A panel of experts in the criminal justice arena will examine jury perception of expert testimony regarding DNA, how it’s presented, and what effect it may have on deliberation and the final verdict. The panel will include former and current scientists, lawyers, and judges. Further, to assess understanding of commonly used DNA terminology and how the media and genetic testing may influence potential jurors, an anonymous survey will be sent out prior to the workshop to those not traditionally involved in the court process or those not familiar with DNA.
Former/current scientists, lawyers and judges involved in courtroom proceedings involving forensic DNA testing. Suitable for those just beginning.
A panel of experts in the criminal justice arena will examine jury perception of expert testimony regarding DNA, how it’s presented, and what effect it may have on deliberation and the final verdict. The panel will include former and current scientists, lawyers, and judges. Further, to assess understanding of commonly used DNA terminology and how the media and genetic testing may influence potential jurors, an anonymous survey will be sent out prior to the workshop to those not traditionally involved in the court process or those not familiar with DNA.
Former/current scientists, lawyers and judges involved in courtroom proceedings involving forensic DNA testing. Suitable for those just beginning.
Fee includes breakfast, lunch, breaks and handouts
Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Director, Forensic Biology Department, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Craig O’Connor is the Director of the Department of Forensic Biology at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the largest public DNA Lab in the country with over 200 analysts and technicians. He manages the daily operations in the department ensuring that the analytical work conforms to state and national accreditation requirements and federal quality assurance standards.
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 became 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 staff attorneys and local law enforcement. She also assists in grand jury and trial preparation for all DNA prosecutions and works with the NYPD Cold Case Squad in their homicide investigations.
Technical Leader, Signature Science
Samantha Wandzek is the Technical Leader of Signature Science’s Forensic DNA Laboratory in Austin, Texas. Ms. Wandzek oversees all technical aspects of the laboratory including validation and implementation of all forensic methods. In addition, she continues to function as a Forensic DNA Analyst by reporting and performing technical review of DNA analyses and case files.
