The lecture component of this module is small. The bulk of the module consists of practical exercises in which the trainee will compare bullets in both known matching (KM) and known non-matching (KNM) conditions. Such exercises are directly related to the identification criteria set forth in the AFTE Theory of Identification - correspondence that exceeds the best KNM and is consistent with what is expected in known same source conditions. The goal is for the trainee to develop a strong criterion for identification such that the trainee can reliably discern differences and similarities and render accurate common source determinations of fired bullets. This will be tested with a practical examination at the end of the module.
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Ron Nichols

Ron is widely published with many publications routinely referenced in published court decisions with respect to Daubert and Frye evidentiary hearings. He is the author of Firearm and Toolmark Identification: The Scientific Reliability of the Forensic Science Discipline available through Academic Press and Building a Preventive Crime Gun Strategy available through Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology. He is a contributing author to other texts as well. He is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in communicating the scientific foundations of the firearm and tool mark discipline to both technical and lay audiences providing training and consultation nationally and internationally, including on behalf of the United Nations.
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Katie Marchio

Katie Marchio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work. Katie has worked for the Omaha Police Department in a variety of capacities since 2015. She is a member of the Nebraska International Association for Identification. She began training as a firearm examiner in 2019 and was one of the first graduates of the Nichols Forensic Science Consulting Firearm and Toolmark Examiner Academy in 2020. As a former student and graduate of the Academy, Katie is in a perfect position to mentor, guide, and encourage students understanding well the culture of the Academy that underlies its mission.
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Andy Smith

Andy Smith, MS, is an Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) certified Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner (certified in Firearms / Tool Marks / Distance Determination) and Supervisor of the Firearm and Tool Mark Unit at the San Francisco Police Department Crime Laboratory. He is also a past President of AFTE, having served from 2018-2019. Andy was the Chair of the Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmark Examination (SWGGUN) as it transitioned into the OSAC framework, and after that transition served as the first Chair of the newly formed Firearm and Toolmark Subcommittee under the Physics and Pattern Scientific Area Committee. He was appointed to the Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) in 2019 and currently serves as the AFTE representative as well as the current Chair of the FSSB.