Assistant Professor of Forensic Science
Office: Baker-Hebron 102
E-mail: opelk@uiu.edu
Phone: (563) 425-5220
Dr. Kerry Opel, Assistant
Professor of Forensic Science, earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology
from the University of Maryland and forensic chemistry from Ohio
University as well as a master’s degree in anthropology from the
University of Denver before completing her doctorate in chemistry from
Florida International University. Dr. Opel is responsible for initiating
the forensic science program at Upper Iowa University, and she currently
instructs all courses in that program.
Dr. Opel has co-authored
several articles found in such publications as the Journal of Forensic
Science, including four where she was lead author. She is a member of
the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Her main research interests
are in extraction, quantification, and analysis of degraded and
compromised human DNA as well as PCR inhibition.
In her free time, Dr. Opel
enjoys cross-stitch, cooking, gardening and dog training. She has a
special interest in primitive technology, including atlatl, ancient
weapons that predate bows and arrows. Dr. Opel regularly participates in
atlatl accuracy contests. She is a member of the UIU Pep Band.
Office Hours: M-F 9-11 AM or 2-4 PM
“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds the most discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but rather ‘Hmm, that’s funny’.” – Isaac Asimov
