Paola Prada-Tiedemann, Ph.D.

Research Interests:

Forensic Analytical Chemistry, Odor Profiling, Canine Odor Detection, Gas Chromatography Techniques, Law Enforcement Training & Education

Classes:

Undergraduate Course:

• FSCI 2308 - Forensic Sciences
• FSCI 4300 Independent Studies in Forensic Sciences
• FSCI 4355 Forensic Trace Evidence

Graduate Courses:

• FSCI 5257 Explosives and Arson Investigation
• FSCI 5308 Fundamentals of Forensic Science
• FSCI 5355 Instrumental Methods for Trace Evidence Analysis

Bio:

Paola A. Prada-Tiedemann, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Forensic Science in the Department of Environmental Toxicology. She is also the director of the Forensic Science Master’s Program and Forensic Undergraduate Minor at Texas Tech University (TTU), and director of the Forensic Analytical Chemistry & Odor Profiling Laboratory. Since arriving at TTU, she has served as the chair for 28 graduate level students. To date, she has published three books, four book chapters, and twenty-five peer-reviewed articles. Her research is geared at bridging interdisciplinary areas such as chemistry, canine odor detection and national security to address issues critical to effective intelligence and defense capabilities. She has worked extensively on developing instrumental methods for the identification and evaluation of odor volatiles from an array of different specimens of forensic and investigative relevance. She has worked with both national and international police/government agencies to help develop better instrumental and training techniques in various areas of odor detection. She has presented her research at various national and international forums. She is a member of the criminalistics section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board Dogs and Sensors Consensus Body, Council of Forensic Educators (COFSE), and is the Chair of the NIST OSAC subcommittee on Dogs and Sensors (Dogs & Sensors Subcommittee | NIST)Selected Publications:

Selected Publications (2024-Present):

Publications

1. A. Quigley-McBride, P.A. Prada-Tiedemann, F. Helfers. Strengthening operational performance in canine detection teams with double-blind certification testing, Forensic Science International Synergy, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2026.100658  
   
   
2. CT Lambert, GN Cupp, SA Kane,  AC Medrano, PA Prada-Tiedemann, E.O. Aviles-Rosa, NJ Hall. Comparing and validating different methods for olfactory threshold measurement in dogs, Behavioural Processes, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2026.105343 
   
   
3. M. Karpinsky, H. Browning, A. Quigley-McBride, P. Bunker, W. Chapman, PA Prada-Tiedemann, L. DeGreeff.  Explosive detection canines in the field: a multi-site black box validation study, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1668317 
   
   
4. ZA Kasuske, AC Medrano, FB Green, PA Prada-Tiedemann, Jaclyn E Cañas-Carrell. Quantification and risk assessment of phthalate leachate from single-use consumer plastics using solid phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME)-GC/MS, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2025, 1-8; https://doi.org/10.1093/etojnl/vgaf210 
   
   
5. MN Rangel, AC Medrano, H. Browning, SF Gallegos, SA Kane, NJ Hall, PA Prada-Tiedemann. The chemical fingerprint of smokeless powders: Insights from headspace odor volatiles, Powders, 2025, 4(3) 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/powders4030021
   
   
6. A. Zoe Monogan, JL Smith, PA Prada-Tiedemann. The Impact of Entomological Sample Handling Techniques on a Single Larva Odor Profile, Forensic Sciences, 2025, Vol 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5020021 
   
   
7. J Denapoli, PA Prada-Tiedemann. Evaluation of composition C‐4 odor signature on a novel sorption training aid substrate, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.70053 
   
   
8. SA Kane, GN Cupp, B Rogers, D Copeland, C Collins-Pisano, J Davis-Miller, L Lazarowski, P Waggoner, EO Aviles-Rosa, J Denapoli, PA Prada-Tiedemann, NJ Hall. Effects of training paradigm on dogs’(Canis familiaris) acquisition and generalization of odors when trained with multiple explosives classes, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2025, Vol 287, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106638 
   
   
9. SA Kane, GN Cupp, M Rangel, A Medrano, J Davis-Miller, C Collins-Pisano, B Rogers, D Copeland, L Lazarowski, P Waggoner, EO Aviles-Rosa, PA Prada-Tiedemann, NJ Hall. The effect of training paradigm on dogs’ (Canis familiaris) acquisition and generalization of smokeless powders, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2025, Vol 284, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106527 
   
   
10. A Cantu, EO Aviles-Rosa, NJ Hall, PA Prada-Tiedemann. Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds from Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) Eggs Using Headspace Odor Sampling Methods, Insects, 2024, 15 (10), 739, https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100739 
    
    
11. LS Fernandez, SA Kane, MT DeChant, P.A. Prada-Tiedemann, NJ Hall Environmental effects on explosive detection threshold of domestic dogs Plos ONE, 2024, 19 (9), e0306817
    
    
12. D.E. Huff, A. Cantu, S.A. Kane, L.S Fernandez, J.E Cañas-Carrell, N.J Hall, and Paola A Prada-Tiedemann. Odor Dilution Assessment for Explosive Detection, Analytica, 2024, 5(3): 402-413. https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica5030025 
    
    
13. A.C. Medrano, A. Cantu, E. Aviles-Rosa, N.J. Hall,  M.N. Maughan, J.D Gadberry, and P.A. Prada-Tiedemann. Chemical Characterization of Human Body Odor Headspace Components. Separations, 2024, 11(3): 85, https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11030085
    
    
14. E. Aviles-Rosa, A.C. Medrano, A. Cantu, P.A. Prada-Tiedemann, M.N. Maughan, J.D Gadberry, R.R. Greubel and N.J. Hall. Development of an automated human scent olfactometer and its use to evaluate detection dog perception of human scent. PLoS ONE, 2024, https://doi.org/ 10.1371/journal.pone.0299148 
    
    
15. S.A. Kane, L. Fernandez, D. Huff, P.A. Prada-Tiedemann, and N.J. Hall. Canine detection of explosives under adverse environmental conditions with and without acclimation training.  PLoS ONE, 2024, https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297538 

Book Chapters/Books

1. Rojas-Guevara, J.U., Prada-Tiedemann, P.A., Titus, K., Córdo¬ba-Parra, J.D., & Bohórquez, G.A (2020). Forensic studies with human analogues: evaluation of decomposition and the use of residual odor detection dogs. Ed. Colombia National Police. https://doi.org/10.22335/EDNE.10
   
   
2. P.A. Prada-Tiedemann, J.U. Rojas-Guevara, G.A. Bohorquez, M.X.  Ochoa-Torres, J.D.  Cordoba-Parra. Police Canine Teams: importance of criteria for selection, training, certification and performance. Ed. Colombia National Police, 2019, ISBN: 978-958-52080-7-0 https://revistalogos.policia.edu.co:8443/omp/index.php/editorial/catalog/book/4
   
   
3. P.A. Prada, Allison M. Curran, Kenneth G. Furton. Human Scent Evidence, Ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2015, ISBN: 1466583959. 
   
   
   
   
4.   G.A. Nevitt and P.A. Prada. “The Chemistry of Avian Odors: An Introduction to Best Practices” In Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation, 3rd Ed. Richard L. Doty, Wiley-Liss: New York, 2015, pp. 565-577.
   
   
5. P.A. Prada and K.G. Furton. “Recent Advances in Solid Phase Microextraction for Forensic Applications” In Comprehensive Sampling and Sample Preparation, Volume 3; Pawliszyn, J.; Le, X. C.; Li, X-F.; Lee, H. K.; Eds; Elsevier, Academic Press: Oxford, UK, 2012, pp. 877–891.