May 2, 2025
The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) has announced that Dr. Katrina Taylor, currently Chief Resident in Pathology at East Tennessee State University, has been matched as a forensic pathology fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year. Dr. Taylor has a strong educational background, earning her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her medical degree from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“We are thrilled to have recruited Dr. Taylor to Arkansas. It quickly became very clear to us that Dr. Taylor is steadfast in her commitment to serving others,” said Dr. Theodore (Ted) Brown, ASCL Director and Chief Medical Examiner. “Dr. Taylor’s dedication to serving others will best position our team as we continue to partner with community champions to ultimately improve the lives of all Arkansans.”
The Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program is a collaborative initiative between the ASCL and the Department of Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Taylor will train with the ASCL team with a mission to improve Arkansas residents’ health, safety, and well-being by training qualified forensic pathologists who can provide independent, competent services to families, communities, and stakeholders.
In 2025, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for forensic pathology included 40 participating programs and 71 certified positions. The Match for forensic pathology fellowships occurred on April 30, 2025, with positions starting in July 2026. The ASCL-UAMS program is one of the certified programs participating in the NRMP, reflecting its national standing and commitment to addressing the ongoing shortage of forensic pathologists in the United States.
“Every case presents an opportunity to honor the decedent and their loved ones. Whether identifying an unknown individual or documenting the cause of death with precision, I am committed to pursuing the truth with unwavering dedication,” said Dr. Taylor. “It’s the career I’ve been searching for, the one that drives me to be better every day, ensuring justice is served and stories are told, even when the decedent can no longer tell it themselves.”
Dr. Katrina Taylor will begin her fellowship in July 2026 and will be the second forensic pathology fellow to join the ASCL team. Dr. Lance Van Truong, D.O., will begin his one-year forensic pathology fellowship in July 2025.