Open house for new media forensics program

Forensic science doesn't usually bring up thoughts of sitting in a recording studio and analyzing voice patterns—but UC Denver's music department is merging forensics and recording arts.

Beginning next semester, the Music Entertainment and Industry Studies Department will be launching a Master's program offering studies in media forensics, and the department is holding an open house at the National Center for Media Forensics to promote the program.

"Our goal is to provide an opportunity to faculty and staff to see our new space; we're just getting started," said Jeff Smith, Interim Director of the media forensics center.

The National Center for Media Forensics is a project started by late UCD professor Richard Sanders.

"He was an interesting guy. He had a degree in electrical engineering, but was also an accomplished musician," said Judith Coe, Music Entertainment and Industry Studies Department chair.

According to Coe, Sanders did extensive research in integrating audio media into forensics. Sanders' work included "voice printing" (essentially, fingerprinting based on vocal patterns) and other methods of sound analysis.

In addition, she stated that the uniqueness of the program comes from the fact that it applies art to criminal justice, engineering, and science.

Branching from Sanders' success, UCD music industry studies professors are exposing their students to this new field.

"The Master's program was an outgrowth of the work that Richard [Sanders] did. Media forensics became such a major part of his work that he brought it to the university," said Pete Ellingson, UCD music performance instructor.

"Our media forensics degree will be the only one of its kind in the country," Coe said.  "Students will be learning both the theory and practice of media forensics."

Currently, the media forensic center only fosters direct ties to the music department within the College of Arts and Media, but Smith and Coe both said they would like to see project collaborations between their department, other CAM departments, and the College of Engineering.

Before Sanders' passing, he earned approximately $1.2 million in grants to put toward establishing the National Center for Media Forensics.

"Part of the reason we're funded is because there is a need for high-level training in media forensics. Students in our program will be entering federal law enforcement, private forensic practice and other fields," Smith said. Also, he is putting those funds to use by organizing the open house and exposing the public to the facility.

According to Smith, this open house will feature demonstrations related to the authenticity of digital media and biometrics. Also, the staff will offer a tour of the facility, showcasing the center's new labs, classrooms, and technology. The tour includes some technological history in the form of the Pritts Family Museum of Recording Technologies. "The display includes some vintage microphones and magnetic tape recording technology," said Smith.

The open house will take place from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the National Center for Media Forensics (1800 Grant St, Suite 230). More information can be found at http://cam.ucdenver.edu/ncmf or by phone at 303-315-5850.