Xanthe Spindler

A/Prof Xanthe Spindler serves as Discipline Leader in Forensic Science within the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). With over 15 years of dedicated academic service at UTS, she has established herself as a leading researcher in forensic trace evidence analysis and latent fingermark detection.

Dr. Spindler's educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science (Forensic)(Honours) from the University of Newcastle (2006), followed by a PhD in Applied Chemistry from the University of Canberra (in collaboration with UTS Centre for Forensic Science). Her academic appointments at UTS include sessional academic (2010-2012), Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2012-2016), and Lecturer (2016-present).

Her research program focuses on understanding and improving methods for detecting latent fingermarks on forensic evidence and at crime scenes. She investigates factors affecting detection success rates and develops better methods using new biomolecular and chemical technologies. Dr. Spindler supervises a collaborative research group working on diverse forensic problems spanning fingermark detection, fingerprint identification, criminalistics, and questioned document examination.

Her publication record reveals an evolution from fundamental studies of fingermark composition to practical applications of advanced detection techniques. Recent work demonstrates expanding focus to trace evidence beyond fingerprints, including fiber transfer dynamics in assault scenarios, submersion effects on evidence, and bacterial profiling for donor characteristics. She has made significant contributions to forensic science literature, particularly in nanoparticle applications for fingermark detection.

Dr. Spindler holds memberships in the International Fingerprint Research Group and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society. Her research collaborations include Australian Federal Police, NSW Police, Victoria Police, and international universities.

She has successfully secured substantial research funding from the Australian Research Council, US National Institute of Justice, and Defence Science and Technology Group for projects including 'Development of next-generation fingermark lifters' and 'Next-generation latent fingermark detection using functional nanomaterials.' Her work bridges academic research with practical forensic applications, directly impacting crime scene investigation methodologies.