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Workshop

Evaluation of Testimony Topics of 2018- Preparing as an Expert Witness for DNA Testimony in Today’s Courtroom

Thursday September 27th, 2018 // 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm // 101

Early Registration, before August 1st$165.00
Standard Registration, after August 1st$185.00
Student Registration$145.00

The presenters have testified throughout the year both nationally and internationally. An evaluation of common DNA testimony topics encountered in 2018 trials by analysts will be discussed. The panel will discuss specific questions received from prosecution and defense attorneys and possible responses in expert witness testimony. The workshop will be conducted in an open forum format where attendees will be encouraged to contribute and bring forward additional testimony topics. The workshop will conclude with a question and answer session in a mock court format. Questions and topics will be accepted by attendees both before and during the workshop.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Probabilistic genotyping (STRmix™ software and TrueAllele software)
  • The likelihood ratio
  • Phenotyping and forensic genealogy
  • Secondary transfer (including the most recent publications on transfer)
  • Next generation sequencing (NGS)/ Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS)
  • Responding to forensic implications from media publications/landmark court decisions
  • Introducing new technology to the courtroom: Daubert, Frye, Frye-Mack, Rule 702, etc.

 

Intended Audience:

Forensic scientists, students, attorneys, laboratory managers, training managers

Speakers

Rachel OefeleinChair

DNA Labs International (DLI)

Rachel Oefelein is currently the Director of Research and Innovation, Quality Assurance Manager, and a Senior DNA Analyst at DNA Labs International (DLI). Since joining DNA Labs International in 2014, Rachel has testified in eleven Florida counties, five states and U.S. Territories, and five countries as an expert witness for both the prosecution and the defense in misdemeanor and felony trials, as well as Williams, Daubert, and Arthur hearings.

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Private: James DiFrancesco

Forensic Biologist, United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL)

James DiFrancesco is a Forensic Biologist at the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL). James was previously employed at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory and is a Fellow member of AAFS. He has published research in the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal and in Science and Justice.

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Private: Susan Horan

DNA Specialist, Forensic Science & Cold Case Unit, Kings County District Attorney's Office

In March of 2017, Ms. Horan joined the Kings County District Attorney’s Office as a DNA Specialist in the Forensic Science & Cold Case Unit. She is the first forensic scientist to be hired on staff at a prosecutor’s office in New York State. Ms. Horan is responsible for providing training in serology and DNA testing for the assistants, aiding in trial preparation for DNA prosecutions, and working with the NYPD Cold Case Squad in their homicide investigations.

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Private: Rachel Singer

Chief, Forensic Science & Cold Case Unit - Kings County District Attorney's Office

Ms. Rachel Singer has served as an Assistant District Attorney for 20 years. She began her career at the Bronx District Attorney's Office in the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Bureau, where she prosecuted both domestic violence and sexual assaults cases involving adults and children.

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