Criminalistics

Dr. James Girard is Professor and Chairman of the Chemistry Department at American University. He teaches analytical, environmental and forensic chemistry, as well as chemistry for non-science majors. Since he has been at the American University, he has received more than 25 grants totaling more than 3 million dollars and has published over 60 research articles. Professor Girard is a specialist in analytical chemistry. His research focuses on the methods and techniques used to separate and identify complex mixtures. He has also developed methods for the analysis of environmental pollutants in soil and water, the amount of neurotransmitter present in human serum, the concentration of disinfectants in hospital disinfectants, the composition of polymers and the separation and identification of genetic material from DNA. At American University he has supervised over 25 Masters Theses and 30 PhD dissertations. Professor Girard is the recipient of awards for excellence in teaching and scholarship. He was the 1995 recipient of the Leo Schubert Award for Outstanding Teaching of Science at the College Level from the Washington Academy of Sciences. In addition, Professor Girard has served as an expert witness in court cases involving environmental, patent infringement and personal injury.