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FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS WORKSHOP

Instructor:  Dr. J. Thomas McClintock                                                       A

GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

     This integrated Workshop will introduce participants to techniques currently used in forensic DNA profiling crime laboratories in Virginia and across the country. Workshop activities will include extraction and quantification of DNA from cheek cells and human cell lines, and state-of-the-art PCR-based DNA profiling methods such as short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. This Workshop will allow participants to experience the full range of activities associated with the various techniques and procedures. Activities will include solution preparation, sample processing and handling, recordkeeping (e.g., chain of custody), data interpretation, and report generation. Discussions will include the historical development of DNA typing methods, alternative procedures employed in laboratories, and the ongoing development of new DNA typing methods. Legal issues associated with quality control, frequency or probability estimates, sample condition and preservation, chain of custody, and admissibility will also be presented.

COURSE GOALS and OBJECTIVES

The objective of this “hands-on” Workshop is to provide the participants with a thorough understanding of the principles and methodologies used in forensic DNA analysis. The practical applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests (the variable number tandem repeats [VNTR]} locus D1S80; HLADQA1 and Polymarker [PM] analyses; short tandem repeat [STR]) and mtDNA typing, are emphasized in selected topics and criminal case studies. Participants will also learn how forensic and paternity data are analyzed. Specifically, at the conclusion of this Workshop the participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of proper evidence sample collection, handling, storage, and processing

• Demonstrate and understand chain of custody issues

• Demonstrate an understanding of the various PCR-based techniques that have been used for forensic DNA analysis

• Demonstrate an understanding of mtDNA typing technique that have been used in forensic DNA analysis

• Demonstrate knowledge of various extraction methods from samples, quantification of human-specific DNA, and amplification of DNA using numerous STR loci

•  Analyze PCR generated data by gel and capillary electrophoresis

•  Demonstrate and analyze mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing using sequence analysis

•  Analyze data for anomalies such as “stutter” products and mixtures

•  Calculate probabilities of generated PCR and mtDNA profiles (Combined Random Match Probabilities and Likelihood Ratios)

•  Demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance/quality control and lab certification issues

•  Demonstrate an understanding of the factors affecting the admissibility of DNA typing evidence

Contact:  J. Thomas McClintock

Office Phone:  (703) 927-9090

EMAIL: DNADiagnosticsInc@gmail.com 

Required Text:  Forensic DNA Analysis: A Laboratory Manual J. Thomas McClintock, CRC/Taylor & Francis Press

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Training and Workshops

Dr. J. Thomas McClintock of DNA Diagnostics, Inc. is committed to helping customers understand the science of DNA typing, the methods and tests used to identify human DNA, their usefulness and limitations, and the various legal questions raised by attorneys and judges prior to and during trial. Dr. McClintock has provided training to prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and law enforcement officials on effective DNA evidence handling, chain of custody procedures, specialized trial tactics, and effective presentation of DNA evidence in the court room. Workshops have also been designed to provide a basic understanding of the ABCs of DNA, as well as a thorough background of the molecular techniques used to determine an individual’s identity (i.e., a DNA profile) or parental lineage.

DNA typing courses are available that are designed to provide the participant with an understanding of the principles and methodologies used in PCR-based tests such as STR (short tandem repeat) analyses. The practical applications coupled with the use of PCR-amplified products of specific human DNA regions, are emphasized in selected topics for those in the legal professions as well as for forensic and research scientists. Customized workshops, seminars, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs are also available upon request to suit the customer’s needs. An outline of an often requested workshop, which focuses on effective presentation of DNA evidence in a jury trial, is presented below.

DNA Profiling: Effective Presentation of DNA Evidence in Jury Trials

I. INTRODUCTION: Objective and Goals

II. ANALYSIS OF DNA: The Genetic Material

A. Historical Considerations

     1. Blood Typing

     2. DNA Typing

         a. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis

         b. HLA DQA1/PM Typing

         c. D1S80 Typing

B. Physical Characteristics

     1. Chromosomes, Genes, and Alleles

     2. Chemical Structure

III. DNA TESTING TECHNIQUES

A. Current DNA Typing/Profiling

     1. Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Typing

     2. Amelogenin (gender determination) Typing

     3. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Typing

B. Methodological Problems and Issues

IV. PRESENTING DNA EVIDENCE AT TRIAL

A. Preparation/Presentation of DNA Evidence

     1. DNA Expert

     2. Qualification of the Expert Witness

B. Technical versus Non-Technical Approaches

C. Communicating DNA Evidence to the Jury

V. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

OTHER WORKSHOPS or TRAINING SESSIONS have included such topics as:

• PCR Methodology

• Collection, Handling, and Storage of Evidence

• D1S80 Typing

• DNA Typing: RFLP and PCR-Based Systems

• RFLP Technologies: Forensic and Research Applications

• The ABCs of DNA Typing: Principles and Methodologies

• Applications of DNA Technology in Forensic Science

• Advance Formula DNA: Crime Science to Lab to Court

Contact us by phone (703-927-9090) or EMAIL DNADiagnosticsInc@gmail.com to customize your own Workshop.