Personal profile
Area of academic expertise - outline
As a forensic science practitioner for over nine years, I have contributed to numerous national and international cases, including high-profile investigations. My casework portfolio encompasses various offence and evidence types, with a particular focus on the interpretation and evaluation of DNA evidence, especially in cases involving complex profiles or specialist analytical techniques. I continue to provide consultancy and expert witness services, specialising in forensic toxicology and scene examination.
My research has focused on forensic toxicology, spanning the key areas of:
- Performance and image enhanceing drugs (particularly anabolic androgenic steroids)
- Development and validation of GC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods for detecting drugs of abuse in blood.
- Quality assurance and proficiency testing within forensic toxicology.
- The Field Impairment Test (FIT) for identifying drug-impaired drivers.
In addition, I have completed the Robert F. Borkenstein Course on the effects of drugs on human performance and behavior, a highly regarded qualification for providing expert opinions in driver impairment cases.
I am also committed to advancing forensic science education through innovative and inclusive teaching practices. I strive to create learning environments that are accessible, engaging, and supportive for diverse learners. By embracing novel learning and teaching methods I aim to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to excel in forensic science and related fields.
Current research activities
My primary research interests lie in the development of inclusive learning and teaching methods, with a particular emphasis on the effective teaching of sensitive and challenging subjects. I am passionate about creating equitable educational environments that support diverse learners and promote engagement with complex topics.
Additionally, I am interested in exploring how forensic analytical methods can be adapted and applied to other scientific disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and expanding the impact of forensic science techniques.
Desired research direction
My future research aims to advance inclusive and innovative practices in higher education, with a focus on enhancing the teaching of sensitive and complex subjects. I am particularly interested in exploring how small adjustments in teaching methods can create more supportive and equitable learning environments.
I also intend to build on my interest in the interdisciplinary application of forensic analytical methods, investigating their potential to address challenges in other scientific fields.
Target collaborative companies
I am keen to collaborate with forensic service providers, analytical instrumentation companies, and other academics interested in inclusive education and innovative teaching practices.
Target collaborative organisations
External positions
Member of the UK Forensic Science Regulator's Working Group on Drugs and Toxicology, Office of the Forensic Science Regulator
2025 → …
External Examiner, Liverpool John Moores University
Sept 2024 → …
External Examiner, University of Cumbria
2020 → …
External Examiner, Teesside University
2017 → 2021
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Beyond biohazards: teaching forensic biology practicals with synthetic and non-human samples
Mullen, C., Smith, J.-A., Ward, C., Page, H., Lamont, K., Mallon, S. & Jaber-Hijazi, F., 31 Jan 2026, In: Science Justice. 66, 1, 33 p., 101354.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile28 Downloads (Pure) -
From awareness to action: embedding a trauma informed toolkit for the teaching of sensitive topics in victimology and forensic science
Mullen, C., Hammond, K., Gallacher-Graham, S., Tidy, H. & Myles, H., 31 Mar 2026, In: Science & Justice. 66, 2, 11 p., 101402.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile22 Downloads (Pure) -
Using memes to surface and support assessment emotion in mock courtroom assessments within the forensic sciences
Mullen, C., Tidy, H., Croxton, R., Williams, G., Carlysle-Davies, F., Irving-Walton, J., Nichols-Drew, L. & Page, H., 29 May 2026, In: The Journal of Forensic Science Education. 8, 1, 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Collaborative development of guidelines for teaching sensitive topics in forensic science
Mullen, C., Tidy, H., Gallacher-Graham, S., Hammond, K. & Myles, H., 18 Oct 2024.Research output: Contribution to conference › Presentation › peer-review
Open AccessFile29 Downloads (Pure) -
Collaborative pedagogy: meme-based reflective practice
Mullen, C., Tidy, H., Bolton-King, R. S., Croxton, R., Nichols-Drew, L., Carlysle-Davies, F., Moran, K. S. & Irving-Walton, J., 18 Oct 2024.Research output: Contribution to conference › Presentation › peer-review
Open AccessFile48 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists
Mullen, C. (Participant)
22 Jun 2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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STEM Academy Workshops
Mullen, C. (Presenter)
Jun 2019Activity: Other › Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
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Fisheries Society of the British Isles
Vanderzwalmen, M. (Speaker), McNeill, J. (Participant), Delieuvin, D. (Participant), Senes, S. (Participant), Carey, P. (Participant), Mullen, C. (Participant), Snellgrove, D. (Participant), Henriquez, F. (Participant) & Sloman, K. (Participant)
Jul 2018Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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Inside Out Science at UWS
Mullen, C. (Host)
8 Jun 2017Activity: Other › Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
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United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists Meeting
Mullen, C. (Participant)
5 May 2017Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
Press/Media
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From constraint to creativity: Team innovations for practical classes.
4/05/26
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
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Tough lessons: Building resilience in forensic science students.
3/02/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
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Toward delivering inclusive teaching and learning of sensitive subjects in forensic science
2/12/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Other
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