Professional Qualifications

Dr. Shabnam Preet Kaur

President & Forensic Document Examiner

M.Sc., Ph.D. (Forensic Science), CQDE

Dr. Shabnam Preet Kaur is a qualified Forensic Document Examiner with advanced academic training, international research contributions, and extensive professional experience in questioned document examination, handwriting analysis, and digital document fraud detection.

Formal Education and Designation

Master’s Degree in Forensic Science (2010–2012)

Dr. Kaur completed her two-year full-time Master’s Degree in Forensic Science (2010–2012) from the Department of Forensic Science at Punjabi University Patiala in 2012.

Her coursework and practical training included:

Questioned Document Examination
Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
Quality Management
Research Methodology
Physical Analysis & Instrumentation
Computer Forensics
Criminology & Law
Ballistics
Physical Anthropology (including Fingerprints)

Ph.D. in Forensic Science (2012–2018)

Specialization in Questioned Documents

Dr. Kaur completed her Ph.D. in Forensic Science with specialization in Questioned Documents (2012–2018) from the Department of Forensic Science at Punjabi University Patiala.

Her research topic was:
“Forensic Studies on Computer Manipulated Documents using Image Processing Techniques.”

During her doctoral research, she:

Developed MATLAB-based software for detection of digital document alterations.
Utilized Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Picasa, and Paint for examination of computer-generated documents.
Conducted practical research and surveys.
Delivered international presentations.
Published research in peer-reviewed journals.

Her Ph.D. (Forensic Science) has been evaluated as Canadian equivalent by World Education Services, Toronto, ON.

Certified Forensic Document Examiner (CQDE) (2021–2026)

Dr. Kaur was awarded the Certified Forensic Document Examiner (CQDE) designation (2021–2026) by the International Association of Forensic Document Examiners after successfully completing written and practical examinations.

Annual proficiency testing is required to maintain this certification.

Professional Experience

Scientist ‘B’ (Documents) (2019–2021)

Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Shimla, India

Dr. Kaur examined forged checks, wills, passports, currency notes, tax forms, medical records, and official documents.

Her responsibilities included:

Determining interpolation and overwriting
Establishing chronological sequence of entries
Reconstruction of altered or damaged documents
Conducting ink, paper, and writing instrument analysis
Training police personnel and judicial officers

Forensic Document Examiner (2021–2022)

Docufraud Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada

Dr. Kaur independently examined questioned document cases and provided professional forensic opinions and reports.

Principal Forensic Document Examiner (2022–Present)

FORENSIC QD SERVICES Inc. – Mississauga, ON, Canada

Dr. Kaur has examined over 500 questioned document cases involving more than 10,000 exhibits across Canada.

Her casework has involved:

Banks
Law firms
Government agencies
Multinational corporations

She provides multilingual services in English, Hindi, and Punjabi and has provided services internationally in the USA, China, Trinidad & Tobago, and Dubai.

Professional Expertise

Dr. Kaur provides expertise in:

Forensic Examination of Documents
Examination and Comparison of Handwriting, Signatures, Initials, and Hand-printing
Decipherment of Altered, Erased, Faded, Indented, and Obliterated Matter
Determination of Chronological Sequence of Writings/Impressions
Ink and Paper Examination
Examination of Photocopies, Computer Printouts, Typed Matter, and Other Machine-Generated Documents
Examination of Digitally Manipulated Documents
Examination of Rubber Stamp Impressions, Paintings, and Embossed Seals

Forensic Training

Dr. Kaur completed full-time training in Questioned Documents and Fingerprints at Punjabi University Patiala and the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Mohali, India (2011–2012).

Her practical training included:

Handwriting comparison
Examination of traced and simulated forgeries
Indented impressions
Alterations and obliterations
Machine-generated document examination

She conducted casework under senior court-qualified experts at CFSL Shimla (2019–2021).

She is proficient with:

Video Spectral Comparator (VSC 8000)
Comparison Microscope
Stereomicroscope
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)

Professional Memberships & Certifications

Dr. Kaur holds memberships in the following professional organizations:

Canadian Society of Forensic Science – Associate (2022), Regular Member (2023–Present), Questioned Documents Section
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences – Professional Member (2022–Present), Questioned Documents Section
International Association of Document Examiners – Certified Member (2022–2026), Questioned Documents Section
American Academy of Forensic Sciences – Former Student Affiliate (2017), Questioned Document Section

Guest Lectures and Teaching Experience

Dr. Kaur has contributed to academic and professional education through lectures and teaching roles:

Guest Speaker, Trent University, Canada (2022) – Forensic Science Society, Professionals Night
Guest Speaker, University of Toronto, Canada (2022) – Analysis of Questioned Documents using Microscopic Techniques
Guest Lecturer, Concordia University, Edmonton, Canada (2017) – Digital Forensics
Advisory Member, Humber College, ON, Canada (2022) – Forensic Identification Faculty
Non-Full Time Professor (2023–2024) – FID 5504 Handwriting and Document Examination, Humber College, Lakeshore Campus
Guest Lecturer, Punjabi University Patiala, India (2015–2017) – Computer Forensics and Questioned Documents
Delivered training sessions at CFSL Shimla (2019–2020) on Questioned Document Examination

Scholarship

Dr. Kaur was awarded the UGC-BSR Research Fellowship during her Ph.D. (2013–2018).

Research Publications and Presentations

Dr. Kaur has authored and co-authored numerous research papers and presentations:

Singla A. K. & Kaur S. P., “Determining the chronological sequence of intersecting ballpoint pen strokes using oblique infrared illumination,” Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal, 2026.
Lecture: Forensic Document Examination and Report Preparation, Punjabi University Patiala, India, Feb 7, 2026.
Kaur S., "Digital Signatures vs. Traditional Pen-and-Paper Signatures: Forensic Challenges," International Association for Identifications, Identification News 55(4) (2025) 13–14.
Presentation: “Detecting Computer Alterations,” 2024 IADE Tenth Annual Interactive Seminar & Workshop Webinar, USA.
Kaur S., “Preserving Penmanship: The importance of teaching handwriting in schools over Digital Signatures,” International Association of Document Examiners Newsletter, 2(9), 2024.
Kaur S., “Modernization of signatures: Collateral for safety and security,” The Lawyer’s Daily, Dec 13, 2022.
Kaur S., “Why expert handwriting analysis still matters,” The Lawyer’s Daily, Sep 26, 2022.
Kaur S., “How advanced tech increases the demand for forensic document examination,” The Lawyer’s Daily, Jul 29, 2022.
Saini K. et al., “Establishing sequence of inkjet printer, laser printed, and writing ink strokes using SEM,” Arab Journal of Forensic Sciences & Forensic Medicine, 1(10), 2019, 1367–1372.
Saini K. & Kaur S., “Examination of Digitally Manipulated Documents using MATLAB 7.10.0 and Adobe Photoshop 7.0 Software,” Problems of Forensic Sciences, 111, 2018, 31–44.
Saini K. & Kaur S., “Forensic Color Differentiation of Ink Strokes using Image Processing Techniques,” Malaysian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 8(1), 2018, 24–28.
Paper: “A Forensic Examination of Simulations of Illegible Signatures,” 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, AAFS, New Orleans, USA, Feb 13–18, 2017.
Paper: “Forensic Analysis of Hard Copies of Digitally Manipulated Documents,” 21st Triennial Meeting of IAFS, Toronto, Canada, Aug 21–25, 2017.
Saini K. & Kaur S., “Forensic Examination of Computer-manipulated Documents using Image Processing Techniques,” Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 6(3), 2016, 317–322.
Paper: 17th Wroclaw Symposium of Questioned Document Examination, University of Wroclaw, Poland, 2016.
Poster: “Forensic Color Differentiation on Ink Strokes by Image Processing Techniques,” National Conference on Forensic Science, Punjabi University Patiala, 2016.
Poster: “Forensic Analysis of Inkjet Printed Documents from Printing Characteristics,” International Conference on Questioned Document Examination, Punjabi University Patiala, 2015.
Poster: “Forensic Examination of the Computer-manipulated Document by Image Processing Techniques,” International Symposium on Emerging Paradigms in Forensic Science, Punjabi University Patiala, 2013.

Continuing Education

Dr. Kaur has participated in the following continuing education programs:

Sept 08–10, 2025 – IADE Eleventh Annual Interactive Seminar & Workshop Webinar, USA (Zoom)
June 12, 2025 – Canadian Society of Forensic Science Conference, Toronto, Canada
Sept 09–11, 2024 – IADE Tenth Annual Interactive Seminar & Workshop Webinar, USA (Zoom)
July 27, 2023 – Case Study Lecture by Tay Eue Kam (May), IADE, USA (Zoom)
June 14, 2023 – Forensic Science in Canada: An Evolving Community Conference, Tech University, Oshawa, Canada
Mar 17, 2022 – Anonymous Note Examination Lecture, IADE, USA (Zoom)
Nov 25–29, 2019 – Document Examination Workshop, LNJN National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, New Delhi, India
Aug 21–25, 2017 – 21st Triennial Meeting of IAFO, University of Toronto, Canada, 15.5 credit hours
Feb 13–18, 2017 – 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, AAFS, New Orleans, USA
June 15–17, 2016 – 17th Symposium on Questioned Document Examination, Wroclaw, Poland
Jan 2016 – Cyber Threat Detection & Safety, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Oct 19–23, 2015 – International Fingerprint Research Group Meeting, Punjabi University Patiala, India
Jan 10–12, 2015 – Questioned Document Examination Forensic International Conference, Punjabi University Patiala, India
Nov 17–18, 2014 – Importance & Role of Forensic Science in Crime Detection Workshop, DST, New Delhi
June–July 2014 – Certification in 2D Animation (Adobe Photoshop & CorelDRAW), H.K Computers, Patiala, India
Jan 19–20, 2014 – 3rd Annual Scientific Conference of Indo-Pacific Academy of Forensic Odontology, Punjabi University Patiala, India
Mar 7–9, 2013 – Emerging Paradigms in Forensic Science, International Symposium, Punjabi University Patiala, India
Mar 15–16, 2012 – National Symposium on Education & Research in Forensic Science, Punjabi University Patiala, India