When:
Saturday, October 28th, 2023 from 8:30am - 1:00pm ET (lunch provided)
Where:
Center for Forensic Science Research & Education
2300 Stratford Avenue
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Registration: $275 per person
Are you new to investigating, managing, or presenting DNA evidence? Would you like to see how biological evidence is processed? The CFSRE is hosting an interactive in-person training with our scientists where you will get to experience the laboratory work occurring between crime scene and the courtroom.
This half-day in-person event is geared towards legal and law enforcement individuals who are eager to learn about DNA testing and how samples are processed between crime scene collection and the final report. Individuals will be analysts for the day and learn about instrumentation and see how DNA profiles are generated. Participants will engage in laboratory training activities throughout the DNA testing process. Also, they will use analysis software to interpret DNA profiles. In addition, our instructors will provide tools and resources that attendees can bring back to their organizations and agencies to expand their knowledge of DNA related cases.
DETAILED LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Introduction to DNA and how it is used as evidence in criminal cases.
- Hands-on laboratory DNA testing to include DNA Extraction, Quantification, Amplification, and DNA Typing.
- Introduction to DNA STR Analysis and Interpretation.
PRESENTERS
Dr. Mirna Ghemrawi
Hailing from Lebanon, Mirna pursued her BS in medical laboratory sciences on a merit scholarship from the US embassy at Haigazian University, Beirut. She was then granted the Fulbright scholarship to come to the States to do her master’s degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences at Purdue university, Indiana. Her project involved a genetic investigation of the Lebanese population. She pursued her Ph.D. in Biochemistry-Forensic track at Florida International University before joining the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education as an Associate Director of Forensic Biology.
Leah Nangeroni
Leah is currently a Forensic Biologist III at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE). Prior to CFSRE, Leah worked at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL). During her 11 years at AFDIL, she held positions as a DNA technician and as a DNA Analyst performing independent casework on various sample types using auSTR, Y-STR, and mtDNA technologies. Leah is also a certified Forensic ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Technical Assessor through ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) and a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG).
Lindsay Kotchey
Lindsay is currently a Forensic Biologist II at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. Prior to CFSRE, Lindsay worked with the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, PA as a Forensic Accreditation Specialist. She worked to prepare the Morgue Operations for accreditation to ISO 17020 and NAME standards. After graduation, Lindsay began working for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in Dover, DE. She held roles as DNA Technician and DNA Analyst during her 3.5 year tenure. Lindsay has also served as a technical expert in mtDNA analysis and Next Generation Sequencing technology for external ANAB audits.
*The course content has been reviewed by the ABFT and ABC and determined to be acceptable for submission to the ABFT and ABC for continuing education credits.
