FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5-17-2022
ASCLD Recognizes Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, Director of the NY State Police Crime Laboratory as recipient of the Briggs J. White Award for Excellence through Leadership in Forensic Science Management
GARNER, NC: The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) announced the 2022 Briggs J. White Award Recipient to Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, Director of the New York State Crime Laboratory System.
Dr. Wickenheiser has served as the NY State Crime Laboratory System Director since 2013. He served on the ASCLD Board of Directors from 2014 -2019 and as ASCLD President in 2017-2018. He was appointed by the ASCLD Board to serve as a member of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) serving previously as the Vice Chair and currently as the Chair. He is an active member of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) and the New York Crime Lab Advisory Committee (NYCLAC), serving as Deputy Chair.
Dr. Wickenheiser has continued to remain active in things important to ASCLD such as DNA method implementation. Ray is an invited guest at SWGDAM and continues to keep ASCLD apprised of important developments. He works on various national working groups such as SAFER to guide national policy related to sexual assault and other DNA methods. He runs a working group on the appropriate implementation of forensic genetic genealogy in the United States. He is the author of numerous papers and research projects including national and international publications.
In recognition of excellence through leadership in forensic science management. Mr. Wickenheiser demonstrated the highest level of creativity, integrity, and dedication to duty resulting in significant advances in crime laboratory management.
About the Briggs J. White Award: When Dr. Briggs White became the Director of the FBI Laboratory, he recognized the need for closer cooperation with state and local crime laboratories, understanding the symbiotic value that could ensue. In 1973, he persuaded FBI Director Clarence Kelly, to invite thirty laboratory directors to a meeting at the FBI Academy in Quantico VA .
In the fall of 1974 after a great deal of debate, ASCLD was born with Dr. Briggs White as its first Chairman. ASCLD played a leading role in the improvement of forensic laboratories throughout the world, including raising the profile of forensic science in the legislative assemblies of the United States. Dr. White’s pivotal role was recognized with the establishment of the Briggs White Award for Excellence through Leadership in Forensic Science Management. The award was established at the direction of past President Bill Hartner to recognize an ASCLD member, past or present, who demonstrated managerial excellence in forensic science.
About ASCLD: ASCLD is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. Founded in 1974, the purpose of the organization is to foster professional interests; assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques; acquire, preserve, and disseminate forensic based information; maintain and improve communications among crime laboratory directors; and to promote, encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field.
