Dr. Michelle Miranda Receives SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship

The Center for Criminal Justice Studies is proud to celebrate Dr. Michelle Miranda, Professor, Director, and Chair, as a recipient of the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, one of the State University of New York’s distinguished faculty honors.

Dr. Miranda was recognized at Farmingdale State College’s 2026 Convocation for her outstanding record of scholarship in criminal justice and forensic science. Her interdisciplinary research spans forensic science and criminalistics, investigative applications of tattoos and tattoo inks, forensic traces, and the foundations and evolving practice of forensic science. Her extensive body of scholarship includes peer-reviewed journal articles, books and book chapters, as well as research presented to forensic science communities around the world.

Her recent work reflects the international reach of that scholarship. In 2026, Dr. Miranda delivered two keynote addresses at the International Association of Forensic Science conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, addressing professionalization and taxonomy in forensic science and the intersections of forensic science and pop culture. Her recent publications have also examined the use of tattoos as investigative tools and international awareness of the Sydney Declaration, an influential effort to articulate the fundamental principles of forensic science.

The recognition is particularly meaningful for the Center for Criminal Justice Studies, where Dr. Miranda’s scholarship complements her leadership and teaching across courses ranging from Criminalistics to Forensic Technology and Intelligence Operations.

Dr. Miranda’s honor follows another recent SUNY Chancellor’s Award within Farmingdale’s criminal justice community. Criminal Justice student Jannet Baires was among Farmingdale State College students selected for the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, SUNY’s highest honor recognizing outstanding student achievement.

Together, these honors highlight the exceptional scholarship, leadership, and student achievement taking place within Farmingdale State College’s criminal justice community – and the contributions its faculty and students are making both on campus and beyond.