Legal Studies Commons^™

Investigation Into The Relationship Between Dna Content And Dna Yield Prediction And Presence Of A Multiple Contributor Cell Population In Trace Dna, Sarah Holton Roisch

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Due to advancements in DNA analysis technology and an increased ability to detect trace quantities of low template DNA, ‘touch’ or trace DNA has become a prevalent form of evidence for forensic investigations. Trace DNA is biological material left on a surface from skin cells after being touched or handled. The success rate of casework could be improved with new methods to non-destructively screen trace DNA to predict DNA yield and whether multiple cell populations are present in the evidence prior to STR analysis. Current methods of trace DNA analysis require quantifying the sample with qPCR followed by STR analysis, …

Optimization Of Microfluidic Device Methodology For Optical Trapping Epithelial Cells In A Mixture, Brittney N. Hackworth

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Evidence containing biological mixtures can make DNA interpretation more difficult due to ambiguous allele calls and artifacts that may be present within electropherograms. Separating out these cell mixtures can be advantageous to the analysts’ analysis methods for identifying STR profiles with higher accuracy. A potential cell separation method that could be implemented in the beginning of the forensic DNA workflow is optical trapping.

This research utilized a 5W ytterbium linearly polarized laser split into two optical traps, paired with a microfluidic device to isolate spermatozoa and vaginal epithelial cells from a 1:1 mixture of vaginal fluid and 1:20 diluted seminal …

Comparison Of Cell Counts To Dna Yield In Mock Biological Evidence Samples, Jacob Sewell

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

The implementation of rapid DNA analysis systems is of interest to forensic DNA casework, as this technology exhibits a sample-to-profile time of approximately two hours with limited handling of samples. This decreases the likelihood of contamination, and can potentially reduce DNA backlogs; however, current rapid DNA analysis systems do not execute one crucial step of the forensic DNA analysis workflow: human DNA quantitation. This step is necessary for DNA profiles to be compliant with the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standard 9.4, allowing DNA profiles to be uploaded and searched within the CODIS database. Coupling traditional qPCR methods with rapid DNA analysis …

Development And Validation Of Microrna Markers For Forensic Body Fluid Identification Using Rt-Qpcr, Jane Goble

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Body fluid identification is one of the first and most fundamental steps in the forensic DNA workflow. It allows analysts to determine where a sample might exist on an item of evidence, as well as the type of sample that they are dealing with. However, current serological methods have been documented to produce false or inaccurate results in some cases, and may consume large amounts of sample during processing. Molecular methods, such as the use of microRNA and microbial profiles have been introduced as a means to increase specificity of testing, and have even been combined into a singular assay …

Evaluation Of Direct-To-Amplification Cell Lysis Techniques For Forensically Relevant Non-Sperm Cells, Rhea Arya

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

While efforts have been made to reduce the pervasive backlog of sexual assault evidence collection kits, the actual laboratory process remains very time-consuming due to the requirement of a differential lysis step before DNA purification, as well as intricate mixture analysis towards the end of the DNA workflow. Previous work in the Dawson Green laboratory at VCU has developed alternative solutions for differential extractions with sexual assault samples using both an in-tube and microdevice assay. Prior work led to the identification of an alternative sperm lysis method – alkaline lysis using 1M NaOH. However, the current lysis method used for …

Evaluation Of The Age Of Evidence In Mock Biological Touch Evidence Samples, Emma P. Hirst

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

As more sensitive DNA profiling techniques have been developed, questions about how and when the DNA was deposited have become a driving issue in forensic casework. Image flow cytometry (IFC) offers a way to estimate the time since deposition (TSD) of trace DNA samples based on individual cells' morphological and autofluorescence properties. Previous work has shown that a TSD can be determined from a single contributor in touch samples. To determine if TSD could be correctly estimated for mixtures containing a fresh deposit (less than a week old) and an older deposit, this project characterized a series of samples that …

Analysis Of Forensic Relevant Cell Mixtures Using Cellular Autofluorescence And Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (Facs), Shayla Smith

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Biological mixtures containing DNA from more than one contributor can make DNA profile interpretation challenging, especially for ‘touch’ or trace biological evidence. One approach to improve this is by differentiating cell populations from separate individuals prior to DNA profiling by utilizing intrinsic features of cells such as size, shape, and biochemical profiles. The goal of this study was to develop a new method for detecting and separating contributor populations in biological mixture samples using flow cytometry, a rapid and non-destructive approach with an unexplored potential for forensic casework. To accomplish this, two different mixture systems were investigated (1) mixtures containing …

Determination Of The Trace Elemental Signature Of Drywall Dust And Its Implication As Forensic Evidence, Emilee Holmes

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Drywall is found in most homes built in the United States of America because it is cost effective, light weight, and easy to install. Its brittle nature makes it less resistant to impact which can cause dust to form if a force is exerted on it. Airborne dust can settle on anything or anyone around it and can be considered trace evidence for its ability to connect suspects, victims, and scenes; however, this type of dust is not emphasized as trace evidence and is not always collected due to a lack of understanding of their forensic signatures.The seven producers of …

Utilizing Gc-Ms To Determine The Effect Of Solvent Extraction Parameters On Forensic Smokeless Powder Analysis, Leighann R. Weber

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Since its invention in 1884, smokeless powder has been of scientific interest. During World War II, research initially focused on developing methods to evaluate powders' stability. However, today, the focus has shifted to developing instrumental techniques sufficient for forensic classification and comparison work. Smokeless powder is typically encountered in forensic science casework involving firearms and explosives. In forensic investigations, determining the exact formulation of smokeless powders is challenging due to their complex chemistry and the proprietary nature of production. LC-MS and GC-MS techniques have been used to analyze intact and post-blast smokeless powders. Despite the vast amount of research that …

Evaluation Of Tooth Sample Preparation For Traditional Forensic Dna Vs Rapidhit Id Processing, Morgan E. Eaton

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) refers to the process of forensic identification of unknown individuals following a mass disaster or fatality incident.¹ In events of mass disaster, human dental structures are often the only viable DNA source remaining, as soft tissues are more easily degraded, contaminated, or otherwise compromised. Due to the protective nature of dental enamel and dentin surrounding the inner pulpal tissue, a labor-intensive sample preparation performed by extensively trained personnel is necessary to expose the nuclear material preceding the traditional forensic DNA workflow.^2,3 In high volume cases, such as those often submitted for DVI, the current …

Morphological And Autofluorescence Signatures For The Identification Of Vaginal Cells In Mixture Samples Containing Saliva And/Or Epidermal Cells, Hannah L. Burden

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

In forensic casework the identification of body fluids at a crime scene can frequently play an important role in reconstructing the events that occurred. There are several bodily fluid identification methods to characterize unknown stains recovered as evidence. However, there has not been a reliable method for detecting the presence vaginal cells and/or differentiate it from other forensically relevant tissue types that may be recovered from a crime scene. The detection of vaginal fluid is important for forensic casework due to the abundance of sexual assault kits that are not only backlogged but continue to be submitted to the lab …

Bail And Mental Illness, Samuel Wiseman

Faculty Scholarship

In many parts of the United States, the bail system is strikingly unfair, imposing burdensome, and often unmeetable, financial conditions on pretrial liberty even for low-risk defendants. Reforms that reduce or eliminate cash bail and lower pretrial detention rates have made progress in recent years, but now face growing opposition even in generally progressive jurisdictions such as San Francisco and New York City. One source of this opposition is rising concern about crime—particularly crime associated with the unhoused, who disproportionately suffer from mental illness, including substance abuse disorder. This is not a coincidence, as one effect of a cash-bail system, …

Teaching Forensic Entomology With Common Grocery Items: Decomposition And Insect Succession Studies, Erin Bauer, Charles Murrieta, Larry Barksdale

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Forensic science and entomology programs may benefit from using deceased pigs as teaching resources due to anatomical similarities to humans. The use of such animals provides opportunities for students to learn the effects of geographical location and climate on insects; understand insect succession; practice insect collection and identification; and learn post-mortem interval procedures, taphonomic principles of decomposition, and crime scene investigation and management techniques. Forensic entomology and taphonomic studies fit well with educational interests in experiential learning. Pigs may be readily available through animal science departments or local producers, and many institutions may have property where this research can be …

Prison Libraries, Intellectual Freedom And Social Justice In Nigeria, Olusegun Adebayo Opesanwo, Oluyomi Abidemi Awofeso Phd

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper deployed a systematic review to examine prison libraries and intellectual freedom towards attaining social justice in Nigeria. Information resources used cover the periods of 2010 and 2020 to articulate the necessary development in prison libraries, intellectual freedom and social justice in Nigeria. Search engines such as Google scholar, Semantic Scholar, and RefSeek were used to retrieve information and through different queries yielded several results but very few of them were selected to fit in the study due to limited studies directed to address the focus of this study particularly in the Nigeria scenario. Information obtained were subjected to …

Dna Transfer And Persistence On Non-Porous Surfaces Submerged In Spring Water [Preliminary Study], Morgan L.. Korzik, Josep De Alcaraz-Fossoul, Michael S. Adamowicz, David San Pietro

Forensic Science: Faculty Publications

Submerged items are often thought to lack evidentiary value. However, previous studies have shown the ability to recover DNA from submerged porous items for upwards of six weeks. The crevices or interweaving fibers in porous items are thought to protect DNA from being washed away. It is hypothesized that, because non-porous surfaces do not have the same traits that might aid in DNA retention, then DNA quantities and the number of donor alleles recovered would decrease over longer submersion periods. Additionally, it is hypothesized that DNA quantity and the number of alleles would be negatively affected by flow conditions. Neat …

The Negative Impacts Of Border Patrol On The Mental Health Of Migrants, Breyana M. Newton

Pell Scholars and Senior Theses

The research in this paper is a deep dive into the actions of Border Patrol on migrants and refugees and their effects on the individual. This includes impacts on mental health, child development, resettlement prevention, and racism and discrimination within border patrol itself. To understand all of this and how wide reaching all of this goes there needs to be a reflection on the history and policies of Border Patrol and the Government behind it.
The problem with patrolling our borders is that there are consequences on the U.S. as a nation and unintended consequences on those individuals migrating into …

Female Lawyers Don’T Need Pity; They Need A Paycheck, Meagan S. Bilodeau

Pell Scholars and Senior Theses

Whether it's pity or patronization female lawyers have often been criticized. They're visualized on the lower level of the patriarchal hierarchy system in the Hollywood courtroom. However, women that hold emotional intelligence don't need pity. Emotional intelligence encompasses how to set boundaries, stay motivated, hold healthy relationships inside and outside the courtroom, as well as maintain self-regulation. Through analysis of the biographical films Erin Brockovich, On the Basis of Sex, and The Mauritanian this study explores how extensively psychological resilience subfactors are depicted, proving whether or not female lawyers are emotionally prepared to succeed in their noteworthy cases.

A Precedent For Peace: The Role Of All Children Together In The Integration Of Northern Irish Schools, Sarah J. Kraus

Pell Scholars and Senior Theses

Established in County Down, Northern Ireland in the early 1970s, All Children Together was an organization comprised of both Protestant and Catholic parents who wished to see children from both denominations interact and be educated alongside one another. In 1981, the organization successfully established Lagan College, Northern Ireland’s very first school with a shared curriculum designed to accommodate children from both denominations. This work situates the organization within the greater context of the Troubles and examines the extent to which school integration played a role in Northern Irish community relations during a period of political and social upheaval.

Exposing Endo: Labor Abuse And Exploitation On Contractual Workers In The Philippines, Olivia M. Fisher

Pell Scholars and Senior Theses

Article 281 states that workers must be put on a probationary period for 6 months of employment before receiving benefits. ENDO-contracting is the situation where corporations hire workers on 5 to 6-month contracts to avoid paying their workers benefits. This research will be conducted using qualitative data from past research publications, court cases, and interviewing anti-ENDO advocates. The historical summary will explain the origins of this law and how it has progressed into common labor practice. ENDO- contracting disproportionately affects the low-wage workforce and deprives them of regular employee benefits. The lack of these benefits has created poor working conditions …

Guns And Fatal Police Shootings: Accuracy Of Firearm Prevalence Proxies In A Panel Data Analysis, Corin Elmore

CMC Senior Theses

This paper explores the relationship between gun prevalence and fatal police shootings in the United States. Specifically, the study assesses the validity of using FSS (Firearm Suicides Per Total Suicides) as a proxy for gun prevalence. It examines whether FBI background check data can be a more reliable alternative. Through a panel data analysis, the study provides moderate evidence that FBI background check data performs better than FSS as a proxy for gun prevalence and that the relationship between firearm prevalence and fatal police shootings is positive. Additionally, the study finds that instrumenting FSS with background check data to account …