Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, associate professor of computer and information technology in Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute, has been named a recipient of Purdue’s 2023 Jefferson Award.
An expert in combating internet crimes against children, Seigfried-Spellar partners with law enforcement agencies nationwide to develop digital forensic tools to meet their needs. That collaboration led to the creation of forensic tools FileTSAR, FileTSAR+, and the Chat Analysis Triage Tool. These tools aid in identifying cases with high-priority contact child sex offenders based on the linguistic differences between contact-driven and non-contact-driven child sex offenders.
Her nominators said that “vision, tenacity and dedication clearly describe Dr. Seigfried-Spellar.”
The Jefferson Awards serve to inspire change in communities and the world through celebration. Purdue’s Office of Engagement recognizes efforts of extraordinary university employees who dedicate themselves to giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. Seigfried-Spellar is one of five Purdue employees who received the award this year. See the full story by Emily Bergman.
Additional information
- 2023 Purdue Jefferson Award winners
- Purdue cybercrime expert named Fulbright Scholar for her work targeting child sex offenders in Spain
- Barber-Dansby receives Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service
- Seigfried-Spellar, Williams named Societal Impact Fellows
- FileTSAR cyber toolkit helps detectives solve digital crimes
- Podcast: Techies Today Episode 012: Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, Purdue's CyberSleuth