This expert has more than 40 years of experience in genetics and molecular biology, this genetics expert witness focuses on chromatin organization and function, small nuclear RNA genes and isoforms, DNA fingerprinting, molecular phylogeny of AIDS, and population genetics. Additional expertise includes legal forensic DNA fingerprinting, autoimmune disease research, human evolution, genomic analysis, and molecular biology involving human identification and population diversity studies. The expert has more than 20 years of experience providing consultations, deposition testimony, and courtroom testimony in genetics and forensic DNA matters, including approximately 100 forensic cases and laboratory evaluations involving DNA fingerprinting methodologies and forensic laboratory review.

Extensive academic and scientific leadership experience includes professorial appointments in genetics, molecular biology, human genetics, and medical genetics, as well as research positions involving cytogenetics, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and clinical chemistry. The expert’s scientific work has encompassed forensic PCR analysis, STR marker evaluation, Y-chromosome variation studies, mitochondrial DNA analysis, polymorphic Alu insertions, phylogenetic assessment of HIV-related genetic data, and genomic approaches to human migration and ancestry evaluation. Research activities have also involved spliceosomal RNA analysis, molecular regulation studies, transgenic silk moth genetics, autoimmune disease investigations, and population structure modeling involving worldwide human populations.

Internationally recognized presentation and instructional activities have included invited lectures, plenary seminars, and forensic science conference presentations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America addressing forensic DNA analysis, molecular evolution, human identification technologies, phylogenetics, and population genetics. Editorial and peer-review responsibilities have included service as Associate Editor for Gene and Genetica, along with reviewer appointments for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals. Additional professional contributions include participation in the diversity component of the Human Genome Project through contributions to the Centre D’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain international cell line repository.

Published research has appeared in journals including Forensic Science International, American Journal of Human Genetics, Human Genetics, Journal of Forensic Science, European Journal of Human Genetics, Human Biology, and Electrophoresis, addressing forensic DNA analysis, paternity testing, STR population studies, mitochondrial DNA evaluation, Y-chromosome diversity, and population genetics. Research funding and scientific support have included grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, Department of Energy research programs, and United States Air Force research initiatives. Educational attainment includes a Ph.D. in Genetics, a Master of Science in Genetics, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Genetics.