Biology/DNA Scientific Area 

Committee

Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D., Chair
Biology/DNA 

SAC 

Leadership

Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D., Chair; Florida Department of Law 

Enforcement

Carl Sobieralski, Vice Chair; Indiana State Police Laboratory

Deedra Hawk, Executive Secretary; Wyoming Game and Fish 

Department

Kimberly Frazier, Wildlife, Chair; Wyoming Game and Fish 

Department Wildlife Forensic and Fish Health Laboratory

Kimberly Murga, Biological Methods, Chair, Las Vegas 

Metropolitan Police Department

Beth Ordeman, Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting, 

Chair; Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Biology/DNA 

SAC 

Membership 

and Liaisons

Jason Byrd, Ph.D., University of Florida

Thomas Callaghan, Ph.D., Federal Bureau of Investigation

Robin Cotton, Ph.D., Boston University

Phillip Danielson, Ph.D., University of Denver

Simone Gittelson, Ph.D., University of Technology – Sydney

Bruce Weir, Ph.D., University of Washington

Ex-Officios - Erin Morris, Ph.D., Behavioral Sciences Research 

Analyst, Los Angeles County Public Defender (HFC)

Jennifer Friedman, Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles 

County, California (LRC)

Timothy Kupferschmid, Chief of Laboratories, New York City 

Office of Chief Medical Examiner (QIC)
The Biology Scientific Area 

Committee provides strategic 

direction within the Biology 

Discipline, serves as a platform to 

integrate similar standards activities 

across multiple forensic science 

disciplines, and manages the 

activities of the following 

subcommittees:

Biological Methods

Biological Data 

Interpretation and Reporting

Wildlife Forensics
SAC 

Activities

Biology SAC members work closely with the SC and 

TGs in identifying needed standards, development of 

new standards, as well as identifying research needs 

for the forensic biology community. Additionally, they 

are available to help with implementation of OSAC 

Registry Standards in your laboratory.

The Biology SAC works closely with SWGDAM to 

ensure our efforts are complemented.
Roadmaps

Kimberly Murga, Subcommittee Chair, Las Vegas Metropolitan 

Police Department

Margaret Sanger, Ph.D., Subcommittee Vice Chair, Retired

Jason Befus, Subcommittee Executive Secretary, Maryland State 

Police Forensic Sciences Division
Biological Methods Subcommittee

DNA Training Task Group

Validation Task Group

Serology and Y-STR Task Group

Contamination Task Group

Sequencing: Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation 

Sequencing Task Group

Familial Searching Task Group
Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification 

Methods 

Standard for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis 

Methods

Biological Methods Subcommittee

DNA Training Task Group

Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs 

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Quantification Methods 

Standards for Training of Forensic STR Typing Methods using PCR 

Amplification, DNA Separation, and Allele Detection 

Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Amplification Methods for 

Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing

Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis 

Standard for Training in Forensic Human Mitochondrial DNA 

Interpretation 

Validation Task Group

Standards for Internal Validation of 

DNA Extraction Methods

Standard for Internal Validation of 

Human STR Profiling on CE Platforms

Standards for the Internal Validation 

of Human DNA Quantification

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of DNA 

Extraction Methods

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of Human 

Short Tandem Repeat Profiling 

on Capillary Electrophoresis 

Platforms

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of Human 

DNA Quantitation

Standards for Internal Validation of 

Automated Platforms

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of 

Automated Platforms

Technical Report for a Sample Training Plan for Forensic DNA 

Laboratories
Biological Methods Subcommittee

Contamination Task Group

Forensic Laboratory Standards for 

Prevention, Monitoring, and 

Mitigation of DNA Contamination

Serology and Y-STR Task Group

Standards for the Developmental and Internal 

Validation of Forensic Serological Methods 

Standards for the Analytical Procedures and Report 

Writing of Serological Methods

Standard for Training in Serological Methods

Document for Report Wording for Male Screening 

Results

Best Practice Recommendations for Reporting and 

Results of Serological Examinations

Best Practice Recommendations for Efficient Sex 

Assault Kit Processing
Biological Methods Subcommittee

Standard for Familial DNA Searching

Familial Searching Task Group Sequencing: Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation 

Sequencing Task Group

Training Standards for Sequencing: 

Massively Parallel Sequencing/Next 

Generation Sequencing

Internal Validation Standards for 

Sequencing: Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation Sequencing
Standards in 

Process –

Under 

Development

TRAINING

• Standard for Training in Forensic Human Mitochondrial 

DNA Interpretation 

• Technical Report for a Sample Training Plan for 

Forensic DNA Laboratories

SEROLOGY AND Y-STRs

• Document for Report Wording for Male Screening 

Results

• Best Practice Recommendations for Reporting and 

Results of Serological Examinations

• Best Practice Recommendations for Efficient Sex 

Assault Kit Processing
Standards in 

Process –

Under 

Development

VALIDATION

• Standards for the Internal Validation of Human DNA 

Quantification

• Best Practice Recommendations for Internal 

Validation of Human DNA Quantitation

• Standards for Internal Validation of DNA Extraction 

Methods

• Best Practice Recommendations for Internal 

Validation of DNA Extraction Methods

• Standards for Internal Validation of Automated 

Platforms

• Best Practice Recommendations for Internal 

Validation of Automated Platforms
Standards in 

Process –

Under 

Development

SEQUENCING: MASSIVELY PARALLEL 

SEQUENCING/NEXT GENERATION 

SEQUENCING 

• Training Standards for Sequencing: Massively 

Parallel Sequencing/Next Generation Sequencing

• Internal Validation Standards for Sequencing: 

Massively Parallel Sequencing/Next Generation 

Sequencing

FAMILIAL SEARCHING

• Standard for Familial DNA Searching
Standards in 

Process – at 

ASB

TRAINING

• Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs 

• Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and 

Purification Methods 

• Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Quantification 

Methods 

• Standards for Training of Forensic STR Typing Methods 

using PCR Amplification, DNA Separation, and Allele 

Detection 

• Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Amplification 

Methods for Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing

• Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Sequencing using 

Capillary Electrophoresis 
Standards in 

Process – at 

ASB

VALIDATION

• Standard for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA 

Analysis Methods

• Standard for Internal Validation of Human STR 

Profiling on CE Platforms

• Best Practice Recommendations for Internal Validation 

of Human Short Tandem Repeat Profiling on Capillary 

Electrophoresis Platforms

CONTAMINATION PREVENTION

• Forensic Laboratory Standards for Prevention, 

Monitoring, and Mitigation of DNA Contamination
Standards in 

Process – at 

ASB

SEROLOGY

• Standards for the Developmental and Internal 

Validation of Forensic Serological Methods 

• Standards for the Analytical Procedures and Report 

Writing of Serological Methods

• Standard for Training in Serological Methods
Standards 

on the 

Registry

Coming in 2019: Standard for 

Forensic DNA Analysis Training 

Programs
Roadmaps

Beth Ordeman, Subcommittee Chair, Pinellas 

County Forensic Laboratory

Mechthild Prinz, Ph.D., Subcommittee Vice Chair, 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City 

University of New York

Catherine Grgicak, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, 

Rutgers University
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Data Analysis

Interpretation

Statistical Analysis

Report Writing/Review

CODIS

Testimony
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Data Analysis

Standard for Training on Analysis of 

Forensic STR Data

Validation Standards for Probabilistic 

Genotyping 

Best Practice Recommendations for 

Validation of Forensic DNA Software

Standard for Setting Analytical and 

Stochastic Thresholds

Standards for NGS/MPS

Standards for the 

Use of Rapid DNA

Interpretation

Standard for Training of Forensic Autosomal and Y-STR Data Interpretation

Standards for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols

Standards for Internal Self-Evaluation of Mixture Protocols

Standards for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, and Development and 

Verification of a Laboratory’s Mixture Interpretation Protocol ASB 20

Standard for the use of Elimination Databases

Standards for NGS/MPS

Standards for the Interpretation of Rapid DNA
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Statistical Analysis

Standard for Training in the use of 

Statistics in Interpretation of Forensic 

DNA Evidence Training Standard

Standard for Assigning 

Propositions for Likelihood 

Ratios

Standard for Statistical 

Interpretation of Autosomal STRs

Report 

Writing/Review

Standard for Training of 

Forensic DNA Reporting and 

Review

Standard for Reporting of 

Contamination and Failed 

Controls

Standard for 

Reporting 

Conclusions
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

CODIS

Standard for Training of 

CODIS

Standard(s) related to 

Rapid DNA

Testimony

Standard for Training on 

Testimony for Forensic Biology

Best Practices for DNA 

Testimony
Standards in 

Process –

Under 

Development

DATA ANALYSIS

• Standard for Training on Analysis of Forensic STR Data

• Standard for Setting Analytical and Stochastic 

Thresholds

• Standards for NGS/MPS and Rapid DNA

INTERPRETATION

• Standard for Training of Forensic Autosomal and YSTR Data Interpretation

• Standard for the Use of Elimination Databases

• Standards for NGS/MPS and Rapid DNA
Standards in 

Process –

Under 

Development

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

• Standard for Training in the Use of Statistics in 

Interpretation of Forensic DNA Evidence

• Standard for Statistical Interpretation of Autosomal 

STRs

• Standards for NGS/MPS and Rapid DNA

REPORT WRITING/REVIEW

• Standard for Training of Forensic DNA Reporting and 

Review

• Standard for Reporting Conclusions

• Standard for the Reporting of Contamination and 

Failed Controls

• Standards for NGS/MPS and Rapid DNA
Standards in 

Process –

Under 

Development

CODIS

• Standard for Training of CODIS

• Standards for NGS/MPS and Rapid DNA

Testimony

• Standard for Training on Testimony for Forensic 

Biology

• Best Practices for DNA Testimony

• Standards for NGS/MPS and Rapid DNA
Standards in 

Process – at 

ASB

• Assigning Propositions for Likelihood Ratios

• Best Practice Recommendations for Validation 

of Forensic DNA Software

• Standards for Forensic DNA Interpretation and 

Comparison Protocols

• Validation Standards for Probabilistic 

Genotyping Systems

• Standards for Internal Self-Evaluation of 

Mixture Protocols
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 020, Standard for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, 

and Development and Verification of a Laboratory’s Mixture Interpretation 

Protocol, First Edition, 2018

This standard sets forth the requirements for the design and evaluation of internal 

validation studies for mixed DNA samples and the development of appropriate 

interpretation protocols for mixtures based on the validation studies performed. This 

standard includes a requirement that the laboratory verify and document that the 

mixture interpretation protocols developed from the completed validation studies 

generate reliable and consistent interpretations and conclusions for the types of 

mixed DNA samples typically encountered by the laboratory. This standard applies to 

any type of DNA testing technology and methodology used, including but not limited 

to, STR testing, DNA sequencing, SNP testing, haplotype testing, traditional and rapid 

protocols, etc., where mixtures of DNA may be encountered, analyzed and 

interpreted.
Roadmaps

Kimberly Frazier, Subcommittee Chair, Wyoming 

Game and Fish Department Wildlife Forensic and 

Fish Health Laboratory

R. Christopher O'Brien, Ph.D., Subcommittee Vice 

Chair, University of New Haven

Mary Burnham-Curtis, Ph.D., Subcommittee 

Executive Secretary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 

Office of Law Enforcement
Wildlife Forensic Genetics and Morphology

Training

Validation

General Standards

Methods – Taxonomic 

Identification

DNA

Report Writing

Maintenance of Reference 

Collections

Methods
Wildlife Forensics Genetics

Training

Forensic DNA Analysis Training 

Programs*ASB22

Standard for Training in mtDNA Analysis for 

Taxonomic Identification ASB111

Forensic DNA Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis*

mtDNA Amplification Methods*

Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification 

Methods*

Forensic DNA Quantification Methods*

*Written by Biological Methods SC-Applicable to WF

Validation

Wildlife Forensics Validation Standards 

– New Tests for Validating Short 

Tandem Repeat (STR) Primers ASB46

Wildlife Forensics Validation 

Standard - Validating New 

Primers for Sequencing ASB47 

Standard for use of public databases for 

wildlife forensic protocol

Wildlife Forensics 

General Standards 

ASB19
Wildlife Forensics Genetics

Methods- Taxonomic 

Identification

Wildlife Forensic DNA 

Standard Procedures ASB48

Wildlife Forensic-Protein Serology Method 

for Taxonomic Identification ASB 106

Wildlife forensics reference 

collection standards

Standard for the development and use of in-house 

sequence databases for taxonomic assignment of 

wildlife

Best practices for building new STR panels in wildlife 

forensics

Genetic methods to determine an 

individual of potential hybrid origin

Wildlife forensic methods- Sampling of 

reference samples from live mammals

DNA

Wildlife Forensic DNA Standard 

Procedures ASB48

Methods for geographic assignment of individual 

animals

Standard for development and use of allele frequency 

and population genetics databases

Report Writing in Wildlife 

Forensics: Morphology 

and Genetics ASB29
Wildlife Forensics 

Morphology

Training

Training 

taxonomic 

identification 

using 

morphology

Forensic DNA Analysis 

Training Programs*

ASB22

*Written by Biological Methods 

SC-Applicable to WF

Validation

Morphology 

Validation

Wildlife 

Forensics 

Morphology 

Standard ASB28

Maintenance of 

Reference 

Collections

Methods

Morphology 

Methods

Report Writing in 

Wildlife 

Forensics: 

Morphology and 

Genetics ASB29
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 019, Wildlife Forensics General Standards, First Edition, 

2019

This document provides minimum standards and recommendations for 

practicing wildlife forensic analysts. This document covers good laboratory 

practices, evidence handling, and training as well as considerations of 

taxonomy and reference collections that are specific to wildlife forensic 

science.

ANSI/ASB Standard 028, Wildlife Forensics Morphology Standards, First 

Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum standards for wildlife forensic analysts in 

the sub discipline of morphology.

ANSI/ASB Standard 029, Report Writing in Wildlife Forensics: Morphology 

and Genetics, First Edition, 2019

This document describes the information to be provided in formal written 

reports of wildlife forensic examinations for use in legal proceedings. 

Requirements for both genetic and morphological examination reports are 

covered. Forensic reports serve a variety of audiences, and must provide a 

clear and concise summary of methods, results, and limitations.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 046, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standards—STR 

Analysis, First Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum standards and recommendations for 

validating new nuclear STR (short tandem repeat) markers for use in wildlife 

forensic DNA laboratories where the STR genotyping method has already 

been validated.

ANSI/ASB Standard 047, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standard—Validating 

New Primers for Sequencing, First Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum requirements and recommendations for 

validating new primers for mitochondrial haplotyping and/or taxonomic 

identification via sequencing in wildlife forensic DNA laboratories where the 

sequencing (Sanger) method has already been validated.

ANSI/ASB Standard 048, Wildlife Forensic DNA Standard Procedures, First 

Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum requirements for forensic DNA analysis 

of wildlife evidence including general laboratory practice, DNA extraction 

and amplification, analysis and interpretation, statistical support, 

sequencing, mitochondrial DNA haplotyping, taxonomic identification, STRs 

and data analysis.
Research 

Needs Biological Methods:

• To Improve the Analysis of Serological 

Evidence: ID of Body Fluid
Research 

Needs

Biological Data Interpretation & Reporting:

• Assessment of Specific Classes of Evidence 

Types to Determine the Necessity to Quantify 

DNA Before Amplification of Human Autosomal 

STR Loci

• Characterizing, Designing and Constructing 

Integrated DNA Mixture Interpretation 

Solutions

• Proficiency Testing for Complex Data 

Interpretation and Biostatistical Evaluations
Research 

Needs

Wildlife Forensics:

• Development of New Technologies for 

Discovery and Characterization of Forensically 

Useful Markers of Relevant Species' 

Biogeography

• Validate STR/SNP Panels for Species of Forensic 

Interest Using the OSAC DNA Validation 

Standards

• Develop STR/SNP Panels (Including Any 

Necessary Allelic Ladders and Databases) for 

Current Species of Forensic Interest
Kimberly Murga, Biological Methods Subcommittee Chair, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department K10140M@LVMPD.com

Beth Ordeman, Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting Subcommittee Chair, Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory bordeman@co.pinellas.fl.us

Kimberly Frazier, Wildlife Subcommittee Chair, Wyoming Game and Fish Department kim.frazier@wyo.gov

Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D., Biology Chair; Florida Department of Law Enforcement robynragsdale@fdle.state.fl.us

ttps://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science
Thank you

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science