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February 2025

Laboratory Leadership at AAFS

Deep-Dive Session

Leveraging Forensic Science Standards Development to Boost Your Professional Growth


Kris Cano, MA

Forensic DNA Analyst


Thursday, February 20, 2025

1:00p-2:00p

Documentary standards play a critical role in ensuring consistency, quality, and credibility in forensic science. Hosted in collaboration with Travis County Medical Examiner's Office, our Deep-Dive session at AAFS will explore the importance of standards development, how the process works, and the benefits of becoming actively involved.


Attendees will gain insights into how contributing to standards development can enhance analytical and problem-solving skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and provide opportunities for professional growth. The session will also highlight how this work supports the broader forensic community by promoting scientifically sound practices and advancing the field.

Register for AAFS

Find us in the Poster Hall, too!


B146: Upgrading to STRmix v2.11: A Chance to Do It All Again

Ut Dinh, MS; Alicia Cadenas, MS


Criminalistics Poster Session

Friday, February 21, 2025

11:30a-1:00p

SNP Mixture Deconvolution Collaboration Published

Forensic scientists at the Center for Advanced Genomics have collaborated with the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC) on the development of MixDeR, a workflow that enables the deconvolution of two-person mixtures from ForenSeq Kintelligence SNP profiles for FGG applications. MixDeR is a flexible and easy-to-use R package and Shiny app that directs deconvolution of the profiles in EuroForMix (EFM).

 

Our team performed initial testing of the MixDeR workflow, and we are now working to further characterize the performance of mixtures from a range of DNA inputs and ratios to support the validation of this method.


The article detailing the workflow's development and capabilities has been published and is open access. Happy reading!

 

Read Article

An ASCLD for the Ages!

What could be better than a spring weekend in Denver, Colorado? For our Forensic DNA staff, it's a spring weekend in Denver surrounded by leaders in forensic science and crime laboratory operations! The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Annual Symposium is taking on the Centennial State in April, and our scientists will be delivering talks on a variety of topics throughout the week:

Enhancing Soft Skills and Integrating DEI Principles in Forensic Science Leadership


Kris Cano, MA

Forensic DNA Analyst

Sunday, April 6

2:10-2:40p

Project Management in the Forensic World


Leslie Parke, PMP, CQA

Director, Forensic DNA

Sunday, April 6

2:50-3:20p

A Guide to Retroactive Case Reviews


Samantha Wandzek, MS

DNA Technical Leader

Monday, April 7

10:00 AM - 10:30 p

We can't wait to meet you all at our talks and in the exhibit hall. We'll be at Booth #2 to answer any questions or discuss collaboration.

Register for ASCLD
Schedule a Time to Meet

Flashback: IHIA Cold Case Conference

Signature Science was proud to sponsor the first annual IHIA Cold Case Conference presented by the Texas Attorney General's Office - Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit. Leaders from our forensic practice attended the event in Marble Falls, and AGL Technical Leader Christina Neal had the opportunity to host a Lunch & Learn. Ms. Neal's talk broke down the complex Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy process, covering everything from DNA basics to how exactly using genealogy helps pin down a suspect or provides a new lead in missing and unidentified persons cases.

We had a great week engaging with cold case investigators at our sponsor booth and at the social events hosted by IHIA conference organizers.


Our team looks forward to continuing conversations sparked at the Cold Case Conference in the New Year!

SigSci Intern Publishes Research

The paper is openly available for a limited time, read it today:

Read Paper

We're excited to share the latest publication from the Signature Science Center for Advanced Genomics, "An Investigation of Downstream Processing Methods for Challenging Skeletal Samples." The laboratory work supporting this research was carried out, in large part, by Jennifer Snedeker, lead author on this paper, and our 2022 SigSci Intern. We thank Jennifer for her contributions, and congratulate her on this latest publication!


Our internship program encourages experiential learning as a complementary approach to students’ undergraduate and graduate education, and our interns execute meaningful work in support of our business. We are ramping up our search for the CAG's Summer 2025 Human Signatures intern, and plan to begin accepting applications in early spring. 

Careers at SigSci

Join our Growing Forensics Team!

Signature Science is hiring for multiple positions in support our Forensic DNA laboratories! We have open positions in Austin, TX, Charlottesville, VA, and Arlington, VA.


As part of the Signature Science team, you’ll collaborate with the experts in the field of forensic science that make up The Center for Advanced Genomics®.


SigSci laboratory staff work to support a robust, growing client base, and can expect to be challenged daily with a diversified caseload. Learn more about Forensic DNA testing at SigSci here and apply to start a rewarding career at Signature Science today!


Current Openings:

Forensic Scientist (hDNA Analyst)- Contingent

Forensic Science Advisor

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