Dr. Christopher S. Palenik
Chris Palenik is a Research Microscopist and Vice President of Microtrace where he continues to build upon his lifelong interest in answering practical questions through the examination of microscopic trace evidence. To this end, Chris has carried out research at in various forensic laboratories around the world including the Bundeskriminalamt in Germany (the German Federal Police Crime Laboratory), the Internal Revenue Service National Forensic Laboratory, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through these experiences, Chris has amassed experience with a wide range of materials and microanalytical methods. Chris received two bachelor of science degrees from the University of Chicago in chemistry and geology. His master’s degree and doctoral studies were completed at the University of Michigan in the department of Geological Sciences where he was awarded the University’s highest academic honor for his thesis studying a naturally occurring nuclear reactor in Gabon, Africa. He has authored numerous peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters and gives several invited presentations around the country each year.
