Rate My Professor Eric Hazelrigg

Eric Hazelrigg serves as Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned an M.S. in Forensic Science and a B.S. in Biology. Before joining VCU as an instructor, Hazelrigg accumulated extensive practical experience in forensic science. He spent 18 years as a trace evidence examiner at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science’s Central Laboratory, where he analyzed evidence from crime scenes involving fire debris, explosives, paint, fibers, fracture matches, and the identification and comparison of unknown substances. In this capacity, he testified as a court-qualified expert witness and instructed at the Virginia Academy of Forensic Science. Earlier in his career, Hazelrigg worked as a biochemical and biological technologist at McGuire Veterans Hospital, contributing to laboratory operations in a clinical setting.

At VCU, Hazelrigg’s research interests center on trace evidence analysis, reflecting his professional expertise. He teaches specialized courses essential to the forensic science curriculum, including FRSC 365: Forensic Microscopy, FRSC 673: Forensic Microscopy Laboratory, FRSC 681: Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives, and FRSC 682: Forensic Analysis of Paints and Polymers. As Associate Chair, he plays a key administrative role in the department, supporting program operations and faculty coordination. Hazelrigg also serves as a faculty mentor for undergraduate students, advising directed research projects on diverse topics such as particulate collection methods using fluorescent microspheres, the effects of solvent extraction on smokeless powder composition, trace elemental signatures in drywall, charcoal strip extraction efficiency, blood protein interference in presumptive blood tests, compounds inhibiting CODIS loci PCR, colorimetric detection of trinitrotoluene, explosive residue transfer from ordinance disposal bags, and discrimination of blue denim fibers. His transition from forensic practitioner to educator bridges real-world casework with academic training, enhancing student preparedness for forensic careers.