Candice Bridge - Chemistry

Biography

The characterization of lubricant evidence obtained from sexual assaults
The analysis of gunshot residue
The identification of drugs/metabolites and/or masking agents in urine samples and other trace samples

Additionally, her team looks to understand ionization reactions that occur in ambient ionization-direct mass spectrometry techniques.

Research Areas

Dr. Bridge’s research group focuses on the analysis of trace evidence forensic materials to understand the uniqueness of chemical features. Using a variety of mass spectrometry techniques, they look to develop analytical methods that can increase the validity and evidentiary value of forensic evidence, which is determined using chemometric statistical techniques. Her group researches types of trace evidence: 1) the characterization of lubricant evidence obtained from sexual assaults, 2) the analysis of gunshot residue, 3) the identification of drugs/metabolites and/or masking agents in urine samples and other trace samples. Additionally, her team looks to understand ionization reactions that occur in ambient ionization-direct mass spectrometry techniques.

Syllabi

CHS 3501 Bridge- Intro to FS Syllabus

Publications

Invited Refereed Journal Articles

2. C. Bridge^§, M. Maric, “Temperature Dependent DART-MS Analysis of Sexual Lubricants to Increase Accurate Associations”. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. May 2019. 30(8), 1343-1358. DOI: 10.1007/s13361-019-02158-x
1. S. L. N. H. Rhoden^§, C. Bridge. “Forensic Techniques and Chemical Sniffers for Standardized Use at Ports and Other Border Crossings”. International Journal of Maritime Themes,1(1), 94-124. 2018.

Contributed Refereed Journal Articles

41. J. Morgan, C. Bridge^§. “Determination of Common Metabolites for Methoxylated Fentanyl Analogs.” Forensic Sciences. 2025. Submitted.
39. C. Bridge^§, B. Baumgarten, L. Tang, N.-T. Nguyen. “Determining the Apriori Information for Forensic Lubricant Analysis in Sexual Assault Cases.” Forensic Sciences Research, 2025. Accepted. DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owaf032
38. A. Alipour Yengejeh, L. Tang^§, C. Bridge, C. Kundu. “Exploring Scientific Literature Using Topic Modeling: A Practical Framework for Discovery and Classification.” Informatics, 2026, 13, 24. DOI: /10.3390/informatics13020024
37. Y. O. Wang, D. S. H. Funes, C. Bridge. “Determining viability of image processing models for forensic analysis of hair for related individuals.” Journal of Emerging Investigators, February 4, 2025, 8, 1-10.
36. S. Best, S. Thomas, N. Flynn, C. Bridge. “Chemical Analysis of Sexual Lubricant Residue: A Comparison of Medical Examination Swabs Analyzed Using Spectroscopic Techniques”. Forensic Sciences. 3(4), 620-637, Dec 2023. DOI: 10.3390/forensicsci3040045.
35. J. Kindell, C. Bridge^§. “Error Rate and Similarity Determination of Latent Print Chemistry via 1D and 2D-GC-MS”. Forensic Chemistry. 35, 100521, Sept 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2023.100521
34. J. Kindell, C. Bridge^§. “Comparative Analysis of Substrate and Derivatization Methods for Groomed Latent Print Residues via Gas Chromatography”. Forensic Sciences. 3(2), 302-315, May 2023. DOI: 10.3390/forensicsci3020023
33. D. Funes, K. Bonilla, M. Baudelet^§, C. Bridge^§. Morphological and Chemical Profiling for Forensic Hair Examination: A Review of Quantitative Methods. Forensic Science International, 346, 111622, May 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111622
32. J.M. Duarte, N.G.S. Sales, J.W. B Braga, C. Bridge, M. Maric, M.H. Sousa, J. A. Gomes^§. Discrimination of 143 white automotive paint samples with ATR-FTIR PCA and PLS-DA for forensic purposes. Talanta. 240, 123154, Apr 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123154.
31. S Thomas, B. Baumgarten, D. Green, C. Bridge^§. A brief study on the effects of storage conditions on sexual lubricant components in the presence of a biological fluid. Forensic Science International. 111273, Jun 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111273
30. B. Baumgarten, S. Thomas, N. Flynn, M. Maric, N.-T. Nguyen, L. Tang, C. Bridge^§. Developing a comprehensive analytical protocol for forensic sexual lubricant analysis – Part 1: Implementing a Sexual Lubricant Database for Forensic Casework. Forensic Chemistry. 27, 100403, Mar 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100403.
29. B. Baumgarten, S. Thomas, N. Flynn, M. Maric, C. Bridge^§. A longevity study to determine appropriate storage conditions for sexual lubricants using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Forensic Science International. 328, 111036. Nov 2021. 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111036.
27. S. A. L. Thomas, N. Andersen, M. Maric, C. Bridge^§. “Implementing Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool to Characterize Sexual Assault Lubricants”. Forensic Chemistry. 24, 100329. June 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100329.
26. E. Lennert, C. Bridge^§. “Correlation and analysis of smokeless powder, smokeless powder residues, and lab generated pyrolysis products via GC-MS”. Forensic Chemistry. 23, 100316. May 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100316.
25. D. S. H. Funes, C. Bridge^§. “Analysis of Hair Color and Texture for Forensic Examinations”. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 66(2), 520-533. Mar 2021. DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14640.
24. K. Najjar, C. Bridge^§. “SEM-EDS Analysis and Characterization of Glitter and Shimmer Cosmetic Particles”. Forensic Science International. 317, 110527. Dec 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110527.
23. J. Melo Duarte, N. G. Silva Sales, M. Henrique Sousa, C. Bridge^§, M. Maric, J. de Andrade Gomes. “Automotive Paint Analysis: How far has the science advanced in the last ten years?”. Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 132, 116061. Nov 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.116061.
22. C. Bridge^§, M. Giardina, “More Accurate Associations of Oil-Based Sexual Lubricants and Hygiene Products using GC×GC-MS”. Forensic Chemistry. 17, 100207. Mar 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2019.100207.
21. C. Bridge^§, T. B. Freeman, “Appropriate Education Alters Perceptions of Forensic Science and Guides Career Selection.” Journal of Forensic Science Education. 1, 1-24, Nov 2019.
20. E. Lennert, C. Bridge^§. “Rapid Screening for Smokeless Powders using DART-HRMS and Thermal Desorption DART-HRMS”. Forensic Chemistry. 13, 100148. May 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2019.100148.
19. E. Lennert, C. Bridge^§, “Analysis and classification of smokeless powders by GC-MS and DART-TOFMS”. Forensic Science International, 292, 11-22. Nov 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.09.003.
18. M. Marić, J. Marano, R. B. Cody, C. Bridge^§. “DART-MS: A New Analytical Technique for Forensic Paint Analysis?”. Analytical Chemistry, 90(11), 6877-6884. May 2018. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01067.
17. B. Olivieri*, M. Marić, C. Bridge^§. “Determining the Effects of Adulterants on Drug Detection via ELISA and Adulterant Tests Strips”. Drug Testing and Analysis. 10(9), 1383-1393, May 2018. DOI: 10.1002/dta.2404.
16. L. Gandy*, K. Najjar, M. Terry, C. Bridge^§. “A Novel Protocol for the Combined Detection of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residue”. Forensic Chemistry, 8, 1-10, May 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.12.009.
15. B. Baumgarten, M. Marić, L. Harvey, C. Bridge^§. “Preliminary Characterization Scheme of Silicone Based Lubricants using DART-TOFMS”. Forensic Chemistry, 8, 28-39, May 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.12.005.
14. Y. Moustafa, C. Bridge^§. “Distinguishing Sexual Lubricants from Personal Hygiene Products for Sexual Assaults Cases”. Forensic Chemistry, 5, 58-71, Sep 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.06.004.
13. M. Marić, L. Harvey, M. Tomcsak*, A. Solano*, C. Bridge^§. “Chemical Discrimination of Lubricant Marketing Types using Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry”. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 31(12), 1014-1022, Jun 2017. DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7876.
12. M. Terry, B. Fookes, C. Bridge^§. “Determining the effect of cartridge case coatings on GSR using post-fire priming cup residue”. Forensic Science International, 276, 51-63, Jul 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.04.015
11. M. Marić, C. Bridge^§. “Characterizing and Classifying Water-Based Lubricants using Direct Analysis in Real Time^? – Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry”. Forensic Science International, 266, 73-79, May 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.04.036.
10. E. Sisco^§, M. Najarro, C. Bridge, R. Aranda. “Quantifying the Degradation of TNT and RDX in a Saline Environment with and without UV-Exposure”. Forensic Science International, 251, 124-131, 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.04.002.
9. E. Sisco^§, J. Dake, C. Bridge. “Screening for trace explosives by AccuTOF^TM-DART^?: An in-depth validation study”. Forensic Science International, 232, 160-180, Jun 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.07.006.
8. H. Swofford^§, S. Steffan, G. Warner, C. Bridge, M. Salyards. “Impact of Minutiae Quantity on the Behavior and Performance of Latent Print Examiners”. J. Forensic Identification, 63 (5), 571-591, Sep-Oct 2013
7. H. Swofford^§, S. Steffan, G. Warner, C. Bridge, M. Salyards. “Inter- and Intra-Examiner Variation in the Detection of Friction Ridge Skin Minutiae”. J. Forensic Identification, 63 (5), 553-570, Sep-Oct 2013
6. J. Martin, M. Baudelet, M. Weidman, M. Fisher, C. Bridge, C. Brown, M. Sigman, P.J. Dadigian, M. Richardson^§. “Stand-off detection of organic samples using filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy,” in Proc. of SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., 2009, Vol 7306, 73060Z1-7
5. M. Weidman, M. Baudelet, M. Fisher, C. Bridge, C. Brown, M. Sigman, P.J. Dadigian, M. Richardson^§. “Molecular signal as a signature for detection of energetic materials in filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy,” in Proc. of SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., May 2009, Vol 7304, 73041G1-7
4. C. G. Brown, M. Baudelet, C. Bridge, M. K. Fisher, M. Sigman, P.J. Dadigian, M. Richardson. “Atmosphere Issues in Detection of Explosives and Organic Residues,” in Proc. of SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., May 2009, Vol. 7304, 73041D1-12
3. C. Bridge, J. Powell, K. Steele and M. Sigman^§. “Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Applications in Forensic Science: Comparative Glass Analysis”. Spectrochimica Acta Part B, 62(12), 1419-1425, Dec 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.sab.2007.10.015
2. C. Bridge, J. Powell, K. Steele, J. MacInnins and M. Sigman^§. “Characterization of Automobile Float Glass with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser-Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)”. Applied Spectroscopy, 60(10), 1181-1187, Oct 2006. DOI: 10.1366/000370206778664572
1. M. Williams, D. Fernandes*, C. Bridge*, D. Dorrien, S. Elliot and M. Sigman^§. “Adsorption Saturation and Chromatographic Distortion Effects on Passive Headspace Sampling with Activated Charcoal in Fire Debris Analysis”. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 50(2), 316-325, Mar 2005. PMID: 15813542

Invited Peer-Reviewed Magazine Articles

5. C. Bridge^§, M. Marić, K. Jones. “GC×GC-MS for Forensic Analysis”. Advances in Chromatography for Macromolecule Analysis, 37(3), 22-25. 2019.
4. C. Bridge^§, M. Marić, K. Jones. “GC×GC-MS for Forensic Analysis”. Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry, 17(1), 22-25. 2019.
3. C. Bridge^§, M. Marić, K. Jones. “GC×GC-MS for Forensic Analysis”. LCGC, 14(12), 25-30. 2018.
2. C. Bridge^§, M. Marić, K. Jones. “GC×GC-MS for Forensic Analysis”. The Column, 14(12), 25-30. 2018.
1. K. Najjar, C. Bridge^§. “Characterization of Glitter Cosmetic Particles Using FTIR Spectroscopy”. Spectroscopy, 33(11), 30-37. 2018.

Awards

UCF LIFE@UCF Women Faculty Recognition Award NOMINEE
AIM High Awardee: UCF Affordable Instructional Materials
UCF Teaching Incentive Award
UCF Research Incentive Award
UCF Luminary Award Winner

In the News

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Anthropology

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Awards

Grant to Aid Sexual Assault Investigations

Story courtesy of Gabriel PR Candice Bridge, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF), was awarded a $324,000 grant from the National Institute…

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COS News

NCFS DARTs for Fast Forensics

Forensic scientists, scholars and students gathered at UCF’s National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) for ‘DART Day’ on Friday, August 5. Direct analysis in real…

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