Join expert faculty on a deep dive into DNA and forensic testing in criminal cases. Learn about different methods of criminalistic analysis and screenings of crime scene samples and sexual assault kits (e.g., presence of saliva or other biological fluids), and the current state of forensic DNA testing.Explore the science
Hear from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, a defense expert, and practitioners about DNA mixture analysis using probabilistic genotyping, statistics, and likelihood ratios. Explore the use of forensic genetic genealogy in investigation and as evidence in court. Have your questions ready the panel wants to hear from you!
Course Content
2:00pm - 2:05pm - Welcome and IntroductionJill Tessier, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Worcester
2:05pm - 2:50pm - Current DNA Processing at Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab
Amy Barber,
Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, Maynard
2:50pm - 3:35pm - Probabilistic Genotyping and DNA Statistics - Likelihood Ratios
Steven Laken, Ph.D,
President and C.E.O., Cephos LLC, Tyngsboro
3:35pm - 3:55pm - Forensic Genetic Genealogy
Jill Tessier, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Worcester
3:55pm - 4:15pm - Criminalistics and Screening Tests
Joanna Arkema, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Pittsfield
4:15pm - 4:45pm - Litigation Tips
Terry James McLaughlin, Esq.,
Worcester District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester
4:45pm - 5:00pm - "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways
Panel
Speakers
ChairJill Tessier, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Worcester
Faculty
Joanna Arkema, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Pittsfield
Amy Barber,
Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, Maynard
Steven Laken, Ph.D,
President and C.E.O., Cephos LLC, Tyngsboro
Terry James McLaughlin, Esq.,
Worcester District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester
