Her Work
Cathryne D. Smith works at one of the most productive intersections in contemporary forensic science — the point where biological evidence meets quantitative methods. Her doctoral research at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences centres on DNA degradation patterns in necrophagous insects and what those patterns can tell investigators about when death occurred.
As an Adjunct Professor and Forensic Science Program Development Lead at the University of South Alabama, she shapes how the next generation of forensic scientists are trained — building curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary thinking, and connecting the classroom to the realities of casework and the courtroom. As founder of CS Forensic Science Consulting, she provides expert witness testimony and forensic science expertise to legal and investigative professionals.
Areas of Expertise
Forensic Entomology
Using insect activity and biological evidence to support postmortem interval estimation and death investigation.
DNA Degradation Modelling
Building multivariate predictive models that translate DNA degradation patterns into actionable PMI estimates.
Statistical Evidence Interpretation
Advancing probabilistic frameworks for the interpretation and communication of forensic evidence in legal contexts.
AI & Forensic Analytics
Exploring machine learning approaches to strengthen forensic decision support systems and evidence analysis.
In the Classroom
Cathryne teaches Forensic Science, Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, and serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of South Alabama — where she also leads forensic science programme development. She holds active educator certifications in both Alabama and Florida.
As Programme Development Lead at USA, she shapes how forensic science is structured, sequenced, and connected to professional practice — bringing over four years of classroom experience across forensic science, biology, and special education disciplines.
CS Forensic Science Consulting
Expert Witness Testimony
Translating complex biological, entomological, and molecular evidence into clear, reliable testimony for judges, juries, and legal teams in criminal and civil proceedings.
Case Review & Forensic Consultation
Independent forensic case review and scientific analysis for legal professionals and investigative agencies requiring expertise outside of a crime laboratory context.
Advisory & Subject Matter Expertise
Serving as forensic science subject matter expert for the University of South Alabama Advisory Board — contributing to the strategic direction of the department's forensic science offerings.