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

Early Registration$150.00
Standard Registration (after July 15)$175.00
Student Registration$125.00

Fee includes materials and breaks.

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

Speakers

Ray WickenheiserChair

Director for the New York State Police Crime Lab System

Dr. Ray Wickenheiser is currently the Director for the New York State Police Crime Lab System, headquartered in Albany, New York. He is also a Past President of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and the 2022 Briggs J. White Ward recipient . Ray has over 38 years of forensic science experience, with 21 of those as a Crime Lab Director in local and State Crime Laboratories. His areas of expertise include crime lab administration, quality management, forensic DNA, serology, hair and fiber trace evidence, physical matching and comparison, glass fracture analysis, forensic grain comparison and genetic genealogy. Ray is currently the Chair of the Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) for the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science.

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