Backlogs in sexual assault kit testing remain one of the most stubborn challenges in forensic DNA, with turnaround times that can stretch for months. For Mohamed Elsayed, an engineer-turned-innovator, that reality sparked a bold question: what if analysis didn’t have to wait for the lab at all?
At ISHI, Mohamed will present “Toward Analysis at the Point of Need: A Digital Microfluidic Approach to Processing Multi-Source Sexual Assault Samples.” His team has developed a way to automate differential extraction using digital microfluidics—a technology that manipulates droplets of fluid with precision electrical signals rather than pipetting robots—and demonstrated its compatibility with Rapid DNA. The result? A glimpse at how sexual assault evidence could one day be processed directly at the point of collection, from hospitals to police offices, without adding to the lab backlog
What was happening in your lab, case, or field that made this work feel urgent or necessary? What sparked this presentation?
Tremendous effort and money has been poured into solving rape kit backlogs and reducing the turnaround time for analysis of rape kits. Despite this, it is a stubborn problem, with backlogs still reported and turnaround times of over 6 months are still common. A systematic change is imperative to drastically reduce the turnaround time and avoid future backlogs. The first time I proposed analyzing the evidence on-site, I was met with skepticism, but radical change is what we really need.
If someone walks out of your talk with one tool, mindset, or strategy—what should it be?
Rapid DNA analysis has been a gamechanger as it enables analysis at the site of sample collection. When using rapid DNA analysis for sexual assault evidence, differential extraction still has to be done at the lab. We developed digital microfluidics technology and used it to automate differential extraction and demonstrated compatibility with the ANDE 6C Rapid DNA instrument. Digital microfluidics is an emerging liquid handling technique that overcomes many of the drawbacks of pipetting robots. We have previously deployed digital microfluidic solutions outside the lab for diagnostic applications. We are working towards enabling analysis of sexual assault evidence on-site. Our hope is that attendees walk away understanding that automation doesn’t have to look like a robot arm; it can be something entirely new.
Let’s play “myth vs. reality.” What’s one thing people think they know about the topic you’re presenting on—but totally get wrong?
Myth: Automation of physical tasks means building humanoid robots or robotic arms.
Reality: Automation can take any form. Imagine if we automated mail by building robots that put manually folded letters and licked stamps. That’s kind of what we’re doing when using pipetting robots. We need purpose-built automation tailored to the task, not just mechanized mimicry of human hands.
If you had unlimited time and no red tape, what’s one experiment or idea you’d chase tomorrow?
Develop a sampling method (e.g. magic swab) that has a high capacity and releases all the sample collected without needing a centrifuge.
Let’s be honest—what’s the hardest part of your work right now? What helps you stay engaged or motivated in your role—especially when things get intense?
Usually, the most impactful research is also the riskiest. After spending months on experiments, when the data says it’s time to move on to something else, it can be difficult to make that decision. It feels that these months have been wasted. But I’d do it again anyway because the potential impact is worth the risk.
What is the most underrated skill in forensic science?
Asking questions. Often, because we are using validated approaches, we tend to learn to just follow protocol. While that’s a shortcut to get the work done, asking questions as simple as “why is it done that way?” can often lead to impactful innovations.
What advice would you give someone who’s just starting out in forensic DNA—or thinking about presenting at ISHI someday?
There is so much unchartered territory and so many challenges (research opportunities). There’s so much unpublished knowledge that you will only learn about by going to conferences and talking with people.
What roles do collaboration, mentorship, or community play in your success as a scientist?
Collaboration is a must to develop real solutions to real problems. I am an engineer working with chemists, biologists and forensic scientists, and without this mix, we would not have been able to develop solutions in a way that really solves real-world problems.
What’s the weirdest or most unexpected way your work has shown up in daily life?
When a friend learned about what I’m working on, she said that if that technology exists, she’d feel safer going on dates. She currently uses a GPS tracker when going on dates so a trusted friend can be on the lookout. I hadn’t realized that women live with that much stress!
Complete the sentence: ISHI is the one place where ________.
This is my first ISHI. I don’t know what to expect, but I’m excited to find out!