Mandi Van Buren

Mandi Van Buren is a DNA Analyst with DNA Labs International (DLI) and the former DNA Technical Leader for the Kern Regional Crime Laboratory.  Mandi graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy specializing in forensic drug chemistry and the University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.  She began her forensic career at the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services and now has over 15 years of experience as a DNA analyst in forensic casework, crime scene processing and 7 years as a drug chemist.  Beyond casework, her expertise is in advanced DNA technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) and probabilistic genotyping including validations, implementation, training and expert testimony.  During her time as the DNA Technical Leader, Mandi led the efforts in successfully validating and implementing NGS into forensic casework ultimately leading to the first successful admissibility hearing using NGS in the United States.  Mandi continues to share her knowledge and experiences regarding all things NGS including validation, implementation, decision making, accreditation and training.  She currently is contributing to establishing best practices for the validation of NGS platforms.