I am an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi. I am a forensic chemist and educator specializing in odor analysis, volatile organic compound (VOC) characterization, and canine detection science. My research focuses on cadaver detection dog training aids and forensic taphonomy, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
Research Interests
- Decomposition chemistry and forensic taphonomy
- Headspace analysis of forensically relevant matrices
- Canine training aid development and analysis
- Forensic chemistry education — adapting forensic scientists' lab and field experience into forensic chemistry coursework
Biography
Dr. Rushali Dargan is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi, where she teaches undergraduate chemistry and forensic science courses and supports the development of the Forensic Chemistry program. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Forensic Taphonomy) from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada, where her dissertation compared decomposition odor between cadavers and human remains training aids used by cadaver detection dogs. Prior to joining Ole Miss, she completed a postdoctoral appointment at Florida International University, where she conducted research in volatile organic compound analysis and detection canine training aids. Her research integrates analytical chemistry and forensic science, with particular emphasis on human remains detection dog training aids.
Education
Ph.D. Biochemistry, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (2023)