How Good Standards Can Prevent DNA 

from Becoming a 4-Letter Word 

Biology/DNA SAC and 

Subcommittees

Kris Cano

February 20, 2018
Biology SAC Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair George Herrin, Jr., Ph.D. Georgia Bureau of 

Investigation - Retired

4 gherrin111@gmail.com

Vice Chair Kris Cano Scottsdale Police 

Department Crime 

Laboratory

3 kcano@scottsdaleaz.gov

Executive 

Secretary

Deedra Hawk Wyoming Forensic

Fish and Wildlife

3 deedee.hawk@wyo.gov

2
Biology SAC Members

Name Organization Term Email

1 Kimberly Murga – Chair 

Biological Methods

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police 

Department

3 K10140M@lvmpd.com

2 Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D. – Chair 

Biological Data and Reporting

Florida Department of Law 

Enforcement

4 robynragsdale@fdle.state.fl.us

3 Kimberly Frazier – Chair 

Wildlife Forensics

Wyoming Fish & Game 

Department

4 kim.frazier@wyo.gov

4 John Butler, Ph.D. NIST 3 john.butler@nist.gov

5 Thomas Callaghan, Ph.D. FBI 3 thomas.callaghan@ic.fbi.gov

6 Robin Cotton, Ph.D. Boston University 4 rwcotton@bu.edu

7 Philip Danielson, Ph.D. University of Denver 4 pdaniels@du.edu

8 Simone Gittelson, Ph.D. NIST 3 simone.gittelson@nist.gov

9 Bruce Weir, Ph.D. University of Washington 3 bsweir@uw.edu

10 Jason Byrd, Ph.D. University of Florida 3 jhbyrd@ufl.edu

11 Carl Sobieralski Indiana State Police 3 csobieralski@isp.in.gov

3
Biology SAC Ex- Officio Members

Position Name Organization

QIC Liaison Timothy Kupferschmid Chief of Laboratories, New York City 

Office of Chief Medical Examiner 

LRC Liaison Jennifer Friedman Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles 

County, California 

HFC Liaison Erin Morris, Ph.D. Behavioral Sciences Research Analyst, Los 

Angeles County Public Defender 

4
Discipline Description

The purpose of the Biology/DNA Scientific 

Area Committee is to review and develop 

standards and guidelines related to DNA 

and serological techniques used in forensic 

analyses of human and wildlife evidence.

5
Biology/DNA SAC Goal

Standards and guidelines that facilitate 

analyses of biological evidence using 

scientifically rigorous methods that are 

consistent between and within 

laboratories.

6
Strategic Plan

• Focus on documents other than the FBI Quality Assurance 

Standards since the QAS is legally mandated for labs which 

participate in CODIS. The QAS is controlled by SWGDAM.

• Standards or guidelines must be based on scientific principles 

• Foundational documents that enhance the consistency and 

compatibility of personnel and laboratory practices

• Modular, specific documents that can be more easily updated to 

keep pace with changing technologies 

• The Academy Standards Board (ASB) has been selected as the 

most appropriate Standards Development Organization (SDO) 

for Biology/DNA documents

7
Types of Standards

8

Method 

Validation

Training & 

Education

Methods Data 

Interpretation

Reporting
Developing an OSAC Registry Standard

Topic 

Identified

SC Forms 

Task Group

Task Group

Writes Draft

OSAC Units 

Review

Draft Sent 

to SDO

SDO 

Reviews, 

Revises

SDO Creates 

Standard

SC Review 

& Vote

SAC 

Review & 

Vote 

FSSB 

Review & 

Vote

New 

Standard 

on Registry
Biology/DNA Document Process

10

Subcommittee 

develops document 

(SDO 100)

OSAC units review 

(SDO 200 - 600)

Draft document 

sent to SDO 

(SDO 700)
Biology/DNA Draft Documents

• Accessible on the NIST website

• Standards that have been voted on by the SAC and sent to an SDO

• In the Documents in Process area under Work Products sent to SDO 

(ASB)

• https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/osac-organizational- structure/biological-data-interpretation-and-reporting

• 3 draft documents available

• https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/osac-organizational- structure/biological-methods-subcommittee

• 4 draft documents available

• https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/osac-organizational- structure/wildlife-forensics-subcommittee

• 6 draft documents available

11
Biology/DNA SAC Next Steps

•Continue to review documents developed by 

subcommittees

•Work with ASB to continue progress on 

documents submitted

•Review any relevant ASB standards for 

possible inclusion on the OSAC registry

12
Biology Subcommittees (3)

• Biological Methods Subcommittee

• Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting 

Subcommittee

• Wildlife Forensic Subcommittee

13
14

Overview of Biology/DNA SAC Training Documents

Biological Methods Subcommittee

*Standards for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs 

*Standards for Training of Forensic Serological Methods

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification Methods

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Quantification Methods

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA STR Typing using Capillary Electrophoresis

Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis – Amplification

Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis –Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis

Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis –Interpretation of Haplotypes

Biological Data, Interpretation, and Reporting Subcommittee

*Standards for Training of Analysis of Forensic STR DNA Data

Standards to Training of Autosomal and YSTR Data Interpretation

Standards for Training of Statistical Applications for Forensic DNA Analysis

Standards for Training of CODIS

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Reporting and Review

Standards for Training of Courtroom Testimony for Forensic DNA Analysis

Wildlife Subcommittee

Standards for training of Mitochondrial DNA for Taxonomic ID

*Document Submitted to ASB
Summary Action Report

Wildlife Forensics

Biology/DNA SAC

AAFS 2018
Wildlife Forensic 

Subcommittee Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair Kimberly Frazier, 

M.S

Wyoming Game 

and Fish Dept.

4 Kim.frazier@wyo.gov

Vice Chair Chris O’Brien, 

Ph.D

University of New 

Haven

3 rcobrien@newhaven. 

edu

Executive 

Secretary

Mary BurnhamCurtis, Ph.DNational Fish & 

Wildlife Service

3 Mary_curtis@fws.gov

16
Subcommittee Members

# Name Organization Term Email

1 Brandt Cassidy, Ph.D DNA Solutions 3 bgcassidy@cox.net

2 David Foran, Ph.D Michigan State University 3 foran@msu.com

3 Trey Knott, M.S NOAA-Northwest Fisheries Science 

Center Forensic Laboratory

3 trey.knott@noaa.gov

4 M. Kathy Moore, Ph.D NOAA-Northwest Fisheries Science 

Center Forensic Laboratory

3 kathy.moore@noaa.gov

5 Tasha Bauman, M.S Wyoming Game and Fish Dept.-

Wildlife Forensic Laboratory

4 tasha.bauman@wyo.gov

6 Jenny Giles, Ph.D Stanford University-Department of 

Biology

4 jlgiles@stanford.edu

7 Seth Faith, Ph.D Battelle 3 faiths@battelle.org

8 Christina Lindquist, M.S UC Davis, Veterinary Genetics 

Laboratory, Forensic Unit

3 cdlindquist@ucdavis.edu

9 Holly Ernest, Ph.D, DVM University of Wyoming 3 holly.ernest@uwyo.edu

10 Michael Stockdale Tennessee Wildlife Resources 

Agency

3 mike.stockdale2009@gmail.com

11 Erin Meredith California Dept of Fish and Wildlife 3 erin.meredith@wildlife.ca.gov

12 Susan Underkkoffler University of Florida/Maples Center 

for Forensic Medicine

3 sunderkoffler@ufl.edu
Affiliates

# Name Organization Term Email

1 Kelly Meiklejohn ORISE-FBI kmeiklej@gmail.com

2 Kim Scribner Michigan State University scribne3@msu.edu

3 SilvanaTridico Murdoch University silvanatridico@yahoo.com

4 Brian Hamlin National Fish and Wildlife Service Brian_hamlin@fws.gov

5 Pepper Trail National Fish and Wildlife Service Pepper_trail@fws.gov

6 Dr. Tabitha Viner National Fish and Wildlife Service Tabitha.viner@fws.gov

7 Piper Schwenke NOAA Fisheries Piper.schwenke@noaa.gov

8 Rob Ogden TRACE Wildlife Forensic Network Rob.ogden@tracenetwork.org

9 Robert Grahn University of California ragrahn@ucdavis.edu

10 Kristine Pilgrim USDA Forest Service-NGC kpilgrim@fs.fed.us

11 Cindy Harper University of Pretoria Cindy.harper@up.ac.za

12 Samuel Wasser University of Washington wassers@uw.edu

13 Matthew Birck US Dept. of Homeland Security Matthew.birck@cbp.dhs.gov

18
Discipline Description

The Wildlife Forensics Subcommittee 

focuses on standards and guidelines 

related to taxonomic identification, 

individualization, and geographic 

origin of non-human biological 

evidence based on morphological 

and genetic analyses.

19
Summary of Projects

Priority OSAC 

Process Working Title of Document

1 SDO Geographic Assignment

2 SDO Public Sequences Validation for Taxonomic Identification

3 SDO Serology Methods for Taxonomic Identification

4 SDO Reference Collections

5 SDO mtDNA Training for Taxonomic Identification

6 ASB Wildlife Forensic General Standards

7 ASB Report Writing Standards

8 ASB Morphology Standards

9 ASB Validation Standards-STRs

10 ASB Validation Standards-Sequencing

11 ASB Wildlife Forensic DNA Standards

20
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #1

Document Title: Geographic Assignment

Scope: This method will address the DNA techniques, software 

and statistical analysis for the geographic assignment of 

individual animals to a population.

Objective/rationale: This document covers acceptable methods 

for geographic assignment using DNA

21

Task Group Name: Geographic Assignment

Task Group Chair Name: Seth Faith

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

faiths@battelle.org
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #2

22

Document Title: Public Sequence Validation

Scope: This document is intended as a guideline for validation of 

sequences in public databases that are used to determine 

taxonomic identification of samples.

Objective/rationale: This document covers acceptable uses of 

public databases for sequencing for taxonomic identification.

Task Group Name: Public Sequence Validation

Task Group Chair Name: Kathy Moore

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

kathy.moore@noaa.gov
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #3

Document Title: Serology Methods for Taxonomic Identification

Scope: This method addresses the use of a variety of 

serological and enzymatic electrophoretic techniques for the 

purpose of taxonomic identification in wildlife forensics.

Objective/rationale: This document will look at acceptable 

serology methods for taxonomic identification of samples.

23

Task Group Name: Serology Methods for Taxonomic ID

Task Group Chair Name: Tasha Bauman

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

tasha.bauman@wyo.gov
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #4

24

Document Title: Reference Collections

Scope: This document will provide a standard method for 

collecting and storing case reference samples, database 

samples and voucher samples from various non-human 

organisms.

Objective/rationale: Collecting samples from species other than 

human can prove challenging. Standardized storage of voucher 

specimens is also necessary. This document will address these 

issues.

Task Group Name: Reference Collections

Task Group Chair Name: Chris O’Brien

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

rcobrien@newhaven.edu
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #5

25

Document Title: mtDNA Training for Taxonomic Identification

Scope: This document will discuss the elements of an effective 

training plan for taxonomic identification based on mitochondrial 

DNA sequencing methods within a wildlife forensic laboratory

Objective/rationale: A training method is necessary for effectively 

using mtDNA sequencing for taxonomic identification.

Task Group Name: mtDNA Training for Taxonomic ID

Task Group Chair Name: David Foran

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

foran@msu.edu
Standards/Guidelines Documents at 

AAFS Academy Standards Board

• Wildlife Forensic General Standards

• Wildlife Forensic Report Writing Standards

• Wildlife Forensic Morphology Standards

• Wildlife Forensic Validation Standards-STRs

• Wildlife Forensic Validation Standards-Sequencing

• Wildlife Forensic DNA Standards

26
Future of the Wildlife Forensic SC

27

• Writing protocols, training and validation documents for 

emerging technologies.

• Effectively incorporating emerging technologies into wildlife 

forensics

• Protocols on specific methods

• Validation Standards- General and Morphology

• Technical Reports
Research & Development Needs Identified

• Species specific STR panels and allelic ladders

üCurrently have several labs working on compiling markers for 

deer species

üGrad student prepared to take on task of developing allelic 

ladders 

• Applications for Next Gen Sequencing

üDetermine if NGS can be beneficial to WF

28
Summary Action Report

Biological Methods Subcommittee

Biology/DNA SAC

AAFS 2018
Subcommittee Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair Kimberly 

Murga

Las Vegas 

Metropolitan Police 

Department

3 K10140M@lvmpd.com

Vice Chair Margaret 

Sanger

Kentucky State Police 3 Margaret.Sanger@ky.gov

Executive 

Secretary

Jason Befus Maryland State 

Police

3 Jason.Befus@maryland.gov

30
Subcommittee Members

# Name Organization Term Email

1 Caroline Zervos FBI 3 caroline.zervos@ic.fbi.gov

2 Taylor Scott Federal Bureau of Investigation 3 taylor.scott@ic.fbi.gov

3 Melissa Suddeth Florida Department of Law Enforcement 3 MelissaSuddeth@fdle.state.fl.us

4 Peter Vallone NIST 3 peter.vallone@nist.gov

5 Susan Greenspoon Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science 3 Susan.Greenspoon@dfs.Virginia.gov

6 Craig Nolde Sorenson Forensics 3 cnolde@sorensonforensics.com

7 Elisa Wurmbach NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner 3 ewurmbach@ocm.nyc.gov

8 Sean Oliver Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory 3 robert.s.oliver28.ctr@mail.mil

9 Stacy McDonald Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic 

Sciences

3 smcdonald@dallascounty.org

10 Amy McGuckian Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office 3 amy.mcguckiana@pbso.org

11 Amy Jeanguenat Mindgen LLC 3 amy@mindgenllc.com

12 Steven Weitz Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and 

Explosives

4 Steven.Weitz@atf.gov

13 Daniele Podini The George Washington University 4 podini@gwu.edu

14 Ann Gross MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension 4 ann.gross@state.mn.us

15 Debra Glidewell DoD/Defense Forensic Science Center 4 Debra.e.glidewell.civ@mail.mil

16 Bruce McCord Florida International University 4 mccordb@fiu.edu

17 Kristine Kadash Jefferson County Regional Crime Lab 4 kkadash@co.Jefferson.co.us

31
Affiliates

# Name Organization Email

1 Simone Gittelson National Institute of 

Standards and Technology

simone.gittelson@nist.gov

2 David Foran Michigan State University foran@msu.edu

3 Steven Lund National Institute of 

Standards and Technology

steven.lund@nist.gov

4 Christie Smith Tennessee Bureau of 

Investigation

Christie.Smith@tn.gov

5 Brian Adams Bode Cellmark Brian.adams@bodetech.com

32
Discipline Description

Biological Methods

The Biological Methods Subcommittee will 

focus on establishing standards and 

guidelines that support molecular and 

biochemical methods used to analyze 

evidence and reference items.

• This encompasses everything from 

serology through loading samples on a 

Genetic Analyzer. This subcommittee 

does not cover anything related to 

interpretation (serology interpretation or 

DNA interpretation)

33
34

Biological Methods

Subcommittee

Contamination

Task Group

Training and 

Education

Task Group

Validation 

Task 

Group

Serology 

Task 

Group
35

Overview of OSAC Biological Methods Roadmap

Contamination Task Group

Standards for the Prevention, Monitoring, and Mitigation of DNA Contamination

Training and Education Task Group:

*Standards for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs 

*Best Practice Recommendations for Assessing Educational Requirements for Forensic DNA Analysts

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification Methods

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Quantification Methods

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA STR Typing using Capillary Electrophoresis

Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis – Amplification

Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis –Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis

Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis –Interpretation of Haplotypes

Validation Task Group:

*Standards for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis Methods

*Standards for Internal Validation of Human Short Tandem Repeat Profiling on Capillary Electrophoresis 

Platforms

Guidelines for Internal Validation Standards for Human STR Profiling Using CE Platforms 

Serology Task Group:

*Standards for the Validation of Serological Methods

Standards for the Analytical Procedures and Report Writing of Serological Methods

Standards for Training in Serological Methods

*Document Submitted to ASB
Documents Submitted to ASB in 2017

Working Title of Document Document Status

Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs Should be posted for 

Public Comment 2/2018

Best Practices for Assessing Educational Requirements for 

Forensic DNA Analysts 

Document rejected by ASB 

in current state

Standards for Internal Validation of DNA Analysis 

Methods

Document is being 

evaluated by ASB

Standards for Internal Validation of Human Short Tandem 

Repeat Profiling on Capillary Electrophoresis

Document is being 

evaluated by ASB

Standards for the Validation of Serological Methods Document is being 

evaluated by ASB

36
Summary of Projects

Priority OSAC 

Process Working Title of Document

1 SDO Standards for the Analytical Procedures and Report Writing of Forensic Serological Methods

2 SDO Guidelines for Internal Validation of Human Short Tandem Repeat Profiling on Capillary 

Electrophoresis Platforms

3 SDO Standards for Prevention, Monitoring, and Mitigation of DNA Contamination

4 SDO Standards for the Training of Forensic Serological Methods

5 SDO Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification Methods

6 SDO Standards for Training of DNA Quantitation Methods

7 SDO Standards for Training of Forensic STR Typing Methods – PCR Amplification, DNA Separation 

and Detection

8 SDO Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Methods - Amplification

9 SDO Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Methods – Sequencing using 

Capillary Electrophoresis

10 SDO Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Methods – Interpretation of 

Haplotypes

37
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #1 

Document Title: Standards for the Analytical Procedures and Report Writing of Forensic 

Serological Methods

• Scope: This document will provide analytical based standards when performing 

forensic serology procedures. It is intended for laboratories to comply with these 

standards and ensure practices, policies, and procedures are being followed in 

accordance with approved accrediting bodies. 

• Objective/rationale: Prior to this document there were no standards detailing the 

requirements for analytical procedures and report writing of forensic serological 

methods. It is important that all laboratories follow these standards to properly perform 

forensic serology tests. 

38

Task Group Name: Serological Examination of Biological 

Evidence 

Task Group Chair Name: Caroline Zervos

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

caroline.zervos@ic.fbi.gov

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #1

Key Components of Standard:

•Terms and Definitions

•Contamination Prevention

•Analytical Procedures

39
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Schedule a Pitch Meeting to present document 

to OSAC

Feb 2018 Serology Task 

Group

2 Incorporate feedback from Pitch Meeting March 2018 Serology Task 

Group

3 Present revised standard to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

April 2018 Serology Task 

Group

4 Present standards to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

June 2018 Serology Task 

Group

5 Submit document to ASB July 2018 Serology Task 

Group

40
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #2

• Document Title: Guidelines for Internal Validation of Human Short Tandem 

Repeat Profiling on Capillary Electrophoresis Platforms

• Scope: This Best Practices document defines standards that apply to the 

internal validation of a short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex kit using capillary 

electrophoresis. It is designed to be a companion guide document for the 

Standards for Internal Validation of Short Tandem Repeat Profiling on 

Capillary Electrophoresis Platforms document.

• Objective/rationale: Guidance for the internal validation of critical processes 

is necessary in order to produce more uniform bodies of work among different 

laboratories across the country. It also ensures that every laboratory has best 

practice information that can be paired with each standard.

41

Task Group Name: Validation and Method Development 

Task Group Chair Name: Steven Weitz

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

steven.weitz@atf.gov

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #2

Key Components of Standard:

• Reference to Companion Document

• Objectives

• Considerations

• Experimental Methods

• Data Analysis and Results

• Internal Validation Study Objectives: Concordance, Precision, 

Sensitivity, Contamination, Mixtures, Peak Height Rations, Knowns 

and Non-Probative Samples, Stutter Ratios

42
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Present guidelines to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

Feb 2018 Validation and 

Method 

Development Task 

Group

2 Present guidelines to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

March 2018 Validation and 

Method 

Development Task 

Group

3 Submit document to ASB April 2018 Validation and 

Method 

Development Task 

Group

43
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #3

• Document Title: Standards for Prevention, Monitoring, and Mitigation of DNA 

Contamination

• Scope: This standard covers aspects of limiting, detecting, identifying, and mitigating 

DNA contamination as applied to forensic and DNA database STR analysis via capillary 

electrophoresis and Rapid DNA analysis conducted in a laboratory. This standard does 

not cover methods of STR analysis specific to low-copy DNA samples or use of Rapid 

instrumentation outside of a laboratory environment.

• Objective/rationale: This document discusses the minimum requirements that a 

laboratory conducting STR analysis by capillary electrophoresis shall follow to limit, 

detect, identify, and mitigate contamination events as it pertains to forensic DNA 

analysis. 

Task Group Name: Contamination

Task Group Chair Name: Margaret Sanger

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

Margaret.Sanger@ky.gov

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018

44
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #3

Key Components of Standard: 

• Terms and Definitions

• Requirements

• Procedural Requirements

• Personnel and Training Requirements

• Requirements Specific to the Use of Rapid DNA Instruments and 

Consumables in a Laboratory

• Conformance

45
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Present standard to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

March 2018 Contamination 

Task Group

2 Present standard to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

April 2018 Contamination 

Task Group

3 Submit document to ASB June 2018 Contamination 

Task Group

46
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #4

• Document Title: Standards for the Training of Forensic Serological Methods

• Scope: This standard provides general requirements for completing training in forensic 

serological methods. 

• Objective/rationale: This standard originated due to the need for forensic serology 

specific training standards. While there are existing documents on how to train 

personnel, prior to this document there was not a standards document specific to 

training in forensic serological methods. 

47

Task Group Name: Serological Examination of 

Biological Evidence 

Task Group Chair Name: Caroline Zervos

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

caroline.zervos@ic.fbi.gov

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #4

Key Components of Standard: 

• Terms and Definitions

• Personnel Requirements

• Competency Testing

• Training Program Content

• Competency Testing

• Conformance

48
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Schedule a Pitch Meeting to present document 

to OSAC

March 2018 Serology Task 

Group

2 Incorporate feedback from Pitch Meeting April 2018 Serology Task 

Group

3 Present revised standard to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

June 2018 Serology Task 

Group

4 Present standards to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

July 2018 Serology Task 

Group

5 Submit document to ASB August 2018 Serology Task 

Group

49
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #5

• Document Title: Standard for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and 

Purification Methods

• Scope: This document provides requirements to ensure proper training in the 

approved methods of DNA isolation and purification used within the trainee’s 

forensic DNA laboratory. 

• Objective/rationale: This document identifies the key components of an 

effective DNA isolation and purification training program for Forensic 

Laboratories.

Task Group Name: Education, Training, Competency and 

Certification 

Task Group Chair Name: Kristine Kadash

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

kkadash@co.Jefferson.co.us

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018

50
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #5

Key Components of Standard: 

• Terms and Definitions

• Personnel Requirements

• Competency Testing

• Training Program Content

• Competency Testing

• Conformance

51
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Schedule a Pitch Meeting to present document 

to OSAC

March 2018 Training Task 

Group

2 Incorporate feedback from Pitch Meeting April 2018 Training Task 

Group

3 Present revised standard to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

June 2018 Training Task 

Group

4 Present standards to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

July 2018 Training Task 

Group

5 Submit document to ASB August 2018 Training Task 

Group

52
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #6

• Document Title: Standards for Training of DNA Quantitation Methods

• Scope: This document provides requirements to ensure proper training in the approved 

methods of DNA quantification used within the trainee’s forensic DNA laboratory. 

• Objective/rationale: This standard defines the minimum requirements that shall be met 

in a Forensic DNA Analyst training program for DNA quantification methods. The goal 

of this standard is to provide framework for quality training that will result in consistency 

in the Forensic DNA community.

Task Group Name: Education, Training, Competency and 

Certification 

Task Group Chair Name: Kristine Kadash

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

kkadash@co.Jefferson.co.us

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018

53
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #6

Key Components of Standard: 

• Terms and definitions

• Knowledge-based training program components 

• Technical components

• Recommended references

• Conformance requirements

54
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Schedule a Pitch Meeting to present document 

to OSAC

March 2018 Training Task 

Group

2 Incorporate feedback from Pitch Meeting April 2018 Training Task 

Group

3 Present revised standard to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

June 2018 Training Task 

Group

4 Present standards to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

July 2018 Training Task 

Group

5 Submit document to ASB August 2018 Training Task 

Group

55
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #7

• Document Title: Standards for Training of Forensic STR Typing Methods –

PCR Amplification, DNA Separation and Detection

• Scope: This document provides requirements to ensure proper training in the 

approved methods of STR typing and capillary electrophoresis used within the 

trainee’s forensic DNA laboratory. 

• Objective/rationale: This document discusses the elements of an effective 

training plan for STR typing using capillary electrophoresis methods within a 

forensic laboratory.

Task Group Name: Education, Training, Competency and 

Certification 

Task Group Chair Name: Kristine Kadash

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

kkadash@co.Jefferson.co.us

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018 56
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #7

Key Components of Standard: 

• Terms and definitions

• Knowledge-based training program components 

• Technical components

• Recommended references

• Conformance requirements

57
Committee Action Plan

Priority Planned Actions Approx. Deadline Assignee

1 Schedule a Pitch Meeting to present document 

to OSAC

March 2018 Training Task 

Group

2 Incorporate feedback from Pitch Meeting April 2018 Training Task 

Group

3 Present revised standard to Biological Methods 

Subcommittee for review/comments/vote

June 2018 Training Task 

Group

4 Present standards to Biology/DNA SAC for 

review/comments/vote

July 2018 Training Task 

Group

5 Submit document to ASB August 2018 Training Task 

Group

58
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #8- #10

• Document Title: Standards for Training of Forensic Mitochondrial DNA 

Analysis Methods – Amplification, -Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis, and –Interpretation of Haplotypes

• Scope: These documents provide requirements to ensure proper training in 

the approved methods of Mitochondrial DNA amplification, sequencing using 

Capillary Electrophoresis, and the Interpretation of Haplotypes used within the 

trainee’s forensic DNA laboratory. 

• Objective/rationale: This document discusses the elements of an effective 

training plan for Mitochondrial DNA amplification methods within a forensic 

laboratory.

59

Task Group Name: Education, Training, Competency and 

Certification 

Task Group Chair Name: Kristine Kadash

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

kkadash@co.Jefferson.co.us

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 2018
Standards/Guidelines Development

Document #8

Key Components of 3 Mitochondrial DNA Training Standards: 

• Terms and definitions

• Knowledge-based training program components 

• Technical components

• Recommended references

• Conformance requirements

60
*Standards for Internal Validation 

of Forensic DNA Analysis Methods

*Standards for 

Internal Validation of 

Human Short 

Tandem Repeat 

Profiling on Capillary 

Electrophoresis 

Platforms

**Standards for 

Internal 

Validation of 

Human DNA 

Quantitation

**Standards for 

Internal 

Validation of 

Automated 

Platforms

**Standards for 

Internal 

Validation of 

DNA Extraction 

Methods

Guidance for the 

Internal Validation of 

Human Short 

Tandem Repeat 

Profiling on Capillary 

Electrophoresis 

Platforms

**Guidance for 

Internal 

Validation of 

Human DNA 

Quantitation

**Guidance for 

Internal 

Validation of 

Automated 

Platforms

**Guidance for 

Internal 

Validation of 

DNA Extraction 

Methods

Validation Task Group Roadmap

* Document Submitted to ASB

** Documents to be developed in the future
Research Topics/Needs

• To Improve the Analysis of Serological Evidence: 

identification of Body Fluid

• Considerable research has been conducted to improve 

DNA analysis techniques, but little has changed for the 

front end of serological analysis of evidence

• It would be beneficial to add methods which would 

decrease the serological analysis time on items like 

sheets, clothing, etc.

• Advanced technology could be developed to assist in the 

localization of potential stains would be a great assistance 

to the community

62
Summary Action Report

Biological Data Interpretation and 

Reporting 

Biology/DNA SAC

AAFS 2018
Subcommittee Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D. FDLE 4 robynragsdale@fdle.state.fl.us

Vice Chair Mechthild Prinz, Ph.D. John Jay College 

of Criminal 

Justice 

2 mprinz@jj.cuny.edu

Executive 

Secretary

Catherine Grgicak, Ph.D. Rutgers 

University

3 c.grgicak@rutgers.edu

64
Subcommittee Members

# Name Organization Term Email

1 Todd Bille ATF 3 todd.bille@atf.gov

2 Lisa Marie Brewer Retired 3

3 Michael Coble, Ph.D. NIST 4 mcoble@nist.gov

4 Kathleen Corrado, Ph.D. Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences 3 kcorrado@ongov.net

5 Julie French NetBio 4 Jlfren6@ande.com

6 Brian Higgins DFSC-USACIL 3 brian.p.higgins1.civ@mail.mil

7 Marla Kaplan Portland Metro Crime Laboratory 3 marla.kaplan@state.or.us

8 Rebekah J. Kay Utah Bureau of Forensic Services 4 rkay@utah.gov

9 Susannah C. Kehl Federal Bureau of Investigation 3 susannah.kehl@ic.fbi.gov

10 Melissa Kotkin Verogen 3 mkotkin@verogen.com

11 Eugene Lien Office of the Chief Medical Examiner NYC 3 ELien@ocme.nyc.gov

12 Shawn Montpetit San Diego Police Department 3 smontpetit@pd.sandiego.gov

13 Steven Myers California Department of Justice Jan Bashinski DNA 

Laboratory

3 Steven.Myers@doj.ca.gov

14 Beth Ordeman Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office 3 bordeman@co.pinellas.fl.us

15 Christian G. Westring, Ph.D. NMS Labs 3 christian.westring@NMSlabs.com

16 Charlotte J. Word, Ph.D. Self Employed as a Private Consultant 3 cjword@comcast.net

17 Sandy Zabell, Ph.D. Northwestern University, Department of 

Mathematics

4 zabell@math.northwestern.edu

65
Affiliate Members

# Name Organization Email

1 Andrew P. McWhorter Texas Department of Public Safety andrew.mcwhorter@dps.texas.gov

2 Lynne Burley Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory lburley@crimelab.sccgov.org

3 James Curran University of Auckland j.curran@auckland.ac.nz

4 Sarah Lewis Colorado Bureau of Investigation sarah.lewis@state.co.us

5 Jerrilyn Conway FBI

6 Jennifer Honkanen Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory honkanenje@doj.state.wi.us

7 Jason Bundy Florida Department of Law Enforcement jasonbundy@fdle,state.fl.us

8 Susan Berdine Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory susan.berdine@denvergov.org

9 John Buckleton ESR john.buckleton@esr.cri.nz

10 Garett S. Sugimoto Kern Regional Crime Laboratory gsugimoto@co.kern.ca.us

11 Darren Wright Idaho State Police Forensic Services Darren.Wright@isp.idaho.gov

12 Kyra Groeblinghoff Saint Louis County Police Crime Laboratory kgroeblinghoff@stlouisco.com

13 Craig O'Connor NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner coconnor@ocme.nyc.gov

14 Melisa W. Staples New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory mstaples@safety.state.nh.us

15 Jessica Charak Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department j14785c@lvmpd.com

16 Jody Koehler Texas Department of Public Safety Jody.Koehler@dps.texas.gov

17 Heather E. McKiernan The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education Heather.McKiernan@frfoundation.org

18 Debra Epstein Bright-Line Forensic Sciences debra.epstein@brightlineforensic.com

19

Joel Sutton

Defense Forensic Science Center - US Army Criminal 

Investigation Laboratory

joel.d.sutton2.civ@mail.mil

20

Kristen Fripp

Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Division of Forensic 

Sciences

Kristen.fripp@gbi.ga.gov

20 Erin Forry Boston Police Department Crime Laboratory Erin.forry@pd.boston.gov

22 Lisa Dziegielewski NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner ldziegielewski@ocme.nyc.gov

66
Biological Data Interpretation

and Reporting Subcommittee

This Subcommittee (formerly called DNA 

Analysis 2) focuses on standards and 

guidelines related to forensic DNA laboratory 

interpretation and reporting.

The Biological Data Interpretation and 

Reporting Subcommittee focuses on 

establishing best practices, guidelines, 

and standards for inclusion in the OSAC 

Registry. The goal is to foster quality and 

consistency within the forensic 

community through the standardization of 

scientifically valid methods of 

interpretation, statistical analysis and 

reporting of biological results. 

67
Biological Interpretation and 

Reporting Subcommittee Task Groups

• Training Task Group (6 documents; These standards give guidance to required training as related to DNA data 

interpretation and reporting.)

• Statistics Task Group (1 document; This document will provide direction for proper forensic statistical analysis of DNA 

samples.)

• Mixture Task Group (2 documents; These standards guide labs on how to validate their internal mixture guidelines as well 

as how to ensure that their laboratory is consistently following 

their validated guidelines.)

• Reporting with Contamination/Failed Controls Task 

Group (1 document; In situations where repeat analysis is not possible, this document will give direction on proper reporting of 

results when issues arise related to contamination or failed 

controls.)

68
Biological Interpretation and 

Reporting Subcommittee Task Groups

• Reporting Conclusions Task Group (1 document; This 

document addresses how to clearly, concisely, and properly 

report DNA results.)

• Formulation of Propositions Task Group (1 document; This 

document explains the proper formulation of propositions 

relative to likelihood ratios.)

• Software Validation Task Group (1 document; This 

document gives assistance in how to internally validate 

software.) 

• Threshold Determination Task Group (1 document; This 

document will explain the methods used to determine analytical 

and stochastic thresholds.)

69
Documents Submitted to ASB

in 2017/2018

Working Title of Document Document Status

Validation Standards for Probabilistic Genotyping 

Systems 

Adjudicating public 

comments

Standards for the Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures for 

the Verification of Laboratory Protocols

Adjudicating 2nd round of 

public comments

Standards for Forensic DNA Interpretation and 

Comparison Protocols

7 New Work Products forms submitted to ASB including

Assigning Propositions for LRs and 6 training documents

Documents in progress

70
Summary of Projects (Documents in 

Progress)

Priority OSAC 

Process Working Title of Document

1 SDO Standard for Training of Analysis of Forensic STR Data

2 SDO Standard for Training of the Combined DNA Index System

3 SDO Standard for Training of Forensic DNA Reporting and Review

4 SDO Standard for Training of Forensic Autosomal and Y STR Data Interpretation

5 SDO Standard for Training of Courtroom Testimony for Forensic DNA Analysis

6 SDO Standard for Training of Statistical Applications for Forensic DNA Analysis

7 SDO Standard for the Reporting of DNA Results and Conclusions for DNA Profiles Associated with 

Contamination or Failed Controls

8 SDO Standard for Statistical Analysis in Forensic DNA Casework

9 SDO Standard for Reporting DNA Conclusions

10 SDO Best Practice Recommendations for Validation of Forensic DNA Software 

11 SDO Standards for Determining Analytical and Stochastic Thresholds

71
Future Areas to Address:

• Standards related to Sequencing (NG)

• Standards related to Rapid DNA

• Standards related to Familial DNA Testing

• Standards related to Y STR Data and Mixture Interpretation

• Standards related to Forensic Paternity/Relationship Testing

If interested in being involved in one of these groups, please 

submit an application to the OSAC and also contact Robyn 

Ragsdale (robynragsdale@fdle.state.fl.us) or Mecki Prinz 

(mprinz@jj.cuny.edu). 

72
Identified Research Topics/Needs

• Best practices for reporting likelihood ratios or other 

probabilistic results in court

• Assessing DNA background and transfer scenarios in 

forensic casework

Additional research needs can be found at

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/osac-researchdevelopment-needs#BiologicalData

73
Challenges and Lessons Learned

• Moving through the SDO and OSAC process. There has been 

a learning curve and acceptance that good documentary 

standards take time to produce. 

• Understanding the role of OSAC, the SDO, SWGDAM and 

cooperatively working together for a common goal.

• The most effective manner in creating standards for the Biology 

discipline was to work with smaller topics rather than creating a 

monster standard.

• As a discipline we need to prioritize with the needs of the 

community.

74
Future Needs

• Standardization for Familial Searching

• Comparative analysis of Probabilistic Genotyping software 

programs

• Addressing Rapid DNA and how it will affect CODIS

• Consistency in DNA Mixture Interpretation – making this a 

priority

75
THANK YOU !!

76