Whole Genome Sequencing for Forensic Laboratories Workshop

  • Workshop

Whole Genome Sequencing for Forensic Laboratories Workshop

  • November 2, 2025 //
  • 8:30 am -
  • 5:00 pm //
  • Palm Beach Convention Center

Description:

In August 2023, the Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center became the first publicly accredited laboratory to implement SNP testing using MPS technologies for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG). Since that time, the CHI has implemented a number of workflows for FGG cases, with the latest being whole genome sequencing (WGS).

This workshop will focus solely on WGS. The benefits of WGS will be discussed along with additional informatic and sequencing platform considerations. Molecular and bioinformatic workflows will be outlined and data from the CHI’s developmental validation will be shared.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Molecular workflow for whole genome sequencing
  • Bioinformatic needs for whole genome sequencing including an end-to-end open-source pipeline
  • Considerations for validation of a whole genome sequencing workflow
  • Details on performance from multiple platforms, including the generation of whole genome data on less expensive platforms such as the MiSeq

 

Intended Audience:

This workshop is intended for DNA analysts, technical leaders, supervisors, attorneys, genealogists, investigators, and judges, as well as for anyone wishing to bring whole genome sequencing online or for those considering sending their samples to an outside laboratory for whole genome sequencing. Some topic knowledge required.

Description:

In August 2023, the Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center became the first publicly accredited laboratory to implement SNP testing using MPS technologies for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG). Since that time, the CHI has implemented a number of workflows for FGG cases, with the latest being whole genome sequencing (WGS).

This workshop will focus solely on WGS. The benefits of WGS will be discussed along with additional informatic and sequencing platform considerations. Molecular and bioinformatic workflows will be outlined and data from the CHI’s developmental validation will be shared.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Molecular workflow for whole genome sequencing
  • Bioinformatic needs for whole genome sequencing including an end-to-end open-source pipeline
  • Considerations for validation of a whole genome sequencing workflow
  • Details on performance from multiple platforms, including the generation of whole genome data on less expensive platforms such as the MiSeq

 

Intended Audience:

This workshop is intended for DNA analysts, technical leaders, supervisors, attorneys, genealogists, investigators, and judges, as well as for anyone wishing to bring whole genome sequencing online or for those considering sending their samples to an outside laboratory for whole genome sequencing. Some topic knowledge required.

Pricing:


  • Standard Registration$425
  • Student Registration$300

Fees include printed workshop materials, breakfast, lunch, and breaks

  • Early Registration
  • $250.00
  • Standard Registration (after July 15)
  • $295.00
  • Student Registration$195.00
  • $195.00

Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.

Brought to you by

Worldwide Association of Women Forensic Experts

Agenda:


8:30-8:35am
Welcome
8:35 – 8:45am
Center for Human Identification’s FGG Unit
8:45 – 9:30am
Generation of Large SNV Profiles
9:30 – 9:45am
Break
9:45 – 11:15am
Bioinformatics of WGS
11:15 – 12:00pm
Imputation
12:00 – 1:00pm
Lunch
1:00 – 1:30pm
Hands-on TAPIR activity (Optional)
1:30 – 2:00pm
Data Storage and Security
2:00 – 2:45pm
WGS Developmental Validation
2:45 – 3:00pm
Break
3:00 – 3:30pm
Sequencing Platforms for WGS
3:30 – 4:00pm
Sample Triaging
4:00 – 4:25pm
Lessons from the Courtroom
4:00 – 4:55pm
Round Table Q&A Session
4:55 – 5:00pm
Final Comments
Co-Chair

Jennifer Cihlar

Assistant Professor, Center for Human Identification (CHI), University of North Texas Health Science Center

Dr. Jennifer Cihlar is an Assistant Professor in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics Department at UNTHSC and a member of the UNTHSC Center for Human Identification’s Research Unit where her efforts focus on improving the forensic community’s ability to identity humans associated with crime, missing persons, and human and wildlife trafficking victims through forensic genomic research.

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Co-Chair

August Woerner

Associate Professor, Center for Human Identification (CHI), University of North Texas Health Science Center

August Woerner is an Assistant Professor in the department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Much of August’s current research focuses on whole genome sequencing, particular, its application to forensic genetic genealogy.

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Michael Coble

Professor and Executive Director, Center for Human Identification (CHI), University of North Texas Health Science Center

Michael Coble, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Executive Director of the Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics. He serves as a commissioner of the Texas Forensic Science Commission and is an invited guest at the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM).

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Benjamin Crysup

Research Assistant Professor, Center for Human Identification (CHI), University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth

Dr. Benjamin Crysup is a Research Assistant Professor in the department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. After getting a Ph.D. in computational chemistry, he has pivoted to using mathematics and computation to create, improve and implement techniques in the fields of forensic and applied genetics under the auspices of the Center for Human Identification. Examples of recent research include proper genotyping in the context of mixtures (including atypical ploidies), applying machine learning to limit error in the estimation of haplotypes and developing a more conservative read merger.

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Nicole Novroski

Associate Professor and Associate Director, Center for Human Identification (CHI), University of North Texas Health Science Center

Dr. Nicole Novroski is the Associate Director of the Center for Human Identification and holds an Associate Professor position within the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at UNTHSC.  Her current focus is the exploration of previously uncharacterized genetic markers for improved DNA mixture deconvolution and in the optimization of genetic workflows for forensic genetic genealogy.  

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