Beyond The STRs: Effectively Using Forensic DNA Technology to Solve Current and Prevent Future Crime Workshop

Description:

In this workshop, attendees will learn how additional DNA analyses can be leveraged cost-effectively to solve current investigations and prevent future crime. Attendees will be introduced to the various methods of indirect DNA matching, including the use of X-STRs, Y-STRs, mitochondrial DNA, familial searching, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). We will explore how these techniques can be used in combination for routine casework, and how it can be done cost-effectively. Finally, we will hear from analysts on how they have used these techniques in sexual assaults, disaster victim identification, missing persons and unidentified human remains identifications, and cold cases.

Learning Outcomes:

• Present alternative DNA analyses that can be used to further current investigations and help prevent future crime
• Provide description, theory, and practical application of expanded DNA indirect matching (EDIM), familial searching, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) to improve learning and comprehension of the topic for workshop participants
• Present how these techniques can be used together in routine casework
• Provide objective information and data for attendees to create a business case for the selection of a future technology that suits their laboratory’s needs
• Show real examples of laboratories using a combination of different techniques on various case types, including sexual assault, disaster victim identification, missing persons and unidentified human remains cases, and active casework.

Intended Audience:

• DNA analysts
• Criminalists
• Lab Directors
• Technical Leaders