Forensic Genetics

Our research interests center on molecular and forensic genetics. A major focus of the laboratory is the development of advanced technologies to separate DNA mixtures in forensic samples. This can provide potentially probative evidence by enabling the characterization of individual contributors to a mixture such as in sexual assaults. In the lab, additional forensic projects are aimed at aiding criminal and mass disaster investigations by facilitating the use of mitochondrial DNA to identify charred or severely decomposed human remains.