Course Description

Forensic DNA Fundamentals provides a comprehensive introduction to the scientific principles, laboratory processes, casework considerations, and emerging technologies that form the foundation of modern forensic DNA analysis.

Designed for forensic professionals, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, investigators, laboratory staff, students, and others who work with or encounter DNA evidence, this course takes participants through the forensic DNA process—from the history and biological foundations of DNA analysis to evidence collection, laboratory casework, statistical interpretation, DNA databases, and advanced investigative applications.

Participants will develop a practical understanding of how biological evidence moves from the crime scene through the forensic laboratory.

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

History of Forensic DNA 
Explore the development of forensic DNA analysis, major scientific milestones, and the evolution of DNA technology from early forensic applications to today's advanced analytical and investigative techniques.

Evidence Collection 
Examine proper procedures for recognizing, collecting, packaging, preserving, and handling biological evidence. Participants will also explore personal protective equipment, contamination prevention, evidence integrity, and appropriate handling practices.

DNA 101 
Learn the basic biology and genetics behind forensic DNA analysis, including DNA structure, chromosomes, inheritance, genetic variation, and the characteristics that make DNA valuable for human identification.

Casework 101 
Follow the progression of forensic DNA evidence through the laboratory and gain an understanding of the fundamental processes involved in forensic DNA casework.

Casework Strategy 
Explore how case information, evidence types, testing priorities, sample selection, and investigative questions influence the development of an effective DNA testing strategy.

Data Analysis 
Gain an introduction to the evaluation of forensic DNA data and the principles used to determine whether analytical results are suitable for interpretation and comparison.

Statistics 
Understand why statistics are essential to forensic DNA interpretation and explore the fundamental concepts used to communicate the significance and weight of DNA evidence.

Probabilistic Genotyping 
Receive an introduction to probabilistic genotyping and learn how computational approaches can assist with the interpretation of complex DNA profiles and mixtures.

Quality Systems in Forensics 
Explore the role of quality assurance and quality management in forensic DNA laboratories, including procedures, documentation, validation, competency, proficiency testing, technical review, and other safeguards designed to support reliable forensic results.

Understanding DNA Reports and Case Files 
Learn how to navigate forensic DNA laboratory reports and supporting case documentation. Participants will develop a better understanding of terminology, conclusions, analytical information, limitations, and other information that may be important when reviewing DNA findings.

Cold Case Review 
Examine strategies for reviewing older or unresolved cases to identify biological evidence that may benefit from contemporary DNA testing, database searching, or newer forensic technologies.

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) 
Explore the fundamentals of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, including its role as an investigative lead-generation tool, how it differs from traditional forensic DNA testing, and important considerations surrounding its use.

Kinship 
Learn the basic principles of biological relationship testing and how genetic information may be evaluated when investigating potential familial relationships.

Databases – CODIS & FIGG 
Compare traditional forensic DNA database searching through CODIS with databases and investigative approaches associated with FIGG. Participants will explore their different purposes, applications, capabilities, and roles in criminal investigations.

Course Brochure (PDF)

Fundamental-of-DNA-Online-Training-Brochure.pdf

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for forensic scientists, DNA laboratory personnel, crime scene investigators, evidence technicians, law enforcement investigators, attorneys, prosecutors, defense professionals, forensic consultants, students, and other criminal justice professionals seeking a practical foundation in forensic DNA evidence.

Whether you work directly with biological evidence or need to understand DNA findings as part of an investigation, case review, or courtroom proceeding, Forensic DNA Fundamentals provides the foundational knowledge necessary to better understand one of the most powerful tools in modern forensic science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of Forensic DNA Fundamentals, participants should have a stronger working knowledge of the complete forensic DNA process and be better prepared to:

  • Explain fundamental DNA biology and forensic DNA terminology.
  • Recognize important considerations when collecting and preserving biological evidence.
  • Describe the general progression of evidence through forensic DNA casework.
  • Understand how casework strategies influence DNA testing decisions.
  • Recognize fundamental concepts involved in DNA data analysis and interpretation.
  • Explain the role of statistics and probabilistic genotyping in evaluating DNA evidence.
  • Understand the importance of forensic laboratory quality systems.
  • More effectively review and understand forensic DNA reports and case files.
  • Identifyconsiderations associated with reviewing cold cases foradditionalDNA testing.
  • Explain the fundamental concepts and investigative applications of FIGG.
  • Understand basic kinship analysis concepts.
  • Differentiate between CODIS searching and FIGG-related database applications.

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.