Understanding Youth Risk Behaviour Survey through Structural Equation Modeling
Date: 21 February 2026
The Department of Forensic Science, School of Biological and Forensic Sciences, organised a session under the Research Empowerment Series titled “Understanding Youth Risk Behaviour Survey through Structural Equation Modeling” on 21 February 2026 from 09.00 AM to 10.00 AM at M506, Fifth Floor, Science Block for the faculty of the Department of Forensic Science, with a total of 20 beneficiaries. The session was delivered by Dr. Kaviya Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University). The programme aimed to strengthen research methodology skills among faculty members by introducing advanced statistical tools used in behavioural and forensic research.

Dr. Kaviya Shankar provided an overview of the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS) and explained its importance in understanding patterns of delinquency, substance abuse, violence, and other high-risk behaviours among youth. She also introduced Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as an advanced statistical technique used to analyse complex relationships among behavioural and social variables.

The session was informative and interactive, helping participants understand the application of SEM in criminology, forensic science, and behavioural research, while also highlighting the importance of data-driven approaches in academic research and publication.

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Smart Sensors, Silent Witnesses: The Electrochemical Future of Forensics
Date: 31 January 2026
The Department of Forensic Science, School of Biological and Forensic Sciences, organised a research empowerment session titled “Smart Sensors, Silent Witnesses: The Electrochemical Future of Forensics” on 31 January 2026 as part of Research Day activities for the faculty of the Department of Forensic Science, School of Biological and Forensic Sciences, with a total of 21 beneficiaries.

The session was delivered by Dr. Sumi Sundaresan, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University). The programme aimed to promote research orientation among faculty members by exploring emerging interdisciplinary technologies that can be integrated into forensic science teaching, research, and innovation.

Dr. Sundaresan highlighted the growing importance of electrochemical smart sensors in modern forensic investigations, explaining how these technologies enable rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection of substances such as drugs, explosives, toxins, and biological markers. She also discussed the interdisciplinary nature of sensor research involving chemistry, nanotechnology, material science, and electronics, and emphasized their potential applications in forensic laboratories and research.

The session was informative and interactive, encouraging faculty members to explore innovative research directions and integrate advanced analytical technologies into academic research, student projects, and forensic investigations.