Page 46 - Aug Sept 2016

A Personal and Indepth Interview with Dennis Hillard
Sonya Trippett: Please tell me how did you begin your career?

Dennis Hilliard: I entered the University of New Hampshire with the goal of enter-

ing medical school upon graduation. However it was clear that my grades were not
sufficient to be accepted and I chose to bolster my chances by getting a graduate de-

gree. I was accepted as a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island, where
I pursued a M.S. degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology. My major professor
at the University was David Defanti, Ph.D. who was also the director of the state

crime laboratory. Upon obtaining my graduate degree, Dr. Defanti let me know that
a position, funded by a federal grant, with the state crime laboratory would be creat-

ed and I could apply for the position. I took the opportunity, applied and obtained an
entry level position as a chemist in the state crime laboratory in March 1980. With
the exception of one brief layoff between November 1982 and June of 1984, I have

been employed by the state crime laboratory at URI. I also had the opportunity to
work as a clinical chemist in the Emergency Room chemistry laboratory of a Rhode

Island Hospital from January 1980 to June 1980 and as a toxicologist in the Rhode
Island Department of Health’s Laboratory Division from April 1983 to June 1984.

Sonya Trippett: You are currently the Director of the Crime Lab at the University

of Rhode Island. What are your responsibilities as the Crime Lab Director?

Dennis Hilliard: As director, I oversee the daily work of eight full time examiners.
I answer phone calls and e-mails throughout the day. I advise students in forensic

science at the high school and college level. I review reports, keep an eye on the
budget, authorize purchases, travel and training for the Laboratory. I spend time on
accreditation issues to be certain that the Laboratory is meeting quality guidelines

in the examination and reporting of casework examinations. I work on Forensic
Science Partnership issues at URI, including seminar speakers. I setup and present

lectures on the function of the crime laboratory to various professional groups, civic
groups, school groups and individual students. I coordinate and present specialized
training courses to law enforcement officers in the course: Criminal Investigation:

Scientific Evidence I & II. I also prepare budget requests for state funding and fed-
eral grants. I prepare reports on the activities of the Laboratory and present them to

the State Crime Laboratory Commission on a quarterly basis.

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