Charla Perdue, DFS

"Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more, bear mute witness against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself, it cannot be wholly absent. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it, can diminish its value."

- Paul L. Kirk

Curriculum Vitae

Professional Preparation
2018 MFS, University of Florida. Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences. Concentration Forensic Science.
2011 MS, Florida State University. Major: Criminology.
2003 BS, Florida State University. Major: Criminology.
1999 AA, Gulf Coast State College. Major: Liberal Arts.
1996 AS, Gulf Coast State College. Major: Legal Assistant, Paralegal.

Nondegree Education and Training
2025 2025 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis 5 Day Symposium.
2025 Detect More Evidence 2025.
2024 Introduction to Mass Spectrometry Webinar.
2024 The 2024 Cold Case Symposium 2 Days.
2024 Gap Science.
2024 Portable Ladder Safety Training.
2024 76th Annual AAFS Scientific Conference.
2024 Improving Outcomes with Applied Forensic Epidemiology.
2024 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis 2024.
2023 An Introduction to Genetic Genealogy from Crime Scene to Courtroom.
2023 Assessing Impaired Driving Trends Using Comprehensive Testing.
2023 Forensic Investigative Genealogy Part II.
2023 Explosives Awareness Training for BCSO.
2023 Project Cold Case Symposium.
2023 2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit.
2023 Navigating a Career as a Forensic Science Service Provider: Under the Microscope.
2023 75th Annual AAFS Scientific Conference.
2023 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis 2023.
2023 Recovery of Houston Forensic Science Center.
2022 Arson and Explosives Investigations Training.
2022 Killing Time: Postmortem Intervals in Medicolegal Investigations.
2022 Forensic Science Innovation at DFSC to Support DoD.
2022 Strangulation Investigations Roll Call Training.
2022 Documenting Bloodstains at the Death Scene.
2022 Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Hands On Workshop and Accompanying Principles Lecture.
2022 Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Evolving Approaches Toward Forensic Evidence in Court.
2022 Explosives Awareness Training.
2022 Forensic Biology and DNA Analysis.
2022 Impaired Driving with Novel Benzodiazepines.
2022 Gunshot Injury and Documentation.
2022 Determining Time of Death.
2022 Motor Vehicle Crash Injury Analysis.
2022 Asphyxia Death- Classifications & Causes.
2022 Determining Time of Death.
2022 Proper Death Notification Procedures.
2022 Implications in Cause Manner and Time of Death Rulings.
2022 Practical Report Writing.
2022 Professional Conduct- Skill& Attributes.
2022 Courtroom Testimony, Preparation, & Credibility.
2022 Understanding Cutting & Stabbing Injury.
2022 Scene Arrival, Assessment, & Documentation.
2021 Forensic Radiography.
2021 Emerging Trends in Drug Combinations.
2021 2021 Current Trends in Forensic Trace Analysis.
2021 Crime Scene Staging.
2019–2020 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bay.
2020 Quality Matters Independent Applying the QM Rubric.
2019 Florida State University Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program.
2019 Forensic Criminalistics Board Certification Preparation Course.
2019 Forensic Taphonomy Course.
2019 Alternate Light Source Applications Course.
2018 Digital Crime Scene Photography Course.
2017 Perkin Elmer Molecular Spectroscopy Course.
2016 Outdoor Recovery Course.
2016 Fire and Arson Investigation.
2016 Shooting Analysis & Reconstruction Training.
2015 Forensic Entomology.
2015 Courtroom Testimony.
2015 Intimicide, Investigation Intimate Pattern Homicides.
2015 Crime Scene Photography.
2015 Fine Tuning Crime Scene Investigation for Latent Prints.
2015 Human Osteology.
2015 Foundations of Fingerprints.
2015 Child Death Investigation.
2015 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
2014 Buried Body Techniques.
2013 Crime Scene Processing.
 

Professional Credential(s)
2024–present Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
2018–present FARO 3D Laser Scanner Certification Updates.
2016–present Certified Criminal Investigator.
2014–present FARO 3D Laser Scanner Certified.
2008–present IANTD Certified Master Diver.
2003–present American Academy of Underwater Scientist Certified Science Diver.
2003–present IDEA Certified NITROX Diver.
2002–present NAUI Certified Advanced SCUBA Diver.
2002–present NAUI Certified Cavern Diver.
2002–present NAUI Certified Dry Suit Diver.
2002–present NAUI Certified SCUBA Diver.
1997–present National Association of Legal Assistants Certified Legal Assistant.
2017 Graduate Certificate in Forensic Death Investigation.
2003 Certificate in Underwater Crime Scene Investigation from Florida State University.

Professional Experience
2021–present Teaching Faculty II, Florida State University.
2016–present Teaching Faculty I, PCC PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY, Florida State University.
2013–2016 Teaching Faculty I Adjunct, PCC PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY, Florida State University.
2009–2011 Graduate Teaching Assistant/Online Mentor, Public Safety and Security, Florida State University. Helped instructors in the following courses- CJE 3761, CJE 3761L, CJE 4763, CJE 4763L, CCJ 4938, CCJ 4938L, CCJ 3024, CCJ 3032, CCJ 3484, CCJ 3678.

Honors, Awards, and Prizes
Women Inspiring Success & Excellence, Florida State University Panama City (2023).
2021-22 University Teaching Award for Excellence in Online Teaching- undergraduate, Florida State University (2022). ($2,000).
Notable Nole, Florida State University (2011).
Fundraiser of the Year, American Heart Association (2002).
Olympic Torch Bearer Salt Lake City Games, International Olympic Committee (2002).
Current Membership in Professional Organizations
American Academy of Forensic Sciences General Section Fellow
American Board of Criminalistics Affiliate
American Chemical Society Member
American Criminal Justice Association Member
American Investigative Society of Cold Cases Member
Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Member
Counsel of Forensic Science Educators Member
Delta Delta Epsilon International Forensics Honor Society
Florida Division of International Association of Identification Associate Member
International Association of Homicide Investigators Associate Member
International Association of Identification Member
Omicron Delta Kappa Society Member

Teaching
Courses Taught

• Bias Awareness in Public Safety & Security (CJE 3450)
• Forensic Science in Investigation (CJE3762)
• Forensic Science in Investigation Laboratory (CJE3762L)
• Impression and Pattern Evidence (CJE4135)
• Trace and Biometric Evidence (CJE4241)
• Crime Scene Professionalism (CJE3648)
• Crime and Accident Scene Imaging and Reconstruction (CJE4655)
• Crime and Accident Scene Imaging and Reconstruction Lab (CJE4655L)
• Forensic Death Investigation (CJE4638)
• Forensic Death Investigation Lab (CJE4638L)
• Impression and Pattern Evidence Lab (CJE4135L)
• Trace and Biometric Evidence Lab (CJE4241L)
• Forensic Science in Investigation (CJE 4762)
• Forensic Science in Investigation Laboratory (CJE4762L)
• Public Safety and Security Capstone (CJE4710)

New Course Development

• Black and White: Recognizing Disparities in the Criminal Justice System (2021)
• Forensic Science in the Crime Lab Laboratory (2021)
• Bias Awareness in Public Safety & Security (2021)
• Forensic Science in the Crime Lab (2021)
• Women On All Sides of the Law (2021)
• Interview and Interrogation (2019)
• Cold Case Investigations (2019)
• Forensic Entomology - Case Studies and Legalities (2017)
• Forensic Entomology - Case Studies and Legalities (grad) (2017)
• Forensic Entomology - Taxonomy and PMI (2017)
• Forensic Entomology - Taxonomy and PMI (grad) (2017)
• Forensic Entomology: Field Collection Techniques (2017)
• Forensic Entomology: Field Collection Techniques (grad) (2017)
• Impression and Pattern Evidence Lab (2017)
• Introduction to Forensic Entomology (2017)
• Introduction to Forensic Entomology (grad) (2017)
• Trace and Biometric Evidence Lab (2017)
• Impression and Pattern Evidence (2016)
• Crime and Accident Scene Imaging and Reconstruction Lab (2016)
• Forensic Death Investigation Lab (2016)
• Crime and Accident Scene Imaging and Reconstruction (2016)
• Forensic Death Investigation (2015)
• Crime Scene Professionalism (2015)
• Forensic Science in Investigation (2014)
• Forensic Science in Investigation Lab (2014)
• Public Safety and Security Capstone (2013)

Curriculum Development
Developed Minor Bias Awareness in Public Safety and Security (2021)
Developed a Professional Certificate in Forensic Entomology (2018)
Developed a Minor in Crime Scene Investigation (2015)
Developed the Crime Scene Investigation Major within Bachelor of Science Public Safety & Security Degree (2015)
Developed PSS Internship Capstone Program (2013)

Supervision of Student Research Not Related to Thesis or Dissertation
Chediak, G. (Jan–May 2024).
Pellerin, S. (Jan–May 2023).

Additional Teaching Not Reported Elsewhere
Perdue, C. (2013–2015). Adjunct Instructor in Crime Scene Technology. Gulf Coast State College.
Perdue, C. (2010–2013). High School Faculty. North Bay Haven Charter Academy.

Research and Original Creative Work
Presentations
Invited Presentations at Conferences

• Perdue, C. S. (presented 2024, February). There is no I in TEAM; the importance of leadership, personal accountability, and personality type in high stress work environments. Presentation at 76th Annual AAFS Scientific Conference, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Denver, CO. (International) Retrieved from https://www.aafs.org/annual-conference
• Perdue, C. S. (presented 2022, February). Bias—It's Not Just in Your Numbers: The Importance of Teaching Unconscious Bias in Forensic Education. Presentation at The American Academy of Forensic Sciences 74th Annual Scientific Conference, The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, Washington. (International)
• Perdue, C. S. (presented 2021, July). Killer Internships, how to make the most of your experience. Presentation at 105th IAI Annual Educational Conference, International Association for Identification, Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN. (International)
• Perdue, C. S. (presented 2021, July). Take a better selfie, how your leadership style is a reflection of who you are. Presentation at 105th IAI Annual Educational Conference, International Association of Identification, Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN. (International)
• Perdue, C. S. (presented 2021, July). The "B" word- Bias, how to recognize and eliminate (minimize) it. Presentation at 105th IAI Annual Educational Conference, International Association for Identification, Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN. (International)
• Perdue, C. S. (presented 2020, February). High Tech, High Touch Learning for High School and Undergraduate Forensic Science and Crime Scene Related Fields of Study. Presentation at 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Anaheim, California. (International)
• Perdue, C. (presented 2016, October). Killer Internships- How to land an internship or start an internship at your agency. Presentation at 57th Annual Forensic Training Conference, Florida Division of International Association of Identification, Miami, Florida. (State)
• Perdue, C. (presented 2015, October). Killer Internships- How to land an internship or start an internship at your agency. Presentation at 56th Annual FDIAI Conference, Florida Division of International Association of Identification, St. Petersburg, Florida. (State)
   

Invited Workshops

• Perdue, C. S., & Daniels, K. (2023, February). Buried Bodies and Surface Skeletal Remains. Workshop delivered at Bay County Sheriff's Office, Gulf Coast State College North Bay Campus. (Local)
• Perdue, C. S., Moran, K., Collins, A., Hudgins, A., McPherson, M., Marshall, P., Kaeser, C., & Thompson, T. (2021, February). Utilizing Best Practice in Forensic Science Education and Remote Learning. Workshop delivered at America Academy of Forensic Sciences 73rd Scientific Meeting, Virtual Conference due to COVID 19. (International) Retrieved from www.aafs.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2021MeetingProgram.pdf
   

Invited Lectures and Readings of Original Work

• Perdue, C. S. (2020, May). Museum Mixology Series- Cocktails and Crime. Delivered at The Tallahassee Museum, Zoom during COVID 19. (State)
• Perdue, C. S. (2019, September). The Science of Solving Crime. Delivered at The Tallahassee Museum, The Tallahassee Museum. (State)

Contracts and Grants
Resource Grant

• Perdue, C. S. (2024, December–2025, December). A grant of $37,497.00. FSU CSI Rapid Gun Crime Intel Initiative. Sponsored by FSU Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.
• Perdue, C. S. (2023, October–2024, January). A grant of $23,100.00. Tech Enhancement for CSI Photography. Sponsored by FSU Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.
• Perdue, C. S. (2023, January–June). A grant of $51,387.00. Technology Advancement for CSI Cold Case Investigations at FSU. Sponsored by FSU Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.
• Perdue, C. S. (2018, April–2019, April). A grant of $41,799.00. Technology Advancement for Crime Scene Investigation Program at FSU. Sponsored by FSU Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.
   

Service
Florida State University
FSU University Service

• Committee Member, University Teaching and Advising Awards Committee (2023–present).
• Director, CSI Student Interest Group (2022–present).
• Committee Member, FSU PC Distance Learning Committee (2022–present).
• Faculty Advisor, Delta Delta Epsilon Forensic Science Honor Society (2018–present).
• Committee Member, FSU PC Social Committee (2018–present).
• Committee Member, Advising and Student Success Committee (2016–present).
• Co-Chair of Diversity in Staffing Work Group, Dean's Diversity Task Force (2020–2023).
• Committee Member, FSU Panama City Campus Assistant Deans Search Committee (2022).
• Director, CSI Learning Community (2021–2022).
• Committee Member, Search Committee VP of Advancement & President of FSU Foundation (2022).
• Faculty Representative, Student Fee Committee (2020–2021).
• Faculty Advisor, American Criminal Justice Association (LAE) (2018–2019).
• Committee Member, Search Committee for Associate Deans Panama City Campus (2017).

FSU College Service
Chairperson, College of Applied Studies Academic Affairs/College Curriculum Committee (2018–present).
Member, Biology Faculty Search Committee (2022).
Committee Member, Search Committee for the Nurse Anesthesia Program (2021).
Committee Member, College of Applied Studies Curriculum Committee (2018).

FSU Department Service
Committee Member, Advanced Science Diving Dive Safety Officer Search Committee (2025–present).
Committee Member, Public Safety and Security Faculty Search Committee (2023–present).
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Public Safety and Security (2019–present).
Committee Member, Dive Locker Research Assistant Search Committee (2023).
Committee Member, Public Safety and Security Faculty Search Committee (2021–2022).
Committee Member, Public Safety and Security Faculty Search Committee (2019–2022).

The Profession
Reviewer for Textbooks

• From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom: A Scientific-Based Approach to Evidence Analysis (2025).
• Forensic Science & the Administration of Justice: Critical Issues & Directions (2024).
• Forensic Reconstruction (2018).
• Virtual Lab Concept Review (2018).
• Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science (2018).
• Forensic Reconstruction: Theory and Practice (2017).

Service to Professional Associations
Member of the General Section Regional Representative Committee, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (2021–present).
Kappa Theta Chapter Faculty Advisor, Delta Delta Epsilon International Forensics Honor Society (2019–present).
University Faculty Advisor, Cold Case Research Investigative Institute (2018–present).
University Chapter Faculty Advisor, American Investigative Society of Cold Cases (2016–present).
Conference Moderator, Moderator at the AAFS Annual Scientific Meeting 2/17-22, 2020,
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (2020).
Minutes Review Committee, American Academy of Forensic Science (2018–2019).

The Community
President Board of Directors, Harbour Village at Historic St. Andrew Homeowners Association (2023–present).
Member, General Federation of Woman's Clubs- Panama City (2020–2023).
Vice President Board of Directors, Harbour Village at Historic St. Andrew Homeowners Association (2020–2023).
Member of the Board & Newsletter Editor, General Federation of Woman's Clubs- Panama City (2020–2022).
First Responders Appreciation Task Force Committee, Bay County Chamber of Commerce (2019–2021).

Consultation

• Medical Examiner's Office for the 14th Judicial Circuit. Available as needed to attend and consult on death scenes and for assistance with buried bodies, skeletal remains, and inventory (2015–present).
• Oxygen Network. Consulted and appear in Season 5 Episode 15 of Accident Suicide or Murder "The Marshland Mystery" (2024).
• Still A Mystery. Consulted and appear in Season 5 Episode 6 "What the Trees Know" (2022).
• Local Law Enforcement Agencies. On call to go to major crime scenes and use the FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner to document the scene, process the scans and provide for evidence to use in court (2015–2020).

Additional Service Not Reported Elsewhere
Perdue, C. (2018). Fun with Forensics Summer CSI Camp. FSU PC STEM Program.
Perdue, C. (2017). Fun with Forensics Summer CSI Camp. FSU PC STEM Program.
Perdue, C. (2016). Fun with Forensics Summer CSI Camp. FSU PC STEM Program.
Perdue, C. (2015). Fun with Forensics Summer CSI Program. FSU PC STEM Program.