About the Institute

Dr. Rivers is a forensic entomologist at Loyola University Maryland, where he researches and provides legal expertise in several areas involving necrophagous flies and parasitic wasps. His research laboratory currently investigates the physiological interactions occurring between flies that develop on a corpse.

Presently, Dr. Rivers is examining the physiology of maggot masses, which are large feeding aggregations of fly larvae that form on an animal carcass during decomposition.

Dr. Williams is a biological anthropologist at Loyola University Maryland, where he specializes in digital imaging and soil analysis within bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. His research has grown to focus on the digitized analysis of discrete forensic evidence, soil profiling for burial site interpretation, and scholarly public engagement.

Dr. Williams is currently developing new methods for the visualization and identification of animal evidence for rapid scene testing for the Animal Forensics Institute.

Jonathan Fried is a forensic pattern analyst with more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, and forensic analysis across Connecticut, Nevada, and the District of Columbia. His work focuses on forensic documentation, photography, and evidence collection involving both human and animal injuries, including the use of aerial imaging as an FAA licensed remote pilot.

Jon is actively engaged in training and advancing standardized, technology-driven approaches in support of the Animal Forensics Institute, and offers additional expertise in firearms and toolmarks analysis.

Marion Davidson is a forensic science researcher and a PhD Candidate at University College London. Marion’s work primarily explores the judgments and decision-making processes of forensic examiners and the development of professional standards and best practice recommendations designed to ensure the reliability of forensic evidence.

Alongside her decision-making research, Marion studies the taphonomic effects of animal scavenging, the determination of human versus non-human remains, and the search and recovery of clandestine graves. She additionally provides expert consultation for post-conviction appeals, specifically addressing issues of potential cognitive bias.