain a culturally-responsive approach to pedagogy.  I am committed to helping students become life-long learners and my teaching philosophy focuses on student individualism and developing educational programs to accommodate different learning styles.  I maintain a growth mindset and work to create engaging lessons that connect content to students’ interests and experiences.

Running 

Reading

Watching Movies (especially Indiana Jones)

Eating: donuts, fried chicken, pizza