Former FBI scientist Max Houck has joined FIU’s Global Forensic and Justice Center as the forensic portfolio innovator.
Houck brings more than three decades of research, casework and writing experience to the FIU pre-eminent program. With the FBI, he helped identify victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. His own portfolio includes tens of millions of dollars in grants and committee work including the White House, the National Academies of Science, the Royal Society and Interpol.
“The GFJC will benefit from not only Max’s work experience, but his ethic,” said Kevin Lothridge, executive director of the Global Forensic and Justice Center. “We are excited to have him on the team and help us expand the work we’ve been doing for the past two years.”
As one of the most published professionals in his field, Houck brings a creative side to the hard science FIU is internationally known for.
“FIU has a long history of forensic education, research, and resource projects,” Houck said. “That history is a rich palette from which to paint FIU’s forensic future. But every palette needs new colors and color combinations, as well as different brushes to enhance textures and applications. My goal is to enrich and reinforce FIU’s forensic capabilities and help prepare the GFJC for the coming changes in forensic science, education, training, and research.”
Houck’s initial efforts will include identifying research projects that work within the center’s mission of connecting forensic science from the crime scene to the courtroom.
