Forensic Science Alum Fosters New Opportunities for Lee College Students

Robert Fried ’01, ’02 M.S. believes his time as a forensic science student at the University of New Haven was critical to preparing him for success in the field. He is committed to ensuring that current students continue to have the same impactful experiences. His generous support of his alma mater is now creating new opportunities, including an innovative new course.

Senior vice president and global head of forensics and investigation for Sandline Discovery – a leading litigation support and eDiscovery service provider that serves legal and compliance teams, Fried – and the company – are supporting the investigations program in the University’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences.

“I hope that with our support, students will share with me a similar positive experience and achieve success in the future,” said Fried, who is a member of the M.S. Investigations program advisory board. “Exposure to tools and resources they will likely encounter when they enter the workforce puts students a step ahead. We are excited to be able to play a role in creating memorable experiences for students and in helping them develop important skillsets, thus preparing them for success.”

‘We selected the University specifically for their unparalleled commitment to excellence’

Fried is supporting the creation of an e-evidence web training course that will cover topics such as extraction of evidence for digital devices and analysis. Sandline’s gift will provide training materials and licenses for students, ensuring they have hands-on experience in the extraction of electronic evidence.

Patrick Malloy, a senior lecturer for the Lee College, says the gift is “extremely critical” to the launch of the University’s new digital forensics degree.

“Our students will have more opportunities to engage in investigations versus traditional digital forensic programs,” he said. “Preparing students for the extraction, analysis, and investigation phase of digital forensics is extremely critical for students entering the world of forensics, both in the private and public sectors. It will combine all three critical steps which will give our students a more robust experience.”

Sandline is opening an office and digital forensics lab in New York City later this year, and the company is looking forward to bringing on University of New Haven students as interns and, possibly, hiring graduates.

“We are thrilled to support the University of New Haven by providing training materials and funds for forensic license purchases,” said Sandline CEO Jon Canty. “It is critical for students to receive hands-on experience with the commercial forensics tools they will be using in the workforce on a daily basis.

“This endeavor also supports Sandline's internship partnership with University of New Haven forensics, where digital evidence interns get the opportunity to use these technologies in a real-world setting,” continued Canty. “We selected the University specifically for their unparalleled commitment to excellence in forensic sciences.”

‘It is an honor to be able to reconnect with the University’

As a Charger, Fried says he was grateful to learn from leading experts in forensic science who brought their experience to the classroom. He is still in touch with many of his former professors and classmates.

Fried says he still applies the concepts he learned in the classroom. He recently co-wrote an article with world-renowned forensic scientist Henry C. Lee, Ph.D., professor emeritus at the University, that was featured in Professional Investigator Magazine. He plans to teach a course at the University in the near future.

“It is an honor to be able to reconnect with the University,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had since graduation. It was a privilege to have attended a university that provided me a high-quality education that has prepared me for success. Most importantly, to be able to wake up each day and provide for my family while doing what I love, it’s a great feeling.”