Ray Wickenheiser

Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, is the retired Director of the New York State Police Crime Laboratory System, formerly headquartered in Albany, New York.  Ray is now located in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he provides forensic consulting and training.  Ray is a Past President (2017) of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and a Briggs J. White Award (2022) recipient, ASCLD’s highest award for excellence in forensic management.  Ray is a member of the National Technology Validation and Implementation (NTVIC) Steering Committee, Co-Chair of the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) Policy and Procedures Committee, and Co-Chair of the Rapid DNA Committee.  Ray was formerly the Chair of the Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) (2021-23) for the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science and an invited guest to the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis (2013-2023).  He has extensive experience as an ISO and Lead DNA auditor for forensic laboratories.

Ray has over 40 years of experience working in the field of forensic science.  His areas of expertise include crime lab administration, quality management, conflict resolution, forensic DNA and mixture interpretation, serology, hair and fiber trace evidence, physical matching and comparison, glass fracture analysis, forensic grain comparison and forensic investigative genetic genealogy.  Ray holds a Doctorate in Bioethics and Health Care Policy, a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science Honours. and a Certificate in Genealogical Research.