Biography
Jonathan Fried is an Assistant Teaching Professor and the Graduate Program Director for Loyola University Maryland’s Forensic Pattern Analysis (FPA) Program. He completed his graduate studies in Forensic Science at the University of New Haven, where he developed a strong foundation in forensic methodologies and evidence interpretation. Before joining Loyola in 2021, Jon built a distinguished 20-year career in forensic science, serving in diverse roles in Connecticut, Nevada, and the District of Columbia. His professional experience spans law enforcement, crime scene investigation, firearms and toolmarks analysis, and the development and delivery of training programs for local and state agencies. This breadth of expertise informs his teaching and mentorship, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Jon teaches core and elective courses within the FPA program and serves as the faculty moderator for Loyola’s chapter of the Forensic Science Honor Society (Delta Delta Epsilon) as well as the graduate internship coordinator, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world forensic practice. He is deeply committed to advancing forensic education through technology integration. Under his leadership, Loyola partnered with Evidence IQ to bring the Ballistics IQ system to campus, providing students with experience using cutting-edge firearms evidence identification tools. Jon is also spearheading efforts to incorporate drone technology into forensic science curricula, preparing graduates for emerging trends in evidence collection and scene documentation.
Passionate about innovation and student success, Jon strives to create immersive learning experiences that bridge academic rigor with professional application. His work reflects a dedication to shaping the next generation of forensic scientists equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the field.
Areas of Specialization
- Crime scene investigation
- Firearms and toolmarks analysis