Forensic laboratories are changing the future of DNA testing. Learn how you can also be a leader with next-generation sequencing and forensic investigative genetic genealogy — come visit us at booths 209 and 110.
The forensic community is doing amazing things with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). We’ve highlighted some of the impressive work presented by laboratories just like you who are finding innovative ways to bring closure to more investigations. Visit the NGS hub to talk with experts from Verogen and QIAGEN on how to take more of your samples from crime scene to closure.
- Register for the workshop on Implementing FIGG for a chance to hear from experts using FIGG in their casework
- Join us for cocktails and conversation on Wednesday at 6pm for a sneak peek at upcoming NGS and FIGG tools
- Stop by the exhibit hall at 11am on Thursday for the Verogen Showcase
- Enter our t-shirt design contest to uncover your HIDden talent and win prizes
Tuesday
Featured Workshop
Space is limited and running out, sign up for this comprehensive workshop on practical implementation guidance!
W21 Implementing FIGG: How to put forensic investigative genetic genealogy into practice (without messing it up for everyone else)
- Standards and Policy for FIGG from the National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative (NTVIC) - Ray Wickenheiser, PhD
- FIGG Technology Comparisons: A breakdown of all the options, and when to use what - Connie Bormans, PhD, Swathi A Kumar, PhD
- Preparing for Implementation: What to think about and how to bring FIGG into your laboratory - Mandi S. Van Buren, MPharm
- Learning FIGG: Advice from law enforcement on how to learn investigative genetic genealogy - Det. Steven Smugereski, BA
- Automating FIGG: Using AI to minimize manual genealogical investigation - Steve Kramer, JD
- Legal Implications for FIGG: Identity discovery vs identity verification - Anne Marie Schubert, JD
Thursday
Criminalistics
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
B41 When and “Y” to Screen With QIAGEN® Investigator® Casework GO!
Julia Wang, MS; Grace Rutledge, MS; Rachel Houston, PhD; Sheree Hughes, PhD
Posters
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
B98 The Generation of High-Quality Libraries for the Prediction of External Visible Characteristics and Biogeographical Ancestry Using a Low-Cost Automation Platform
Riya Thekdi, MFS; Juan Carlos Perez, BS; Richelle Barta, BS; Erin McCarthy, BS; Elmira Forouzmand, PhD; Samantha Dowles, BS; Gothami Padmabandu, MS; Kathryn Stephens, PhD
B105 A Snapshot of Current Opinions on Sequencing Technology in Forensics
Megan Foley, MSFS; Fabio Oldoni, PhD
Jurisprudence
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
G8 Forensic Genetic Genealogy: A Primer for Legal Professionals
Michael Coble, MFS, PhD
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
G9 Beyond the OMG Era: The Assessment of Forensic Genetic Genealogy as a Practical Investigative Tool
Colleen Fitzpatrick, MS, PhD
Events and Receptions
Verogen Showcase
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
A quick look at the latest information about next-generation sequencing (NGS) and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) capabilities.
The NGS User Reception
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us for an evening of cocktails, canapes, and conversation about all things next-generation sequencing and forensic investigative genetic genealogy. We’ll give an update on the latest updates and upcoming tools coming for NGS and FIGG.
Friday
Criminalistics
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
B126 One Laboratory’s Experience With Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Using the Verogen MiSeq® FGx System and Signature Prep Kit: The Decision, the Validation, and the Implementation
Mandi Van Buren, MPharm; Brooke Ramirez, BS
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
B127 The Internal Validation of Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit Primer Set B Using the Hamilton Nimbus HD and MiSeq® FGx
Mandi Van Buren, MPharm; Brooke Ramirez, BS
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
B128 The Evaluation of the ForenSeq™ MainstAY Kit for Mixed Forensic DNA Samples
Damani Johnson, BS; Lucio Avellaneda, BS; Rachel Houston, PhD; Tim Kalafut, PhD
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
B134 Solving More Cases Using Search Keys and Expanded DNA Indirect Matching (EDIM)
Ray Wickenheiser, DPS, MBA
The Impact of Manually Degraded Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Microarray Data on GEDmatch Top Genetic Matches for Forensic Genetic Genealogy Purposes
Justin Rivera, BS; Claire Glynn, PhD
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM
B147 Investigator® 24plex QS Amplification Kit Validation and Evaluation of New Formulation
Samantha Wandzek, MS; Jamie Haas, MS; Sapana Prajapati, BS; Alicia Cadenas, MS
Engineering and Applied Sciences
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
D32 Rapid Isolation of Sperm From Sexual Assault Case-Type Samples Utilizing a Microfluidic Device
Kathryn Stephens, PhD; Adam Bisogni, PhD; Gothami Padmabandu, MS; Joana Antunes, PhD; Harvey Tian, PhD; Richelle Barta, BS