08/14/2025
We were honored to host Mr. Mike Spencer in Hattiesburg, MS, a Churchill Fellow from the United Kingdom currently conducting research in the United States. The Churchill Fellowship is a prestigious program that allows U.K. professionals to gain specialized knowledge and experience abroad, bringing insights and best practices back to the U.K. to advance their fields.
During his two-day visit, Mr. Spencer, Search Advisor with the Police National Search Centre and the College of Policing, participated in an immersive program that combined practical fieldwork with academic study. He gained hands-on experience in human remains detection canine training, Getxent odor tube technology, and the QA/QC and operational standards applied to both. Additionally, Mr. Spencer participated in laboratory-based study at The University of Southern Mississippi, Southern Miss Anthropology Program’s Biological Anthropology Laboratory, alongside Dr. Marie Danforth, exploring forensic anthropology and human skeletal analysis. This collaboration provided valuable insights into the integration of scientific research and operational practice.
The Churchill Fellowship not only equips participants with advanced knowledge and skills but also fosters enduring professional networks and cross-cultural learning. Mr. Spencer’s visit exemplified the value of international exchange, strengthening connections between U.K. and U.S. practitioners and advancing the field of human remains detection.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Spencer for his professionalism, engagement, and the meaningful contributions he made during his visit. We wish him continued success as his Churchill Fellowship journey takes him to new destinations, confident that the knowledge, best practices, and professional insights he gains will be shared with colleagues, supporting the continued advancement of professional practice, research, and operational excellence in U.K. law enforcement.
📸 Follow Mr. Mike Spencer’s Churchill Fellowship on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/search_bubble
🦅 Learn more about The University of Southern Mississippi:
https://www.usm.edu