Workshop
Forensic Genealogy and its Application in Solving Cold Cases
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 // 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Description:
This workshop will explore how scientists, law enforcement, and forensic genealogists work together to solve crime using investigative DNA methods and techniques. We will examine the need for forensic genealogy, current DNA methodologies and technologies applied to sample types ranging from samples recently recovered to over 100 years old. Attendees will get an in-depth view of current case studies and strategies to apply this technique to solve cold cases.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify forensic genealogy uses and explore its application in science and law enforcement
- Explain current DNA methodology and technology from an applied science perspective and its application in DNA extraction from multiple sample types
- Examine traditional genealogy research with DNA data
- Evaluate case studies and how law enforcement used applied DNA and forensic genealogy with traditional law enforcement techniques to solve cold cases
- Compare the benefits and limits to using DNA as an investigative tool in solving cases.
Intended Audience:
Forensic Scientists, Technical Leaders, Laboratory Directors, and DNA Analysts
Agenda:
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 12:00-12:05pm | Introduction | Thomas Kupiec |
| 12:05-12:50pm | Forensic Genealogy Application | Bruce Budowle |
| 12:50-1:20pm | DNA Methodology, Technology, and Extraction | James Anstead |
| 1:20-1:27pm | Break | |
| 1:27-2:12pm | Genealogy Research | Barbara Rae-Venter |
| 2:12-2:57pm | FBI Case Studies and Its’ Application in Solving Cold Cases | Steve Kramer |
Speakers
Private: James Anstead
Laboratory Director, DNA Solutions
Dr. James Anstead joined DNA Solutions in 2013 and is the Laboratory Director. Dr. Anstead has over 15 years of experience in molecular biology, population genetics and entomology. His prior experience includes working as a Research Associate at Pennsylvania State University and Oklahoma State University.
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Bruce Budowle
Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki and Forensic Science Institute, Radford University
Dr. Budowle's current efforts focus on the areas of human forensic identification, microbial forensics, human trafficking, and emerging infectious disease with substantial effort in next generation sequencing. He is a Commissioner on the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
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Private: Stephen Kramer
Attorney, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Mr. Kramer is an attorney with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its Los Angeles office. He is responsible for legal matters in the FBI's criminal and national security investigations. He oversees the FBI's investigative techniques and strategies that are used by investigators.
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Private: Barbara Rae-Venter
Barbara is a Search Angel with DNAAdoption.org helping adoptees find their birth relatives and
also helps teach the online autosomal DNA (atDNA) classes that DNAAdoption.org offers to
help adoptees use their atDNA to find birth relatives.