Dr Chris Shepherd

Chris obtained his BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Bristol in 2006 before gaining an MSc in Forensic Science and Engineering (2007) and a PhD (2011) from Cranfield Defence and Security, where he specialised in shock physics and terminal ballistics under the supervision of Dr Derek Allsop. He also has a post-graduate certificate in higher education (PGCHE) from the University of Kent, is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a professional member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Chris joined the University of Kent as a Lecturer in Forensic Science in 2011 before being promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2017 and then to his current role as Reader in Forensic Science in 2021. He is also the Director of Studies for the School of Chemistry and Forensic Science, driving the overall strategic direction and delivery of education within the school.

Chris’ research and consultancy interests span many aspects of ballistics and impact mechanics; in particular, the application of modern scientific techniques to better understand ballistic processes and principles. His research to date has included the application of shock physics for the material characterisation of ballistic tissue simulants, the use of modern radiological scanning techniques in support of wound ballistic studies with applications relating to casualty prediction from gunshot and suicide bomb attacks, and many aspects of forensic ballistics, including the development of digital methods for shooting reconstruction processes and the investigation of novel ricochet impact phenomena from AK-47-type ammunition.

Chris currently lectures on various areas across the forensic science course at Kent, with a particular emphasis on ballistics-related subjects, courtroom skills and student research projects.

Chris supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate research projects in areas related to ballistics and broader areas of forensic science. He would be very happy to discuss potential project ideas with self-funded students interested in undertaking a postgraduate research degree with him.