Testimonials
Dr. John M. Butler
NIST Fellow & Special Assistant to the Director for Forensic Science, National Institute of Standards and Technology and author of five textbooks on Forensic DNA Typing
" I did my PhD research on DNA separations using capillary electrophoresis in Bruce McCord’s laboratory at the FBI Laboratory’s Forensic Science Research Unit from May 1993 to August 1995. He was a fantastic mentor then and continues to be a wonderful friend and collaborator. I am honored to have the distinction of being his first graduate student and know that he has mentored many other great students since then that have gone on to productive careers in forensic science and analytical chemistry. Professor McCord has made a lasting impression in our field and in my life. "
Dr. Steven B. Lee
Professor, International Forensic Research Institute, FIU. Professor and Former Director of the Forensic Science Program at San Jose State University.
" Dr. Bruce R. McCord professional achievements and contributions to the field of forensic chemistry are ground breaking, innovative and extensive , resulting in national and international recognition. Bruce embodies the highest levels of achievement and mentoring in research, teaching and service. Dr. McCord is globally recognized as a pioneering force for his research and scholarship, he has demonstrated an exemplary record of teaching and mentoring at the institutional, national and international levels and his service at FIU and in the forensic community are varied, capacious, and outstanding. Dr. McCord’s commitment to mentoring has led to the enviable successes of virtually all his undergrad, graduate students, and post docs. I was honored and privileged to meet Dr. McCord in 1995 during my tenure as Assistant Laboratory Director at the California Department of Justice DNA laboratory. Although still relatively early in his career, the forensic DNA community at that time already recognized the value of the innovative research and ideas springing from Dr. McCord’s research group . In 2014-2017 I joined Dr. McCord’s research group during my sabbatical and professional leaves from my position as Director of Forensic Science at San Jose State University. During this time, working as a research consultant, we submitted two external NIJ research grants that were both funded and this year we submitted a grant submission entitled ‘Rapid Microwave Extraction for DNA Analysis’ that has the potential to reduce the total time from sample to DNA typing in under 15 minutes. Finally, Dr. McCord would be the first to give thanks to others for his success and at the top of his list would be his incredible wife, Margie, and his three children , 2 of whom are graduate students in chemistry. Throughout Bruce’s path their love, presence, contributions and sacrifices in time and support played a critical role in Bruce’s modeling of work-life balance. His success in both arenas provides a role-model for our future leaders in which they can see themselves following a path with balance, into science. In this way, Dr. McCord has quietly inspired countless students into STEM careers including many women from underrepresented groups which should also be recognized. In summary, Dr. McCord's leadership, achievements and contributions are groundbreaking, innovative and extensive in research, teaching and service to the field. I am extremely honored and grateful to be included as a member in his research as well as his jazz group! "
Dr. Joana Antunes
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research. Graduate alumnus, 2018
" I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Dr. McCord. My passion for the forensic sciences field derived from what I consider a perfect merging of scientific knowledge and a direct contribution to create positive impacts in people’s lives. Typically people think of forensic science as a tool to “put the bad guys away” but Dr. McCord, in his classes and as a graduate student mentor, always emphasized the other side of justice – exonerating those who are innocent. I believe that only an unbiased approach of evidence analysis can properly unveil the truth. Science does exactly that and this is why the application of science for justice will continue to grow. Everything needs innovation in order to grow, and in my opinion,Dr. McCord possesses the innovative mindset to make that happen . As a graduate student in Dr. McCord’s laboratory, I learned to be an independent researcher, to consider everything possible until proven otherwise, and to expand my interests beyond science. Dr. McCord is an enthusiastic person, who is very supportive on their student’s endeavors, whether such endeavors are related to science or related to their personal life. The positive impact I have witnessed regarding Dr. McCord’s work for the forensic field stems from his willingness to collaborate with national and international researchers, to expand his field of knowledge, to improve current technologies and genuine enthusiasm in trying new ones. Additionally, his consistent search of a healthy balance between work and personal life, are an example to those who work with him. Being mentored by him has created a positive impact in my life and I will cherish, remember, and live by such impact for years to come. Thank you Dr. McCord!"
