FORENSIC GENETICS IN THE NOVROSKI RESEARCH LAB
Research Overview
The Novroski Research Laboratory focuses on forensic and investigative genetics at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Dr. Novroski utilizes massively parallel sequencing (MPS; also known as next-generation sequencing) coupled with novel approaches and methodologies for forensic human identity testing. Her current research explores previously uncharacterized genetic markers for improved DNA mixture de-convolution and the development of forensic genetic genealogical workflows for public crime laboratories.
Dr. Novroski’s research also includes characterizing sequence-based allele frequencies (and other population genetic data) for forensic applications worldwide, the exploration of secondary (and higher order) transfer as it pertains to activity level in forensic investigations, and the use of novel collection approaches for low quality and quantity biological samples. As the field of forensic genetics evolves in new directions, so will the focus (and subsequent projects) in the laboratory.
The Novroski Research Laboratory also has projects in the areas of computational biology as it pertains to forensic genetic data and improved DNA methodologies for missing persons and unidentified human remains (including phenotype, ancestry, and craniofacial determinations using genetic markers).
Photo courtesy of Murray Clayton, University of Toronto Mississauga, 2020.
Current Projects
DNA Mixtures
DNA mixtures in forensic biological evidence represent one of the greatest challenges faced by forensic scientists today. A DNA sample is considered a mixture when two or more sources have contributed to the evidence item. Mixed DNA profiles require careful interpretation confounded by a number of biological and technical artifacts, including the unquantifiable contribution of each donor to the sample. Mixture analysis difficulties are exacerbated not only by the quality and quantity of the biological sample, but also by the DNA amplification process and the electrophoretic resolution of the capillary electrophoretic (CE) instrument. In concert, these factors may result in indecipherable profiles which may leave cases unsolved. Therefore, we believe that there is an urgent need to develop better mixture deconvolution methods!
transfer and persistence of DNA
Questioning of the expert witness in the courtroom has shifted from expert opinions regarding the determination of the contributor of the DNA profile to expert opinions regarding the activity/activities that led to the deposition of the contributor DNA at the crime scene or on the forensically relevant evidentiary item(s). Consequently, forensic practitioners are increasingly asked to assign values to the DNA evidence given propositions supported by prosecution and defense counsel assumptions/interpretation of events. We have focused our research on performing a series of experiments exploring secondary (and tertiary) transfer and persistence of blood, semen, and saliva under a variety of common casework circumstances in order to scientifically support the forensic community when using likelihood ratio propositions as they relate to DNA transfer and persistence.
canadian population genetics and allele frequencies
In a collaborative effort between the Novroski lab, partner labs and agencies, we will establish new DNA reference datasets for all routinely used forensic marker types (STRs, SNPs and the mtGenome) in a minimum of seven worldwide population groups. These data will exceed the current interpretation capabilities of provincial and federal forensic laboratories and the compendium of data generated from this project will allow researchers, investigators and forensic laboratories to explore and validate new forensic testing methods and approaches that would have previously been impossible.
GENETIC GENEALOGY withIN A FORENSIC LENS
In response to the growing demand for genetic genealogy in cold and violent crime cases, forensic practitioners worldwide are exploring the who, what, when, where and how to implement forensic genetic genealogy into their existing workflows within casework laboratories, so that investigators do not have to solely rely on outsourcing DNA work to private and/or commercial entities. As consortiums, governing bodies, and legislation continue to be created, forensic laboratories are hard at work assessing the possibility of introducing a new workflow to address the need for genetic genealogical testing in-house. My research goals focus on exploring novel approaches to genetic genealogy for public laboratory implementation.
Photo courtesy of Chang W. Lee, The New York Times, 2012. Pictured is Dr. Novroski and Mark Desire at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner Department of Forensic Biology.
Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts, Books and Book Chapters
2024
Novroski, N. The Pioneer of Investigative Genetic Genealogy in Canada: An Interview with Steve Smith, Head of Cold Case Unit, Toronto Police Service. Forensic Genomics 4(1): DOI: 10.1089/forensic.2024.29027.int
Woerner, A.E., Novroski, N.M., Mandape, S., King, J.L., Crysup, B., Coble, M.D. (2024). Identifying distant relatives using benchtop-scale sequencing. Forensic Science International: Genetics 69: 103005.
2023
Novroski, N.M.M., Tissington, S.A., McGregor, J. (2023). Incorporating Student-Driven Research into the Undergraduate Forensic Science Curriculum: A Student-Led Study Comparing Dog Breed and Identity Determinations Utilizing Commercial Canine DNA Kits and Short Tandem Repeat Genotyping. Forensic Genomics 3(4): 103-108.
Woerner, A.E., Crysuo, B., King, J.L., Novroski, N.M., Coble, M.D. (2023). Mixture detection with Demixtify. Forensic Science International: Genetics 69: 102980.
Novroski, N. (2023). Utilization of a mock forensic biology case to advance learning and skill development in the undergraduate classroom. Journal of Forensic Science Education 5(2): https://jfse-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/jfse/article/view/99
Novroski, N. Clayton, M., and Woodall, K. (2023). Experiential Learning in Forensic Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga: The Merits of a Forensic Crime Scene House. Journal of Forensic Science Education 5(2): https://jfse-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/jfse/article/view/102
Novroski, N. (2023). Forensic Genetic Tools for Human Identity Determination following the Maui Wildfires. Forensic Genomics 3(3): 73-74; https://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2023.0014
Abbatangelo, C., Durazo, F.L., Wendt, F.R., Parra, E.J., Novroski, N.M.M. (2023). From genetic association to forensic prediction: Computational methods and tools for identifying phenotypically informative SNPs. Forensic Genomics, 3(2): 47-68; https://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2023.0006.
Novroski, N. Environmental DNA: Forensic Friend or Foe? Forensic Genomics 3(2): https://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2023.0009
Novroski, N. Introducing the New Editorial Team. Forensic Genomics 3(2); https://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2023.0008.editorial
Novroski, N. The Role of Biomedical Communication in Forensic Genetics Education: An Interview with Michie Wu. Forensic Genomics 3(1); http://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2023.0003
Novroski, N. The Idaho Student Homicides and the Future of Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Forensic Genomics 3(1); http://doi.org/10.1089/forensic.2023.0004
2022
Novroski, N.M.M. (2022). Forensic Genomics: A New Era. Forensic Genomics 2(3): 65-66.
Novroski, N., Balasuriya, A., Wendt, F. (2022). Putative forensic STR genotypes predicted from identity-informative SNPs across three ancestry groups. (In Preparation).
Shadoff, R., Panoyan, M-A., Novroski, N. (2022). Microbial Forensics: A Present to Future Perspective on Genomic Targets, Bioinformatic Challenges, and Applications. Forensic Genomics 2(2): 1-23.
Novroski, N.M.M., Cihlar, J.C. (2022). Evolution of single-nucleotide polymorphism use in forensic genetics. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Forensic Science; https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1459.
Novroski, N. “Forensic Genetic Approaches for the Identification of Human Skeletal Remains: Challenges, Best Practices, and Emerging Technologies”, Chapter 12: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): Ancestry-, phenotype-, and identity-informative SNPs. Lead Author/Editor: Ambers, A., Elsevier S&T Books, 2022.
Novroski, N. “Forensic Genetic Approaches for the Identification of Human Skeletal Remains: Challenges, Best Practices, and Emerging Technologies”, Chapter 16: Emerging Technologies. Lead Author/Editor: Ambers, A., Elsevier S&T Books, 2022.
Novroski, N.M.M., Moo-Choy, A., Wendt., F.R. (2022). Allele frequencies and minor contributor match statistic convergence using simulated population replicates. International Journal of Legal Medicine: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-022-02822-0.
Biggin, M.R.K., Albrecht, I., Novroski, N.M.M. (2022). Assessing DNA recovery and profile determination from bloody snow. Science & Justice 62(2): 152-155.
2020
Novroski, N.M.M. (2020). Exploring new short tandem repeat markers for DNA mixture deconvolution. WIREs Forensic Science, e1390: 1-19.
2019
Wendt, F.R., Novroski, N.M.M. (2019). Identity informative SNP associations in the UK Biobank. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 42: 45-48.
Sherier, A.J., Kieser, R.E., Novroski, N.M.M., Wendt, F.R., King, J.L., Woerner, A.E., Ambers, A., Garofano, P., Budowle, B. (2019). Copan microFLOQ® Direct Swab collection of bloodstains, saliva, and semen on cotton cloth. International Journal of Legal Medicine. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31165261.
Wendt, F.R., Novroski, N.M.M, Rahikainen, A.L., Sajantila, A., Budowle, B. (2019). A pathway-driven predictive model of tramadol pharmacogenetics. European Journal of Human Genetics, 27, 1142-1156.
Wendt, F.R., Novroski, N.M.M, Rahikainen, A.L., Sajantila, A., Budowle, B. (2019). Supervised Classification of CYP2D6 Genotype and Metabolizer Phenotype With Postmortem Tramadol-Exposed Finns. American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 40(1): 8-18.
2018
Novroski, N.M.M., Wendt, F.R., Woerner, A.E., Bus, M.M., Coble, M.D., Budowle, B. (2018). Expanding beyond the current core STR loci: An exploration of 73 STR markers with increased diversity for enhanced DNA mixture deconvolution. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 38: 121-129.
Woerner, A.E., Novroski, N.M.M., Wendt, F., Ambers, A., Wiley, R., Schmedes, S.E., Budowle. B. (2018). Forensic human identification with targeted microbiome markers using nearest neighbor classification. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 38: 130-139.
Novroski, N.M.M., Woerner, A.E., Budowle, B. (2018). Potential highly polymorphic short tandem repeat markers for enhanced forensic identity testing. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 37: 162-171.
King, J.L., Churchill, J.D., Novroski, N.M.M., Zeng, X., Warshauer, D.H., Seah, L-H., Budowle, B. (2018). Increasing the discrimination power of ancestry-and identity-informative SNP loci within the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 36: 60-76.
Novroski, N.M.M., Woerner, A.E., Budowle, B. (2018). Insertion within the flanking region of the D10S1237 locus. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 35: e4-e6.
2017
Schmedes, S.E., Woerner, A.E., Novroski, N.M.M., Wendt, F., King, J.L., Budowle. B. (2017). Targeted sequencing of clade-specific markers from skin microbiomes for forensic human identification. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 32: 50-61.
Ambers, A., Wiley, R., Novroski, N., Budowle, B. (2017). Direct PCR Amplification of DNA from Human Bloodstains, Saliva, and Touch Samples Collected with microFLOQ® Swabs. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 32: 80-87.
Churchill, J.D., Novroski, N.M.M., King, J.L., Seah, L.H., Budowle, B. (2017). Population and Performance Analyses of Four Major Populations with Illumina’s FGx Forensic Genomics System. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 30: 81-92.
Wendt, F.R., King, J.L., Novroski, N.M.M., Churchill, J.D., Ng, J., Oldt, R.F., McCulloh, K.L., Weise, J., Smith, D.G., Kanthaswamy, S., Budowle, B. (2017). Flanking Region Variation of ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit STR and SNP Loci in Yavapai Native Americans. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 28: 146-154.
2016
Novroski, N.M.M., King, J.L., Churchill, J.D., Seah, L.H., Budowle, B. (2016). Characterization of genetic sequence variation of 58 STR loci in four major population groups. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 25: 214-226.
Wendt, F., Warshauer, D.H., Zeng, X., Churchill, J.D., Novroski, N.M.M., Song, B., King, J.L., LaRue, B.L., Budowle, B. (2016). Massively parallel sequencing of 68 insertion/deletion markers identifies novel microhaplotypes for utility in human identity testing. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 25: 198-209.
Wendt, F., Churchill, J.D., Novroski, N.M.M., King, J.L., Budowle, B. (2016). Genetic Analysis of the Yavapai Native Americans from West-Central Arizona. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 24: 18-23.
2015
Warshauer, D., Churchill, J., Novroski, N., King, J., Budowle, B. (2015). Novel Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Variants Detected Through the Use of Massively Parallel Sequencing. Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics, 13(4): 250-257.
Older
King, J., LaRue, B., Novroski, N., Stoljarova, M., Seo, S., Warshauer, D., Davis, C., Zeng, X., Parson, W., Sajantila, A., Budowle, B. (2014). High-quality and high-throughput massively parallel sequencing of the human mitochondrial genome using the Illumina MiSeq. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 12:128-135.
Feia, A., Novroski, N. (2013). The Evaluation of Possible False Positives with Detergents when Performing Amylase Serological Testing on Clothing, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 58(s1): s183-s185.
Photo of Dr. Novroski demonstrating evidence examination in 2013.
Scientific Communications, Published Abstracts and Oral Presentations
2024
An Initial Investigation of the Applied Biosystems® SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer for Human Identification Purposes, Poster Presentation (by student Brayleigh Keefe); American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Meeting; February 2024
An Evaluation of Transfer, Persistence, and Recovery of Touch DNA From Mobile Phones, Oral Presentation (by student Ashley Moo-Choy); American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Meeting; February 2024
2023
Forensic Genetic Genealogy Walks into a Lab: Exploring Multiple Ways to Bring FGG Online for Casework, Oral Presentation; 34th International Symposium on Human Identification; September 2023
Exploring the Connection Between Sequence-Based STRs and Genetic Ancestry, Oral Presentation; Green Mountain DNA Conference; July 2023
The Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison of Presumptive Testing Methods for Saliva, Poster Presentation; Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences Annual Conference; June 2023
Canine STR Typing: A Proof-of-Concept Study for ThermoFisher Scientific’s Canine Genotypes Panel 2.1 Multiplex Kit, Poster Presentation; Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences Annual Conference; June 2023
Achieving peak performance - troubleshooting your CE runs to maximize data quality, Oral Presentation (Invited); Promega Corporation Latin America DNA Workshop; April 2023
2022
Rapid DNA Profile Generation from Blood, Saliva, and Semen Subsamples using COPAN MicroFLOQ® Direct, Poster Presentation; 33rd Annual International Symposium for Human Identification; November 2022
Exploring genotype-phenotype discordances in rs12913832 individuals: More than meets the eye, Poster Presentation; 33rd Annual International Symposium for Human Identification; November 2022
Predicting Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Genotypes from Identity-Informative Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Across Three Ancestry Population Groups, Oral Presentation (Virtual); American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Meeting; February 2022
2021
Forensic Science Education in the COVID Era: Challenges, Victories and A Novel Pedagogical Approach for the Future, Oral Presentation; LabRoots Forensic Science 2021 Digital Conference; May 5, 2021
Evaluating the Forensim Package for Modeling DNA Mixtures for Statistical Calculations of Contributor Attribution in North American Populations, Oral Presentation; American Academy of Forensic Sciences 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting; February 19, 2021
2020
The use of massively parallel sequencing in Forensic DNA typing - what will the future hold?, Oral Presentation; LabRoots Forensic Science 2020 Digital Conference; May 6, 2020
2019
Uncovering Killers Using At-Home DNA Kits: Forensic Biology In The Age of Mainstream Genetic Genealogy, Oral Presentation (first author); 2019-2020 UTM Forensic Science Brown Bag Series, Mississauga, Ontario; October 22, 2019.
Highly Heterozygous STR Markers for Enhanced DNA Mixture Deconvolution, Oral Presentation (first author); 30th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification, Palm Springs, California; September 24, 2019.
Optimizing Front-End Rapid DNA Recovery for Improved DNA Typing Success using Massively Parallel Sequencing, Poster Presentation (first author); 30th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification, Palm Springs, California; September 25, 2019.
Human Skin Microbiome: Selecting Informative SNPs for Human Identification, Poster Presentation (co-author); 30th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification, Palm Springs, California; September 24, 2019.
Decoding the complexity of DNA mixtures: the answer is in the STRs, Oral Presentation (first author); 104th International Association for Identification Annual Training Conference, Reno, Nevada; August 15, 2019.
Highly Informative STR Markers for Enhanced DNA Mixture De-convolution, Oral Presentation (first author); 2019 Inaugural C.U.F.F.S. (Canadian Universities for Forensic Science) Conference, Mississauga, Ontario; April 5, 2019
Computational Science in Forensic Biology: The Future of Forensic DNA Casework, Oral Presentation (first author); 2019 UTM Conference on Digital Humanities and Computational Sciences (DHCS), Mississauga, Ontario; February 26, 2019
An Introduction to Human Trafficking, Oral Presentation (first author); 2019 February Annual League-Wide Voting Meeting for the Junior League of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; February 19, 2019
2018
The STR DECoDE Multiplex for MPS: A Novel DNA Mixture Deconvolution Tool, Oral Presentation (invited); NEAFS 2018 Annual Meeting, Boston Landing, New York, USA; October 25, 2018
Subsampling of Biological Fluid Stains on Cotton Cloth with the microFLOQ® Direct Swab, Poster Presentation (co-author); 29th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification, Phoenix, Arizona; September 25, 2018
Identity Testing of Human Skin Samples through Microbial Forensics: The hidSkinPlex, Oral Presentation (co-author); 8th European Academy of Forensic Science Conference, Lyon, France; August 29, 2018
Increasing the discrimination power of the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit with flanking region variation, Oral Presentation (co-author); 2018 Green Mountain DNA Conference, Burlington, Vermont, USA; July 31, 2018
Increasing DNA Typing Success with Improved Front-End Processing and Alternate Workflow Strategies, Oral Presentation (co-author); AAFS 70th Annual Scientific Meeting, Seattle, Washington; February 23, 2018
2017
An Alternate Workflow for DNA Analysis with Increased Sensitivity of Detection and Reduced Consumption of Evidence: Casework and Legal Implications, Oral Presentation
(co-author); 28th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification, Seattle, Washington; October 5, 2017
Upping the mixture game: newly-adopted STR markers for enhanced DNA mixture de-convolution, Poster Presentation (first author); 28th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification, Seattle, Washington; October 2-5, 2017
The STR DECoDE panel: an enhanced approach for STR mixture de-convolution using massively parallel sequencing, Poster Presentation (first author); 21st Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; August 21-25, 2017
Front End DNA Analysis Enhancements: Collection, Recovery, and Improved Workflow, Poster Presentation (co-author); 21st Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; August 21-25, 2017
Increasing DNA Recovery with Nylon Flock Swabs and One-Step Spin Baskets, Oral Presentation (co-author); AAFS 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana; February 18, 2017
The Application of STR Sequence Variation for the Selection of Novel STR Markers to Enhance DNA Mixture De-convolution: What Do We Know and Where Are We Headed?, Oral Presentation (first author); AAFS 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana; February 17, 2017
2016
What’s Hiding Between the Primers? Using Massively Parallel Sequencing to Capture STR Repeat Region and Flanking Region Sequence Variation, Oral Presentation (first author); 27th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification (Promega), Minneapolis, Minnesota; September 29, 2016
Sequencing of 68 Insertion/Deletion Markers: Motif and Microhaplotypes, Poster Presentation (co-author); 27th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification (Promega), Minneapolis, Minnesota; September 25-29, 2016
STR and SNP Genetic Analyses of the Yavapai Native American Using Massively Parallel Sequencing. International Symposium on Human Identification, Poster Presentation (co-author); 27th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification (Promega), Minneapolis, Minnesota; September 25-29, 2016
Improved Recovery of DNA with the 4N6FLOQSwab System and Nucleic Acid Optimizer (NAO) Baskets, Poster Presentation (co-author); 27th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification (Promega), Minneapolis, Minnesota; September 25-29, 2016
2015
Detection of intra-allelic sequence variants in Autosomal and X Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats using Massively Parallel Sequencing, Poster Presentation (first author); 26th Annual International Symposium for Human Identification (Promega), Grapevine, Texas; October 12-15, 2015
Massively Parallel Sequencing: Forensic Applications, Oral Presentation (first author); Promega Technology Tour Seminar, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; August 25, 2015
Massively Parallel Sequencing: Forensic Applications, Oral Presentation (first author); Promega Technology Tour Seminar, New York, New York; June 23, 2015
Detection of intra-allelic sequence variants within Short Tandem Repeats using the Illumina ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit and MiSeq Desktop Sequencer, Poster Presentation (first author); University of North Texas Health Science Center 23rd Annual Research Appreciation Day; April 17, 2015
OLDER
Diomics X-Swab: A Novel Bio-Specimen Collection Tool for Increased Trace Material Recovery and PCR Enhancement, Poster Presentation (first author); 25th Annual International Symposium on Human Identification (Promega), Phoenix, Arizona; September 29-October 2, 2014
Next Generation Sequencing and Forensics, Oral Presentation (first author); Promega Technology Tour Seminar, Columbus, Ohio; June 24, 2014
The Evaluation of Possible False Positives with Detergents When Performing Amylase Serological Testing On Clothing, Oral Presentation (first author); 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) , Atlanta, Georgia; February 20-25, 2012
The Feasibility of Using the Erase Sperm Isolation Kit to Develop an Improved Differential Extraction Procedure, Oral Presentation (first author); Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS) 37th Annual Meeting, Newport, Rhode Island; November 2-5, 2011
Research Funding
2023-GG-04214-RESS - Optimizing New STRs for Enhanced DNA Mixture Deconvolution
Federal Funding, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice Programs; Co- Principal Investigator
2023-GG-04213-DNAX - Democratizing investigative genetic genealogy
Federal Funding, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice Programs; Co-Investigator
2023 Undergraduate Student Research Award - Exploring the Population Genetic Structure of Canadian Populations for Forensic Human Identification (Trudy McKnight)
Federal Funding, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); Supervising Investigator
2023 Undergraduate Student Research Award - Characterizing Canadian Population Allele Frequency Data for Forensic Human Identity (Mikisha Lyle)
Federal Funding, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); Supervising Investigator
2022 Data Access Grant - Tandem repeat variation as a causal factor for hair coloration across ancestries
Internal Funding, Data Sciences Institute, University of Toronto; Co-Principal Investigator
2022-2023 Forensic Sciences Foundation Lucas Grant - Evaluation of Transfer, Persistence, and Recovery of DNA on Common Objects Through Touch (Ashley Moo-Choy)
Professional Organization Funding, Forensic Sciences Foundation, American Academy of Forensic Sciences; Supervising Investigator
2021 Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s (CGS M) - Anjalika Balasuriya
Federal Funding, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); Supervising Investigator
2020-2021 University of Toronto Research Scholarly Activity Fund
Internal Funding, Office of the Vice-Principal of Research, University of Toronto; Principal Investigator
2020-2021 Anthropology Faculty Research Award - Mining the human genome data for forensic human identification: interpreting massively parallel sequencing data remotely
Internal Funding, University of Toronto Mississauga; Principal Investigator
2020-2021 Research Opportunity Program Funding - Student-designed projects in DNA Extraction Methodologies and Secondary DNA Transfer
Experiential Learning Initiative, Office of the Dean, University of Toronto Mississauga; Supervising Investigator
2020-2021 Connaught New Researcher Award - Highly Informative Genetic Markers for Enhanced DNA Deconvolution
Connaught Fund, University of Toronto; Principal Investigator
2020 UTM Undergraduate Research Grant - Yiyan Wu
Internal Funding, University of Toronto Mississauga; Supervising Investigator
2019-2020 UTM Anthropology Undergraduate Student Education Award
Internal Funding, University of Toronto Mississauga; Primary Investigator
2019-2020 UTM Anthropology Faculty Research Award - Exploring North American Ancestry using Mitochondrial Genome Sequence Variation
Internal Funding, University of Toronto Mississauga; Primary Investigator
2018-2019 UTM Anthropology Faculty Research Award - Development of the UTM Forensic Genetics/Biology Research Laboratory
Internal Funding, University of Toronto Mississauga; Primary Investigator
2015 Lucas Grant - A novel intra-allelic STR variant panel for enhanced DNA mixture de-convolution
Professional Organization Funding, Forensic Sciences Foundation, American Academy of Forensic Sciences; Primary Investigator
2015-DN-BX-K067 - Enhancing Mixture Interpretation with Highly Informative STRs
Federal Funding, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice Programs; Co-Investigator (Student; Dissertation Research)
2015-NE-BX-K006 - Human Microbiome Species and Genes for Human Identification
Federal Funding, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice Programs; Co-Investigator (gratis; sample collection and data generation)
2014-DN-BX-K033 - Novel Collection Device for Enhanced DNA Recovery and Release from Biological Stain Samples
Federal Funding, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice Programs; Co-Investigator (gratis; sample collection, data generation)