Dr. Candice Bridge, who is the first African-American Chemistry professor at the University of Central Florida, just received a $324,000 grant to study rape-investigation methods. The grant, given by the National Institute of Justice, will grant Bridge access to tools exclusively used by the FBI and government laboratories.

“This grant will enable us to conduct research into a unique new means of identifying perpetrators of sexual assault when traditional DNA evidence doesn’t exist,”

Bridge stated that rapists often attempt to elude capture by covering their DNA after an assault. This is fairly common and one of the biggest reasons that some rapists go free.

Bridge also received an In-House Award from UCF which will allow her to research the ways the body breaks down lubricants before forensic investigations can occur.

Bridge will also create a website through the Orlando Public Defender’s Office that will give defense lawyers and prosecution more resources about forensic science analysis.

Bridge started showcasing her black girl magic at the age of 13, when she first showed interest in Chemistry. She later received her Bachelor’s degree from Howard University and her Ph.

D. at the university of Central Florida, becoming one of the first people in America to obtain that particular degree.