By Sage Wesenberg, Biochemistry and Journalism 2019
Dr. Richard Saferstein, a beloved and accomplished forensic scientist, who worked closely with and supported two endowment programs for Northeastern University’s Barnett Institute, has passed at the age of 75.
“Dr. Saferstein found Northeastern to be a place that shared his vision of combining use-inspired research with education, for the betterment of society. While he will be deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered as a scientist who spent a lifetime dedicated to improving justice for others.” Ken Henderson Ph.D., Dean of the College of Science, Northeastern University.
Dr. Saferstein’s professional life was inspiring. As the Director of the New Jersey State Police’s crime laboratory for over 20 years, Dr. Saferstein worked with a large team of scientists to analyze over 35,000 cases a year. His skills led him to being an expert witness in court over 2,000 times, and his many areas of expertise boast years of experience. From fire debris analysis, to testing the pharmacological effects of alcohol and drugs, to the forensic examination of evidence such as blood and glass, the job not only kept Dr. Saferstein busy in the field, but also as an author. He wrote many papers for the forensic science field, and has published five books in his career, many of them being the standard forensic science texts used today. Additionally, Dr. Saferstein served as an editor for many professional reference books and continued to bring his expertise to professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, where he was a fellow. In 2006, he was awarded the Paul L Kirk Award for distinguished service and contributions to the field of criminalistics, from this academy.
For Dr. Saferstein, Northeastern University and the Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis have been familiar grounds for many years. In 1998, in collaboration with the College of Criminal Justice and through the Barnett Institute, Dr. Saferstein established the Francine and Michael Saferstein Memorial Lecture Fund, with annual lectures beginning three years later. In memory of his first wife and three-year-old son who died in 1973 in a tragic incident at their New Jersey home, Dr. Saferstein started this lecture series with the goal of emphasizing the importance of forensic science within the criminal justice system. He intended to use this lecture series to be flexible and unique, allowing lecturers outside of the forensic science field to come share work that could still impact the community. Later, in May of 2011, Dr. Saferstein founded the Richard Saferstein Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Barnett Institute. He chose Northeastern for both of these funds because of the strong and successful criminal justice program as well as the Barnett Institute. Through his many years working with Northeastern, Dr. Saferstein has developed strong relationships with many of his colleagues here, including Dr. Barry Karger, Dr. Adam Hall, Dr. Ira Krull, Patty Flint, and many more.
In continuing his Northeastern relationship and work in the criminalistics field, Dr. Saferstein and Dr. Hall are co-editors of the 3rd Edition of the Forensic Science Handbooks, which will be published in November 2017. Dr. Saferstein’s reputation, legacy and teachings will live on for many years to come with this classic text designed for graduate level education and as a professional desk reference in Forensic Science.
“Dr. Saferstein had an immeasurable impact on the field of Forensic Science and on Northeastern University. The Francine and Michael Saferstein Memorial Lectures were and will continue to be treasured for their ability to bring together scientists, law enforcement professionals, attorneys, politicians, students, friends and family each spring. His memory will live on through his generosity, his formative texts and all those he inspired.” Adam B. Hall, Ph.D., Director, Mass Spectrometry Facility, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis.
Dr. Richard SafersteinPhoto courtesy of Dr. Adam Hall/Northeastern University
Dr. Richard Saferstein addresses the audience at the 12th Francine and Michael Saferstein Memorial Lecture at Northeastern University (2011). Mary Knox Merrill/Northeastern University
