FORENSIC DNA FROM CRIME SCENE TO COURT

Dan holds an M.S. in Forensic Science and is a 17-year veteran of both public and private crime forensic DNA laboratories.  He has served as a DNA analyst, technical leader and in executive management of Forensic DNA laboratories over that time.  He has provided training to hundreds of Forensic DNA labs and conferences on a variety of different topics. Armed with a black belt certification in Lean/Six Sigma process improvement and extensive experience in both quality and operational leadership, he provides executive direction and oversees the quality system of the Intermountain Forensics laboratory.   .

Derek brings nearly 9 years of forensic DNA experience to Intermountain Forensics, working at a large private lab before joining IMF. He has a Lean/Six Sigma green belt and boasts an amazingly efficient and quality driven interpretation, analysis and review process that he has honed over the years. This has allowed him to author over 3000 Forensic DNA laboratory reports and testify in cases more than 40 times from Hawaii to Alaska and Georgia to Michigan. Derek's approach to Forensic DNA Analysis and Review will be a staple of the laboratory, maximizing our quality and efficiency.

Alyssa has 14 years of experience in forensics and investigations. She began working in the courts which soon led to working for law enforcement as a certified crime scene investigator. She received the Department Distinguished Service Medal twice for her contributions on multiple major cases. She developed a passion for DNA and its place in solving crimes. Alyssa has expanded her expertise in roles as a Forensic Serologist, case consultant and private business owner.  She brings her case knowledge and extensive experience to assist in case consultation, training, and wet lab case processing.

Elena has nearly six years of forensic experience, having held positions as a Forensic Serologist, Forensic Evidence Technician, and Forensic Account Manager at a large private lab before joining Intermountain Forensics. Among other things, Elena has certifications in Collecting DNA at Crime Scenes, DNA for Forensic Analysts, and Response and Understanding Death Investigations. Previously she worked as a paralegal for 8 years, and is a licensed private investigator.

Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD, is widely recognized as the founder of modern forensic genealogy.  Dr. Fitzpatrick received her PhD in nuclear physics from Duke University and began her career teaching physics at Sam Houston State University. Before turning her attention to genetic genealogy, she designed laser radar for Rockwell International and a holographic inspection station for Spectron Development, eventually founding her own high-tech optics company through which she contracted with NASA and the DoD.  She worked the first cold case solved using genetic genealogy and has now worked several hundred cold case homicides. She co-founded the DNA Doe Project, and has collaborated with the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, Simon Wiesenthal Center, University of Arizona, Harvard Medical School and other organizations on human identification. She is an Associate Member of the American Academy of Forensic Science.