Course Description

Advanced DNA expands upon foundational forensic DNA concepts by exploring specialized genetic markers and testing approaches used in modern forensic identification, kinship analysis, missing-person investigations, cold cases, and other complex forensic applications.

Designed for professionals who already possess a basic understanding of forensic DNA, this course examines the characteristics, inheritance patterns, strengths, limitations, and forensic applications of autosomal STRs, X-STRs, Y-STRs, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Participants will learn why different types of genetic markers may be selected for different forensic questions and how each can contribute unique information when traditional DNA testing may not provide the complete answer.

DNA LEARNING SERIES AVAILABLE

Includes this course and much more!

BUNDLE AS ONE COMPLETE DNA LEARNING SERIES

FORENSIC DNA FUNDAMENTALS
Obtain an introduction to the scientific principles, laboratory processes, casework considerations, and emerging technologies that form the foundation of modern forensic DNA analysis.

ADVANCED DNA
Take your knowledge further with advanced concepts and applications encountered in modern forensic DNA analysis.

DNA LABORATORY PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
Explore the laboratory processes, techniques, and considerations involved in the examination and processing of forensic DNA evidence.

FORENSIC DNA EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
Develop the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively communicate forensic DNA findings in the courtroom and withstand the challenges of expert testimony.

Course Modules

STRs – Short Tandem Repeats

Explore the principles and forensic applications of autosomal Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, one of the primary approaches used in modern forensic DNA identification. 

Participants will examine STR inheritance, genetic loci, DNA profiles, comparisons, mixtures, and the advantages and limitations of STR testing. The module also explores how STR profiles are applied to forensic casework and DNA database searching.

X-STRs – X-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats

Examine the specialized forensic applications of X-chromosome STR analysis and the unique inheritance characteristics of the X chromosome.

Participants will learn how X-STR testing can supplement traditional autosomal DNA analysis in certain complex kinship and relationship-testing scenarios and why understanding inheritance patterns is essential when evaluating X-STR results.

Y-STRs – Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats

Explore the principles and applications of Y-chromosome STR analysis, including the paternal inheritance of Y-chromosome DNA.

Participants will examine how Y-STR testing can assist in cases involving male DNA, particularly when male DNA is present with a much larger amount of female DNA. The module also addresses paternal lineage, haplotypes, forensic applications, and important limitations associated with Y-STR interpretation.

mtDNA – Mitochondrial DNA

Learn how mitochondrial DNA analysis provides an alternative approach when nuclear DNA testing is limited or unsuccessful.

Participants will explore maternal inheritance, mitochondrial DNA characteristics, heteroplasmy, and the forensic applications of mtDNA testing. Special attention is given to challenging evidence such as hair shafts, bones, teeth, degraded remains, missing-person cases, unidentified human remains, and historical or cold case evidence.

SNPs – Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Explore the expanding role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in forensic genetics.

Participants will examine how SNPs differ from traditional STR markers and how large SNP panels can provide valuable information for human identification, kinship analysis, degraded DNA, ancestry-related investigative information, and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG).

Course Brochure (PDF)

Advanced-DNA-Online-Training-Brochure.pdf

Who Should Take This Course?

Advanced DNA is designed for forensic scientists, DNA laboratory personnel, crime scene investigators, law enforcement investigators, evidence professionals, attorneys, forensic consultants, students, and other criminal justice professionals who want to expand their knowledge beyond foundational forensic DNA concepts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of Advanced DNA, participants should be better prepared to:

• Explain the differences between STRs, X-STRs, Y-STRs, mtDNA, and SNPs.

• Describe how different genetic markers are inherited.

• Recognize the strengths and limitations of each DNA testing approach.

• Understand why a forensic laboratory may select one type of DNA analysis over another.

• Explain the role of autosomal STRs in forensic identification and database comparisons.

• Recognize situations in which X-STR or Y-STR testing may provide additional information.

• Understand the value of mtDNA analysis for degraded evidence, hair, skeletal remains, missing-person cases, and cold cases.

• Describe the expanding forensic applications of SNP analysis.

• Understand how specialized DNA testing can supplement traditional forensic DNA analysis.

• Better evaluate the type of DNA testing that may be appropriate for different forensic and investigative questions.

Instructor

DNA Labs International

DLI Instructor Ashley Korsakas

Ashley Korsakas has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Biochemistry and an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice, both from Northern Michigan University. She also has a Master of Applied Science degree from the University of Nebraska. She is currently a Senior DNA Analyst as well as the Training Manager at DNA Labs International (Deerfield Beach, FL) and has worked there since 2021. As the training manager, Ashley oversees and manages the training program for all analysts, serologists, and technicians in the laboratory. In her role as a DNA analyst, she reviews and interprets data, writes reports, performs technical reviews, and testifies. Prior to her current role, Ashley worked as a Forensic DNA Analyst at Signature Science and a Forensic Scientist at the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory (both in Austin, TX). She has over 10 years of experience in forensic biology casework.

Instructor

DNA Labs International

DLI Instructor Amanda Murray

Amanda Murray has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The College of New Jersey and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmacology from New York Medical College. She is a Senior DNA Analyst, Analyst Team Lead, and Training Analyst Specialist at DNA Labs International. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Pace University where she teaches Forensic Biology, Forensic Pharmacology, and Forensic Seminar courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She has provided expert witness testimony in both national and international criminal court proceedings. Amanda is passionate about bridging the gap between the academic and forensic laboratory settings as well as ensuring the integrity, quality and reliability of forensic DNA testing through proper training and continuing education. Prior to her role at DNA Labs International, she was a Criminalist in the Forensic Biology department of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

Instructor

DNA Labs International

DLI Instructor Rachel Oefelein

Rachel Oefelein is currently the Chief Scientific Officer at DNA Labs International (DLI) and Laboratory Director. She received her MSc in Forensic Science from the University of Strathclyde, her BS in Criminal Justice, with a Forensic Science Minor, from Loyola University of New Orleans, and her PhD from Griffith University. Previous employment included the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) for nearly five years and an internship at the Instytut Ekspertyz Sądowych, the Forensic Laboratory in Krakow, Poland. Rachel has testified in fourteen Florida counties, nine states and U.S. Territories, and six countries as an expert witness for both the prosecution and the defense in misdemeanor and felony trials, as well as William, Frye, Daubert, and Arthur hearings. Since joining DNA Labs International in 2014, Rachel was instrumental in implementing STRmix™ for five profiling systems, rootless hair shaft testing, and Next Generation Sequencing in three profiling systems. She also innovated and implemented DLI’s successful SpentShell™ technology for fired cartridge casings.

Instructor

DNA Labs International

DLI Instructor Cristina Servidio

Cristina Servidio is the Chief Operating Officer and Technical Leader at DNA Labs International, where she manages laboratory operations and oversees the analysis of forensic DNA evidence. Cristina holds a Master of Forensic Science in Forensic Molecular Biology from The George Washington University and both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from The Catholic University of America. She has provided expert testimony in both domestic and international court systems, including Daubert and Frye hearings. Previously, she spent six years at the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL), helping identify remains of fallen soldiers from historic military conflicts through mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analysis.