Research Interests
My research background is in molecular and population genetics, which are the fields of science that underpin the analysis, statistical interpretation and evaluation of forensic DNA evidence. I have therefore developed forensic genetics research by applying my experience to questions of a forensic nature. I am interested in the development of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) assays to determine the source, type, age and time of deposition of forensic samples, such as single or mixed body fluid stains and touch DNA. Current research in forensic genetics includes development of DNA methylation models to accurately determine the age of the donor of unknown body fluid samples, RNA degradation assays to determine the time of deposition of body fluid stains and the use of novel DNA profiling methods across different global populations.
Professional Activities
External Examiner, Northumbria University Examiner1/8/2020CPD - Courtroom Skills Training - Witness Familiarisation Participant9/7/2020CPD - Excellence in Report Writing Participant2/7/2020External Examiner, University of Central Lancashire Examiner6/3/2020Forensic genetics: beyond DNA profiling. Speaker13/1/2020Forensic Capability Network (External organisation) Advisor2020
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Projects
Development of a kit for the collection of human DNA evidence in wildlife crime cases in Scotland. Haddrill, Penny (Principal Investigator) Govan, James (Co-investigator) Wildlife crime is a high priority for the Scottish Government, yet prosecution and conviction rates remain low for these types of crime. This results in part from the fact that many of these crimes occur in remote locations, meaning that Police Scotland face challenges in the gathering of sufficient evidence for the identification and prosecution of perpetrators. It has been shown that the perpetrator’s DNA can be recovered from the carcasses of poached deer and from baits, traps and carcasses in raptor persecution cases, but this technology has rarely been used in the investigation of these types of crime. We will develop a kit to collect human DNA from wildlife crime scenes, demonstrate that it can be effectively used to recover DNA of suitable quality and quantity to produce reportable profiles in the laboratory and natural environment, and develop a training programme to instruct individuals in the use of the kits. This will facilitate the capture of evidence at the scene of wildlife crimes, increasing the utilisation of forensic science at source for these cases, with the ultimate aim of increasing rates of prosecution and conviction of individuals who perpetrate crime against animals in Scotland. 03-Jan-2019 Forensic Science Marketing Tour in Canada Savage, Katy (Principal Investigator) Haddrill, Penny (Co-investigator) 01-Jan-2014 - 31-Jan-2015
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