DNA Research in Support of Crime Laboratory Improvement

Project Summary for 2003LPCXK026

The University of Connecticut, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, will create a forensics- related research environment to attain specific goals in support of crime laboratory improvement. These goals include 1) Examination of subpopulation allele frequencies for Y- chromosome STR (Short Tandem Repeat) typing, including a Connecticut database, 2) Examination of subpopulation allele frequencies for mitochondrial DNA typing, including a Connecticut database, 3) Improved methods for the typing of marijuana, including STR and SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) based typing, 4) Investigation of the typing of soil microbial samples, and 5) Development of improved methods for the archiving and sequential testing of DNA samples. Overall, this research will allow more and better information to be obtained from DNA evidence, and will additionally enhance the efficiency of the DNA testing process.

nca/ncf