Loyola awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding to create forensic science training center
Loyola University Maryland has been awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding to create a forensic science training center to support forensic science innovation and training through the University’s partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and the City of Baltimore.
Resources provided through the $965,000 in federal funding will enable cutting-edge research in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology, digital forensics, and pattern analysis.
“This funding is significant not just for Loyola, but for our entire community,” said Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola. “It ensures that the University will continue to graduate highly skilled, civic-minded forensic scientists who are ready to serve, while also building upon the mutually beneficial training partnerships Loyola has with local law enforcement agencies and investing in experiential learning opportunities for young people interested in careers in the forensic sciences. I am incredibly grateful to Congressman Olszewski for his belief in and support of our program.”
U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski, Jr., of Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, presented Loyola with the funding in a ceremony at Newman Towers on Loyola’s campus on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
“This investment will prepare students for high-demand careers, give law enforcement better tools to do their jobs, strengthen partnerships across our region, and ultimately make our communities safer,” Congressman Olszewski said. “That's exactly the kind of investment taxpayers deserve and this is exactly what responsible government looks like.”
Loyola’s partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and crime labs provide critical forensic science training and support, with Loyola students and faculty helping to solve cold cases and providing forensic analysis in criminal cases.
“Our goal is to make Maryland the top place for forensic science education, training, and career opportunities, and this funding is a springboard for that,” said David Rivers, Ph.D., chair and professor of forensic science. “I’m especially excited to secure cutting-edge equipment to train our students, equipping them with the tools that put them at the forefront of forensic science, and the forensic science training center, which enables us to advance our curriculum. We are also looking to create a first-of-its-kind forensic science equipment hub to share resources with other agencies and universities.”
Loyola’s forensic science department provides support for community programs such as the annual Loyola University Maryland and Baltimore Police Department Forensic Science Summer Academy, where high school students from Baltimore City and surrounding counties are participating in a free, week-long camp designed to introduce them to careers in forensic science and law enforcement.
Richard Worley, commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department, attended the ceremony and spoke about the importance of training and educating the next generation of forensic scientists.
“Baltimore Police Department is proud of its partnership with Loyola because it represents much more than two organizations working together,” said Worley. “It represents commitment, education, innovation, science, and service to the community. Some of these campers may one day become forensic scientists, investigators, researchers, or public servants who help keep the community safe.”
Loyola’s Department of Forensic Science offers both an undergraduate major and minor in forensic sciences and a Master of Science in Forensic Pattern Analysis that prepares graduate-level students to enter the in-demand—and growing—field of forensic science as latent printer examiners, firearms/toolmarks examiners, crime scene investigators, and numerous related fields. All Loyola forensic science students graduate ready and prepared to make a difference.
Photos by Aaron Boutwell.