Researcher Spotlight

Dr. Doug Tolleson
Associate Professor & Chief Scientist, AgriLife Sonora Research Station
Texas A&M University

The first true forensic tool that I developed is that of quantifying the age of hot iron brands (i.e. burn scars) on livestock. These brands are a recognized mark of ownership and can be altered by potential thieves. During a period of record high cattle prices (circa 2014), I was asked by Arizona livestock law enforcement officials to evaluate Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for the purpose of identifying animals with altered brands. In collaboration with Dr. Pete Teel (TAMU Entomology), I have since expanded this NIRS work to include other forensic applications using the term “bio-forensics.”

Photo credit: Sofia Galindo

Research Interests

Field expedient forensic methods for animal agriculture and wildlife, and to extend these to human applications. This effort is part of an overall program in rangeland herbivore ecophysiology.

Capabilities

Currently, my group primarily uses near infrared spectroscopy (bench-top and portable) along with bio-physical models of animal nutrition and landscape vegetation to develop decision support tools for practitioners. 

Advanced Instrumentation

We collaborate with partners who use UAVs and are seeking funding for hyperspectral LiDar sensors to scale capabilities up from individual organisms to landscapes.