For more than 30 years, NFSTC has brought science and practice together to strengthen forensic capabilities, develop skilled professionals, evaluate emerging technologies, and support complex missions across the justice, public safety, and national security communities.
Built for the Mission
NFSTC brings together forensic science expertise, operational experience and program execution to help organizations solve complex challenges. Our scientists, practitioners, instructors and technical specialists work alongside government agencies, laboratories, law enforcement organizations, military partners and industry to strengthen capabilities where science meets the mission.
Our work extends well beyond the classroom. We develop and deliver specialized training, evaluate emerging technologies, provide scientific and technical support, build operational capabilities, and manage complex programs designed around real-world requirements.
As part of Florida International University, NFSTC combines the resources and research environment of a major public research university with more than three decades of applied forensic science experience. The result is an organization built to move knowledge into practice and practice into measurable capability.
30+ YEARS OF APPLIED FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
- 1995NFSTC Is Established: The National Forensic Science Technology Center is established by members of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors to strengthen forensic science practice and support the nation’s crime laboratories.
- 2000sExpanding the Mission: NFSTC expands beyond its laboratory roots, developing national training programs, technology evaluations, practitioner resources and specialized capabilities supporting law enforcement, government and national security missions.
- 2018NFSTC Joins Florida International University: NFSTC becomes part of Florida International University, bringing decades of applied forensic science expertise into the research and innovation environment of a major public university.
- TODAYBuilt for What Comes Next: NFSTC continues to evolve with the needs of the forensic community by delivering specialized training, evaluating emerging technologies, providing scientific and operational expertise, and building capabilities for increasingly complex missions.
What Defines NFSTC
SCIENTIFIC
EXPERTISE
Science is our foundation.
NFSTC brings together experienced forensic scientists, practitioners, instructors and technical specialists across a broad range of disciplines. Our work is grounded in sound science, current practices and the expertise required to turn complex technical knowledge into practical solutions.
OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Built for real-world application.
We understand that capabilities must work beyond controlled environments. NFSTC connects scientific knowledge with operational experience to develop training, evaluate technologies and deliver solutions designed for the conditions in which they will actually be used.
MISSION-FOCUSED PARTNERSHIP
Your requirements shape the solution.
We work alongside our partners to understand their objectives, challenges and operating environments. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, NFSTC builds solutions around the mission, bringing together the right expertise, resources and capabilities to meet the need.
Meet Our Leadership
NFSTC is led by professionals with deep experience in forensic science, government programs, business operations and mission-focused program execution.
Clint Arhelger
Senior Director
Clint Arhelger leads the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC), providing strategic direction for the organization’s forensic science, training, technology and mission-support programs. He oversees an interdisciplinary team supporting government, law enforcement, military and forensic science partners through specialized training, technical expertise, technology evaluation and complex program execution.
With more than three decades of experience spanning forensic science, law enforcement support, government programs and organizational leadership, Clint has played a central role in expanding NFSTC’s capabilities and strengthening its ability to respond to evolving mission requirements. His leadership emphasizes practical solutions that connect scientific expertise with real-world operational needs.
Clint has been part of NFSTC’s leadership for more than two decades and has helped guide the organization through significant growth and its transition into Florida International University. Today, he continues to advance NFSTC’s mission while building partnerships and capabilities that position the organization for the future.
Email: carhelge@fiu.edu
Tracy Goetz
Director of Contracts
Tracy Goetz leads contract administration, business operations and strategic growth initiatives for the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC). She provides oversight across a diverse portfolio of federal, state, university and commercial activities, helping translate organizational strategy and customer requirements into compliant, executable programs.
Her responsibilities span contract and financial management, proposal development, business development, procurement, operational planning, compliance and program execution. Working across technical, administrative and leadership teams, Tracy helps build the business and operational infrastructure necessary for NFSTC to pursue new opportunities, manage complex programs and respond rapidly to evolving customer needs.
Since joining NFSTC, Tracy has played a key role in expanding the organization’s government and industry partnerships, strengthening internal business processes and positioning NFSTC for sustainable growth. Her work focuses on creating the structure, resources and partnerships that allow NFSTC’s scientific and technical teams to remain focused on what they do best, delivering capabilities that support the mission.
Email: tgoetz@fiu.edu
Explore NFSTC
Learn more about the experience, relationships and results behind our mission.
OUR HISTORY
Discover more than 30 years of NFSTC milestones, growth and contributions to the forensic science community.
OUR PARTNERS
Meet the organizations and collaborators that help us advance forensic science, strengthen capabilities and support critical missions.
PAST PERFORMANCE
Explore the programs, capabilities and mission support NFSTC has delivered for government and public safety partners.