Ralph R. Ristenbatt III

Ralph R. Ristenbatt III is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University, specializing in Forensic Science. He holds certifications from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC-GKE) and the International Association for Identification (Senior Crime Scene Analyst). His career spans over 35 years in forensic science, including roles at the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and leadership in forensic analysis and reconstruction.

Education: B.S. in Biochemistry from Lebanon Valley College (1987), M.S. in Forensic Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY (1990).

Research focuses on crime scene reconstruction, traceology, bloodstain analysis, forensic microscopy, and firearm-related evidence. He pioneered the use of FT-IR analysis for polydimethylsiloxane in sexual assault cases and led the OCME's Forensic Analysis and Reconstruction Unit. His consulting firm, JMR Forensics Inc., advises on cases across the U.S. and internationally.

Professional Contributions: Trained law enforcement agencies (FBI, NYPD, etc.) in forensic techniques. Active in court testimony and forensic education, teaching courses on crime scene investigation, traceology, and ethics at Penn State.