The Science of Trace Evidence

For over 25 years, clients around the world have put their trust in our skill and discretion to solve their most delicate problems.
Microtrace is a materials analysis laboratory, specializing in the characterization and identification of small quantities and single small particles of unknown substances, using a combination of state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques based on microscopy and microchemistry. Our analytical approach is sample driven, which allows us to provide solutions to problems outside or beyond the scope of typical in-house, commercial or forensic laboratories. Since 1992, we have provided analytical support in criminal and civil litigation, to the insurance, pharmaceutical, food, environmental and manufacturing industries, as well as clients in art, collectibles, and antiquities.

News from Microtrace

Green River Murders: How Microtrace Found Pivotal Clues Others Missed

Microtrace founder Skip Palenik's analysis of Green River Murders evidence led to the confession and conviction of Gary Ridgway, one of the most prolific serial murderers in American history. Read More

Firearm to Target Distance Determination

Microtrace can visualize and quantify firearms residues to help determine muzzle to target distance in forensic investigations. Read More

Alan Stone Joins Microtrace Staff

Alan Stone joins the Microtrace staff. Alan is a metallurgist who specializes in industrial troubleshooting, failure analysis, and metallographic evaluations. Read More

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Recent Publications

An Introduction to the Forensic Analysis of Solution Dyed Fibers

"An Introduction to the Forensic Analysis of Solution Dyed Fibers" by Christopher S. Palenik, Kelly Brinsko Beckert, Otyllia Abraham, Ethan Groves, Skip Palenik, Microtrace, LLC Read More

The Microscopical Recognition and Characterization of Pigmented Fibers

The Microscopical Recognition and Characterization of Pigmented Fibers, Kelly Brinsko Beckert, BS, MS; Otyllia Abraham, BS, MS; Ethan Groves, BS; Skip Palenik, BS; Christopher Palenik, MS, PhD Read More

The Chemistry of Forensic Fiber Analysis

Kelly Brinsko Beckert, MS presented "The Chemistry of Forensic Fiber Analysis" to the Joliet Section Meeting of the American Chemical Society on 07 December 2022. Read More

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