A panel of criminal justice experts will examine the presentation of DNA expert testimony. Topics will include reporting and testimony in accordance with current community-recommended guidelines (e.g., source- and activity-level propositions), best practices for trial preparation, and the effective presentation of expert testimony. The panel will feature both scientists and attorneys. Attendees will work with the panel to examine actual testimony and have an open discussion about their experiences in the courtroom.
Former/current scientists, lawyers and judges involved in courtroom proceedings involving forensic DNA testing. Suitable for those with prior courtroom experience.
A panel of criminal justice experts will examine the presentation of DNA expert testimony. Topics will include reporting and testimony in accordance with current community-recommended guidelines (e.g., source- and activity-level propositions), best practices for trial preparation, and the effective presentation of expert testimony. The panel will feature both scientists and attorneys. Attendees will work with the panel to examine actual testimony and have an open discussion about their experiences in the courtroom.
Former/current scientists, lawyers and judges involved in courtroom proceedings involving forensic DNA testing. Suitable for those with prior courtroom experience.
Fee includes lunch and materials.
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, PhD. is the Director of the Department of Forensic Biology at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the largest public forensic DNA laboratory in the United States. He oversees the daily operations and staff of about 200 analysts, technicians, and support personnel.
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.
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.
