Bryce Westlakeمشاهده پروفایل
دانشیار
Bryce Westlake is an Associate Professor in the Department of Justice Studies within the College of Social Sciences at San Jose State University. He is a leading researcher in digital forensics and child sexual abuse material detection, with significant contributions to both forensic science education and alternative sexuality studies. Education: Ph.D. in Criminology from Simon Fraser University (2015) Master's degree in Criminology from Simon Fraser University Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology (double major) from University of British Columbia Dr. Westlake's research spans two primary areas with significant societal impact. In digital forensics, he focuses on developing automated tools to detect, collect, analyze, and match child sexual abuse material disseminated online. His work involves international collaboration with researchers, law enforcement agencies, and government partnerships to create more effective detection systems. In his secondary research area, he explores alternative sexuality, particularly BDSM communities, conducting multi-phasic, kink-positive studies examining health and safety within these communities. His research aims to destigmatize participation through a deeper understanding of the social and emotional enrichment practitioners receive from activities. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward increasingly sophisticated technical approaches to combating child sexual exploitation while simultaneously advancing understanding of alternative sexual practices. The technical publications focus on biometric identification, file structure analysis, and ethical web scraping methods, while his BDSM-related work emphasizes community safety, education pathways, and mental health benefits. This dual focus positions him uniquely at the intersection of technology, law enforcement, and human sexuality research. Scientific Awards: The Storytellers Award (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) - April 2014 Canadian Graduate Scholarship (Social Science and Humanities Research Council) - May 2012 Dr. Westlake has been heavily involved in developing the forensic science program at SJSU, creating six undergraduate courses, revising two graduate courses, and introducing one graduate course. In Fall 2020, he created and implemented a new concentration in digital evidence (computer forensics) for forensic science majors - one of the first in-person digital forensic bachelor of science degrees in the United States meeting FEPAC standards. He has developed and directs the Silicon Valley Digital Forensics Laboratory, which began accepting students for internships in Fall 2024. He was awarded a three-year $497,948 grant from the National Science Foundation in 2023 to study 'Training digital forensics examiners through hands-on education investigating live criminal investigations.' Through the Silicon Valley Digital Forensics Laboratory and partnerships with criminal justice agencies (district attorneys offices, law enforcement agencies, etc.), Dr. Westlake provides students with training and practical experience conducting digital forensic investigations from start (evidence collection) to finish (report writing and testimony). He also co-hosted the first annual Child Sexual Abuse Reduction Research Network workshop in Adelaide Australia in December 2023.
