Sexual assault kits make up the majority of operational casework for many laboratories in the United States. Next-generation sequencing offers enhanced technical and analytical capabilities that can aid in processing these kits effectively. This workshop explores how NGS can obtain more information, provide more investigative leads and thus reduce the backlog. A panel of experts will discuss (1) the strengths and limitations of CE and NGS, (2) the value of Y-STRs and SNPs for short and long range familial searches, (3) options for STR and SNP mixture deconvolution, and (4) data interpretation and validation studies to enable seamless implement NGS for sexual assault resolution.
Handouts include development validation studies and implementation strategies.
Lab directors, Technical Leaders, Forensic scientists, Criminalists
| Time | Presentation title | Speaker |
| 1:00 – 1:10 | Why NGS, Why Now? Baselining sexual assault workflows in operational labs
| Bruce Budowle |
| 1:10 – 1:40 | A comparison of tools and technologies
| Swathi A. Kumar |
| 1:40 – 2:10 | Validating STRs for sexual assault: NGS vs CE | Bruce Budowle |
| 2:10 – 2:25 | BREAK | |
| 2:25 – 2:50 | Validating SNPs for identity and investigative leads
| Rachel Oefelein |
| 2:50 – 3:20 | Deconvoluting and interpreting mixtures with SNP and STR profiles
| June Snedecor |
| 3:20 – 3:50 | A cookbook for implementation and preparation for admissibility hearings
| Mandi Van Buren |
| 3:50 – 4:00 | Conclusion |
Sexual assault kits make up the majority of operational casework for many laboratories in the United States. Next-generation sequencing offers enhanced technical and analytical capabilities that can aid in processing these kits effectively. This workshop explores how NGS can obtain more information, provide more investigative leads and thus reduce the backlog. A panel of experts will discuss (1) the strengths and limitations of CE and NGS, (2) the value of Y-STRs and SNPs for short and long range familial searches, (3) options for STR and SNP mixture deconvolution, and (4) data interpretation and validation studies to enable seamless implement NGS for sexual assault resolution.
Handouts include development validation studies and implementation strategies.
Lab directors, Technical Leaders, Forensic scientists, Criminalists
| Time | Presentation title | Speaker |
| 1:00 – 1:10 | Why NGS, Why Now? Baselining sexual assault workflows in operational labs
| Bruce Budowle |
| 1:10 – 1:40 | A comparison of tools and technologies
| Swathi A. Kumar |
| 1:40 – 2:10 | Validating STRs for sexual assault: NGS vs CE | Bruce Budowle |
| 2:10 – 2:25 | BREAK | |
| 2:25 – 2:50 | Validating SNPs for identity and investigative leads
| Rachel Oefelein |
| 2:50 – 3:20 | Deconvoluting and interpreting mixtures with SNP and STR profiles
| June Snedecor |
| 3:20 – 3:50 | A cookbook for implementation and preparation for admissibility hearings
| Mandi Van Buren |
| 3:50 – 4:00 | Conclusion |
Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki and Forensic Science Institute
Dr. Bruce Budowle has published more than 650 articles, made more than 800 presentations, and testified in well over 300 criminal cases in the areas of molecular biology, population genetics, statistics, quality assurance, and forensic biology
DNA Labs International (DLI)
Rachel Oefelein is currently the Chief Scientific Officer at DNA Labs International (DLI) and Laboratory Director. Since joining DNA Labs International in 2014, Rachel was instrumental in implementing STRmix™ for five profiling systems, rootless hair shaft testing, and Next Generation Sequencing in three profiling systems. She also innovated and implemented DLI’s successful SpentShell™ technology for fired cartridge casings.
