Academic interests
Vestad researches changes to forensic technology and crime scene investigations practice.
1. DNA as evidence
There are differences in how "technological" the methods for collecting and interpreting forensic evidence is. While some methods are mostly algorithmic and require little human influence, others are almost entirely manual.
Vestad's PhD project “Forensic DNA Evidence Technologies and Criminological Horizons" investigates how crime scene technicians and forensic analysts in Norwegian and European law enforcement navigate the landscape of evidence production technologies. The project is part of Digital DNA, and brings empirical knowledge of 'high' and 'low tech' in policing to a discussion of how technological developments inform crime scene investigations.
2. The 25 June and 22 July terror attacks
Vestad in in change of the pilot project PRIDE25JUNE: RIPPLES, which investigates ripple effects of the 25 June 2022 terror attack. The initiative is part of LAW22JULY: RIPPLES, and aims to contribute an overview and analysis of issues related to memorial work, urban security, legal participation and legal settlement.
As part of LAW22JULY: RIPPLES, she investigates temporal 'micro-memorialisation' after the 22 July 2011 attack. The project is the main component in the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo's initiative to commemorate 22 July.
Teaching
- Surveillance: Data, technologies, practices (KRIM2957/KRIM4957)
- Sociology of Law I (JUS4122)
- Law, Ideology and Human Rights Violations (RSOS2952/RSOS4952)
- Sentrale teoretiske perspektiver (KRIM2000)
- Sentrale teoretiske perspektiver i rettssosiologi 2 (RSOS4102)
Background
Vestad has previously held research assistant positions at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law and the Department of Public and International Law, University of Oslo. Vestad holds a Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Oslo, and undergraduate degrees in Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, and Anthropology, from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.