Forensic Laboratory Manager, Criminalistics Unit
Philadelphia Police Department
Mary Catherine McBride, Forensic Laboratory Manager of the Biology Unit at the Philadelphia Police Office of Forensic Science, has dedicated over two decades to advancing forensic science in her hometown. A Temple University graduate with a B.S. in Chemistry, she began her career in the Chemistry Unit and progressed through multiple leadership roles before overseeing a team of 30 forensic scientists/technicians specializing in biological evidence, including serology and DNA analysis. The work of her team contributes to high-profile case resolutions, exonerations, and mass disaster identifications, most recently the Fairmount Park Rapist case and Northeast Philadelphia plane crash. Committed to innovation and excellence, she holds a Forensic Manager Level 1 certification, serves on Temple University’s Forensic Chemistry Advisory Board, advises Science Explorers Post 425, member of Philadelphia’s Sexual Assault Response Team, Site Safety Officer of the PPD OFS Clandestine Laboratory Response Team, and is an Associate Member of IACP. Currently, she is helping shape the design of a new state-of-the-art forensic science facility set to open in 2026.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM MT