2019 Allen V. Astin Measurement Science Award

Song is recognized for developing the Congruent Matching Cells method for attributing cartridge case forensics evidence to a specific firearm. The method divides an image of the breach-face impression left on the cartridge case by a firearm into cells, then a computer algorithm compares the topography of the cells against cells from cartridge cases found in ballistics databases, at crime scenes, or from a test fire of a suspect firearm. Extensive testing demonstrates that the method provides an objective measure of whether a cartridge case came from specific firearm, and thus responds to the demand by the National Academy for objective, quantitative firearm forensics. The method is now being commercialized.