Biography

In 2004, Timothy Palmbach joined the faculty of the University of New Haven as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Forensic Science Department. He has been associated with the faculty of that University since 1984 and is Executive Director of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science. In 2013 Associate Professor Palmbach was engaged in sabbatical that involved the implementation of advanced investigative methods, particularly the use of DNA analysis, in the war against trafficking in persons (TIP). He worked in conjunction with non-governmental organizations and government officials to actually employ the collection of DNA based evidence during active, undercover investigations involving cases of human trafficking in the countries of Nepal and Costa Rica. Moreover, during these field exercises conducted in international communities the use of Rapid DNA analysis was evaluated for it’s effectiveness in TIP cases. Preliminary work has begun to interject these same DNA based methods into the investigation of TIP cases throughout the Balkan region and eastern Africa. Moreover, he has presented at various professional meetings and symposiums on the topic of utilizing DNA in TIP investigations, in the United States, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia, and Djibouti. He received his Juris Doctor in 1998 from the University of Connecticut School of Law. His Masters Degree is in Forensic Science with a Criminalistics concentration from the University of New Haven. He received his undergraduate BS degree in Forensic Science and Chemistry also from the University of New Haven in 1982. Prior to his tenure at University of New Haven, Timothy Palmbach was a Major in the Connecticut State Police where he was the Commanding Officer/Director for the Division of Scientific Services, Department of Public Safety. He had general jurisdiction over the affairs of Division of Scientific Services, including the Forensic Science Laboratory, Controlled Substance & Toxicology Laboratory and the Computer Crime & Electronic Evidence Unit.